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Take control of your reproductive health

Men’s infertility

Infertility is a growing problem that quietly affects millions of men every year.1 It’s time we reverse the trend.

Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system. It makes a person unable to have children. It can affect a man, a woman, or both. Male infertility means that a man has a problem with his reproductive system. It means you cannot start a pregnancy with your female partner.

There are many causes of male fertility. You may not make enough sperm or healthy sperm. You may have a genetic problem like cystic fibrosis. You may have a blockage in your genital tract.

Did you know?

  1. 50% of fertility issues are attributed to men?2
  2. The diagnosis of infertility in men is mainly based on semen analysis.1

There’s a lot that can go wrong with your sensitive reproductive system. Your doctor can help identify potential problems with your fertility, such as:

 

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Varicocele

  • What is varicocele?

    Varicoceles are enlarged (or varicose) veins in the scrotum. They’re very common (approximately 15% of all men have them). These larger veins increase blood flow and raise the temperature of the testicle, which can sometimes reduce sperm production. Varicoceles are sometimes repaired through simple surgeries that improve blood flow and “cool off” the testicle.3

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Physiological problems

  • What are physiological problems?

    Many conditions can prevent sperm from getting out of the body. Some, such as retrograde ejaculation, will cause a complete absence of semen. Others are further up the pipeline leaving sperm stranded in the testicle. Most problems are a result of either a birth defect or an infection (including sexually transmitted infections).4

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Azoospermia (No sperm)

  • What is azoospermia?

    Azoospermia is more common than one would think. About 1% of men have no sperm in their ejaculate. It is important to figure out the underlying cause. Sometimes it is caused by treatable conditions like a varicocele, use of steroids, low testosterone or an untreated infection. Other causes can include injury, genetic disorders or congenital defects.5

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Take it to the bank

  • What is sperm cryopreservation?

    Sperm cryopreservation prior to events that put your fertility at risk, such as cancer treatment, gives you the best chance of having children in the future.

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Hormone imbalances

  • What are hormone imbalances?

    Hormones greatly affect sperm production. The headline hormone is testosterone, but men also need healthy levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen and prolactin. A simple blood test can provide a lot of insight into what could be impacting your fertility.4

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Genetics

  • What are genetic causes of infertility?

    There are many of genetic causes of infertility in men. For instance, carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene are sometimes born with a natural blockage similar to a surgical vasectomy. Some men are missing key genes on the Y chromosome responsible for sperm production, and a smaller number of men have an extra X chromosome which can sometimes decrease sperm count.6

    Learn more

When to consult a doctor:

  • Your sperm concentration remains consistently low despite implementing healthy lifestyle changes
  • There is an absence of semen when you ejaculate
  • You have abdominal pain, heaviness, lumps or the feeling of a “bag of worms” inside your testicles
  • Your wife or partner hasn’t conceived after a year of trying. Even if sperm counts are normal there may be other issues
  • You have an untreated STI or other infection of the reproductive tract
  • You have difficulty achieving an erection

What to expect:

  • Answering questions about medical history
  • Physical exam
  • Hormone test
  • Semen analysis
  • Possible hormone test

Take charge of your reproductive health

Finding a doctor who specializes in male fertility can be tricky. It is best if you can be seen by a urologist who commonly manages male fertility issues.

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References:

  1. Babakhanzadeh E, Nazari M, Ghasemifar S, Khodadadian A. Some of the factors involved in male infertility: A prospective review. International Journal of General Medicine. 2020;13:29-41
  2. Kumar N, Singh AK. Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: A review of literature. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences. 2015;8(4):191-196.
  3. Varicocele. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/varicocele#:~:text=Varicocele's. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed March 4, 2022.
  4. Urology Care Foundation. Male Infertility. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/m/male-infertility. Accessed on March 4, 2022
  5. Azoospermia. https://www.med.unc.edu/urology/patientcare/adult-non-cancer/male-fertility/azoospermia/. UNC Department of Urology. Accessed on March 4, 2022.
  6. Zorilla M, Yatsenko AN. The genetics of infertility: current status of the field. Curr Genet Med Rep. 2013;1(4):247-260. doi:10.1007/ s40142-013-0027-1.