Male infertility is more common than you think and when identified, very treatable. If you have been trying to start a family, but are having no success, it might be time to find out the cause.
Actually It’s 50/50
When a couple can’t get pregnant, in the past the woman was usually tested first. Today it makes better sense for both partners to be tested at the same time. Either one can be the cause of the problem or both could have issues delaying pregnancy.
Let’s focus on male infertility here.
What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility is any health issue that lowers a man’s chance of getting a woman pregnant and is related to making or moving healthy sperm. If there is a problem and a man is unsuccessful in these two main areas, sperm cannot reach or penetrate the egg.
Causes of Male Infertility
Male infertility can be the result of the following:
- Decreased sperm production, also known as low sperm count
- Blockage of ducts that carry sperm
- Abnormally shaped, also known as poor morphology
- Poor sperm motility – bad swimmers
- Hormone imbalance
- Ejaculation disorders due to conditions including thyroid disease, testicular cancer, and depression
- Side effects from certain medications for arthritis, depression, digestive problems, high blood pressure, and cancer
- Extra veins around the testicle better known as a varicocele, can lead to higher temperatures in the scrotum preventing normal sperm production
How a Urologist Can Help
If you are having trouble getting pregnant and taking any of the above medications, contact Dr. Aubert for an appointment in Brentwood, TN.
Your urologist will do a thorough physical examination. Dr. Aubert will also take a sperm sample to analyze the quantity of seminal fluid, sperm count, sperm motility, and morphology.
In addition, sometimes blood tests are performed to identify any hormonal issues and Ultrasound imagers can identify anatomical problems. Supplements and hormonal therapy may be the recommended treatments.
Lifestyle issues can also contribute to male infertility. Smoking and obesity can increase the risk as can excessive alcohol consumption and drugs. Your urologist will make recommendations about lifestyle issues and how to lower your risk factors.
Finding the root cause is the first step to solving your infertility.
Multiple Treatment Options in Brentwood, TN
Treatments include anything from medications, counseling, and hormone treatments, and surgery. Other potential options are in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and other assisted reproductive techniques available.
Contact Dr. Howard Aubert at (615) 988-8103 if you are experiencing difficulty with fertility.
Sources:
Can a Urologist Help with Low Sperm Count? | Byram Healthcare
Male Infertility | Urology Associates | Denver, CO (denverur)