Women may give birth, but conceiving a child is a two person job. Over 40% of infertility cases are due to male problems. These issues can go un-diagnosed, partly because men are less likely than women to see a doctor regularly.
Even if you do visit your doctor for check-ups, you should go for a full examination when you decide to have a baby. Getting this done before trying to conceive can avoid months of stress. Explain why you are there, to ensure your doctor covers all the bases.
Your visit should include a physical exam of the genitals, blood tests, and taking a sperm sample. Make sure that you know the main symptoms of infertility, and mention anything worrying to your doctor.
The main sign of infertility is not being able to conceive a child. However, there are warning signs that can indicate trouble before that.
In order to get a woman pregnant, the man's body must:
An estimated 1 in 20 men has some problem with sperm production.
To produce healthy sperm, you need at least one healthy, functioning testicle. Your hormone levels need to support sperm production. Problems can occur during puberty which stop the testicles from making sperm. A lack of testosterone and other hormones can stop your testes from producing sperm.
A blockage in the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles can stop sperm from mixing with semen. You may still ejaculate, but your semen won't contain sperm. A total lack of sperm is uncommon, uccuring in aboiut 1 in 100 men. Blockages can result from trauma or surgical scarring. If you have had surgery or an injury in that area, inform your doctor.
If you don't produce enough sperm, conception becomes less likely. Less than 15 million sperm per millileter of sperm is considered low.
If your sperm are abnormal, or don't move well, they are less likely to reach and penetrate the egg. The movement can be seen by examining a sperm sample under a microscope.
Your doctor will need to find out what the cause of your problem is. In order to do this, they need as much information as possible. Please don't be embarrassed - they have seen and heard it all! Your doctor will hear your symptoms, then perform the necessary tests.
Your treatment will depend on the cause. That is why it is so important to have a thorough work up. Every factor that could affect fertility should be considered.
Before embarking on expensive or unnecessary treatment, you should try making some simple lifestyle changes. All of these factors can affect sperm production.
Unfortunately, some causes of infertility are irreversible. These include major trauma to both testicles, and cases where no sperm is produced in the testicles even after hormone therapy.
Here is another guide on how to increase fertility & Early Signs of Pregnancy
Surgery is an option to remove blockages preventing sperm from reaching the semen. This is a good treatment option for varicoceles, which are swellings in the veins of the scrotum.
Fertility drugs are an option if the problem is a hormonal imbalance. However, drug therapies are less successful in treating male infertility than they are for women.
In vitro fertization (IVF) is an option even if you have a very low sperm count, as are other methods of artificial insemination.
Only once all avenues have been explored will your doctor suggest alternative methods of having a family, such as using donor sperm or adoption.
For more pregnancy tips go to our homepage.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/basics
http://attainfertility.com/article/about-male-infertility
https://www.andrologyaustralia.org/your-health/male-infertility/
http://www.sexualhealthaustralia.com.au/male_infertility.html