Men Infertility
Understanding Male Infertility
Men represent about a third of infertility cases, and while there are a number of reasons for male infertility, there is often no clear cause. Male fertility issues can be caused by any number of reproductive problems, including hormonal imbalances, anatomical abnormalities, and sperm production issues.
When couples are trying to conceive and are not seeing the results they’d like, it’s important for them to consider if there are any issues with male infertility. Seeing a doctor to discuss concerns or undergo a male infertility evaluation can help determine the cause—and appropriate treatment—for any fertility issues. Here are some of the symptoms of male infertility:
- Low sperm count (oligospermia)
- Abnormal sperm shape (teratospermia)
- Low sperm motility (asthenospermia)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sex drive
In order to diagnose male infertility, doctors will typically perform a physical examination and discuss the patient’s medical history. Doctors may also examine issues with sexual activity, such as any recent changes in libido, difficulty reaching orgasm, or other issues.
The patient’s semen may be analyzed to look at the number, shape, and motility of the sperm. This is typically done through a semen analysis, a laboratory test that collects and examines a sample of semen. Doctors may also check for infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV.
Once a diagnosis is made, treatment may include medications, lifestyle or dietary changes, counseling, or surgery. In some cases, infertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization, may be needed. Treatment options will depend on the cause of infertility and the couple’s preferences.