Male Infertility
Infertility affects approximately one out of every six couples. An infertility diagnosis is given to a couple who are unable to conceive over the course of one year. When the problem lies with the male partner it is referred to as male infertility. Male infertility factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases, and male infertility alone accounts for approximately one-third of all infertility cases.
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What causes male infertility?
Male infertility usually occurs because of sperm that are abnormal, because of inadequate numbers of sperm, or problems with ejaculation.
Sperm can be considered abnormal for two possible reasons: unusually short life span of the sperm and/or low mobility. Sperm abnormalities may be caused by one or more of the following:
- Inflammation of the testicles
- Swollen veins in the scrotum
- Abnormally developed testicles
Reasons for a low sperm count or lack of sperm include one or more of the following:
- A pre-existing genetic condition
- Use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
- Severe mumps infection
- Hormone disorder
- Exposure to poisonous chemicals
- Exposure to radiation
- Blockage caused from a previous infection
- Wearing restrictive or tight underwear
Male infertility can also occur when there are problems with ejaculation. Ejaculation problems may include any of the following:
- Premature ejaculation
- Retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when the semen is forced back into the bladder
- Erection dysfunctions
- Complications from radiation therapy or surgery
How is male infertility diagnosed?
Potential male infertility will be assessed as part of a thorough physical examination. The examination will include a medical history regarding potential contributing factors.
Your healthcare provider may use one or more of the following tests to assess fertility:
- Semen analysis to determine the number and quality of sperm
- Blood test to check for infections or hormone problems
- Making a culture of fluid from the penis to check for infections
Some men find it more comfortable to do some semen analysis testing in the privacy of their own homes. At-home testing kits are available. See Shop Male testing.
How is male infertility treated?
Male infertility is most often treated by conventional methods that include one or more of the following:
- Taking medications to help increase sperm production
- Taking antibiotics to heal an infection
- Taking hormones to improve hormone imbalance
- Avoiding taking long hot showers, using hot tubs or saunas
- Wearing looser underwear such as boxer shorts versus jockey shorts
Sperm production may also improve by taking clincially proven supplements. Anything that increases the number of healthy sperm increases the chances of conception. Many health food stores and vitamin shops offer male fertility supplements. See Shop for male supplements.
Artificial insemination is an option if the man’s sperm count is low. In this procedure, the sperm are collected through more than one ejaculation. They are then manually placed in the female’s uterus or fallopian tubes.
In vitro fertilization is another option that can be used to overcome male infertility factors. In this procedure, the sperm and egg are fertilized in a laboratory after which the fertilized egg is placed in the female’s uterus.
If tests show that there is no sperm production or that other related problems are present, donor sperm can be used to help facilitate conception. In this procedure, donor sperm are obtained from a sperm bank and placed inside the female’s uterus or fallopian tubes through artificial insemination.
Can male infertility be prevented?
There is usually nothing that can be done to prevent male infertility caused by genetic problems or illness. However, there are actions that men can take to decrease the possibility of infertility. These include:
- Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases
- Avoiding illicit drugs
- Avoiding radiation when possible
- Avoiding exposure to toxic substances
- Avoiding heavy or frequent use of alcohol
- Observing good personal hygiene and health practices
- Avoiding long, hot baths, hot tubs or saunas
- Wearing loose-fitting underwear
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