Male Infertility

For many, a family is not complete without children. When there is a problem conceiving, the important thing is to find a way to get help. Here are a few facts on male infertility.

The problem of infertility can lie either with the man or the woman. In about one-third of the cases, the problem has to do with the male partner. It is not easy for couples to come to grips with infertility, but getting tested (both partners) is one way to begin to resolve the issue.

Causes of Male Infertility

The testing has been done and the reason for the lack of successful conception lies with the man. There are many reasons why this may be the case. Your doctor will discuss them with you.

Testicular trauma – The testicles live in a scrotal sac that hangs below the pelvis. Trauma can come in the form of an accident from sports, motor vehicle or something else where the testicles themselves are injured. This can disrupt the process of sperm production and/or sperm transfer to the seminal fluid.

Testicular cancer – This cancer is not altogether common but when it occurs, treatment could affect future sperm production. The sperm may become deformed due to cancer treatments.

Decreased sperm count – A sample of seminal fluid is taken and tested. It takes thousands of sperm to fertilize an egg. Only one needs to get inside the egg but many make the trip. Starting out with a low sperm count reduces the number of sperm that get past the female barriers and even encounter the egg.

Undescended testicles – Normally the testicles descend after birth. The reason being, staying close to the body warms the sperm to a temperature that is not conducive to their growth or survival. When testicles do not descend, fewer sperm survive if any.

Testicular torsion – This is where the testicle is turned on itself in the scrotal sac. This twisting can strangle it and prevent the sperm from moving through the system of tubes that transport the sperm to the seminal fluid.

Treatment Options

Whether congenital or a result of illness or accident, just like female infertility, the problem has some treatment options. Doctors will recommend ways that infertility can possibly be reversed or at least increase the chances of conception.

Surgery – This is a possible option when there is a problem such as undescended testicles, testicular torsion and even cancer. There is no guarantee of success, though.

Medication – If an infection is present that is lowering the sperm count or deforming them, medication may relieve the infection and give the sperm a chance to develop normally.

Reproductive therapy – this can be a choice when there is a problem getting the sperm to the seminal fluid. Opening the vas deferens (if it is blocked) can restore the movement of sperm from the testicle.

When male fertility is an issue there are choices for resolution. Consult your personal physician or fertility expert.