OVERVIEW
Infertility is the difficulty of becoming pregnant, which may be due to male or female issues and, in males, may be secondary to low sperm production, misshapen or immobile sperm, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, serious health problems, environmental causes or lifestyle choices can also play a role in causing this condition.
Symptoms
The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive, but there can be other less obvious symptoms. In some cases, a hormonal imbalance or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm may present symptoms. These could include:
- Problems with sexual function, such as delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction or low sex drive
- Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area
- Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal abnormality
It is important to tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as those described above. In some cases, these symptoms suggest male infertility, but they can also be signs of another health condition.
Diagnosis
There is rarely a definite cause of infertility. Since male infertility could be due to an underlying condition, your doctor may recommend several tests, including:
- Physical examination and review of medical history
- Semen analysis
- Scrotal or transrectal ultrasound
- Hormone testing
- Post-ejaculation urinalysis
- Genetic tests
- Testicular biopsy
- Sperm function tests
Treatment
There are a variety of ways to treat male infertility. Treatment usually depends on the cause, how long a man has been infertile, age and personal lifestyle. Possible options could include:
- Surgery to correct any obstructions or make a repair
- Treatments for infections
- Treatments for sexual function problems
- Hormone treatments and medications
- Assisted reproductive technology, where sperm is taken directly from the testicle and injected into an egg
Sometimes male infertility cannot be treated. In these cases, it is important to discuss with your doctor other options for fathering a child.
Infertility Physicians
