MALE INFERTILITY: It`s more common than you might think!

Infertility is the medical terminology used to define the status of women and men who cannot achieve pregnancy after 1 year of having a normal and uninterrupted marital relationship. Male infertility is actually more common than many might think and hence no longer an embarrassing topic to talk about. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that about 10% – 15% of couples can’t get pregnant despite a healthy and regular marital relationship.

There are various medical conditions and other factors that can contribute to fertility problems, and an individual case may be due to a single cause, several causes, or in some scenarios, no identifiable cause.  It’s vital to know that about 40% of infertility cases are due to a male factor. So, how could someone tell if he has a problem with his fertility?

To conceive a child, a man’s sperm must unite with a woman’s egg. Perms are being produced inside the testicles, stored in the epididymis (a reservoir just above the testicles). These sperms are ejaculated during intercourse to the female reproductive tract where they travel to reach and fertilize the egg. The most common factors that lead to infertility in men are problems that negatively impact how the testicles work. Other problems include, but not limited to, hormone imbalances, infections and/or blockages in the male reproductive organs, trauma of the reproductive system, certain drugs or exposure to radiation. Sometimes, the cause of male infertility cannot be determined.

The diagnosis for infertility usually begins with a full and thorough history taking and clinical assessment by a Urologist with special expertise in the management of male infertility. This is to be followed by a detailed semen analysis. The semen analysis is a fundamental lab test that counts the number of sperm in a given sample, the motility of those sperm (can they move properly?), and the morphology (do they look normal?) along with some other valuable medical information (for example, the ruling out of infection). Other more sophisticated investigations, whether laboratory or radiology may be needed, but this is on case basis.

The majority of male infertility cases can be treated or have a solution (e.g. assisted reproductive techniques as in-vitro fertilization and ICSE). Treatment options depend on the root cause. Medications can improve hormone levels or erectile dysfunction. Surgery can help correct physical problems, such as a testicular varicocele. It also can repair blockages or take a testicular biopsy. Most surgical interventions are of minor nature, done on day-care basis with home discharge on the same day and the ability to return to routine life and/or work within 1 -2 days.

Male infertility is not something to be afraid of; timely diagnosis and management is vital for every man’s health and well-being. Overcome your worries, take an active step and schedule an appointment with your trusted Urologist today if you have any questions.

Dr. Anis Haddad

Urologist & Male Health Expert

Author Info

Anis Haddad