According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, men and women are affected equally by infertility. Male fertility depends on the presence of healthy sperm and the ability of the male reproductive system to effectively ejaculate sperm into the woman's vagina. According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause is never determined in half the cases of male infertility. This condition can occur if none or few sperm cells are produced, if the sperm cells are abnormally shaped, if sperm don't move as fast as they should to reach the egg before it dies or if a blockage in the male reproductive tract prevents sperm from getting out.
Risks
Changeable risk factors associated with male infertility include tobacco and alcohol use, being overweight or underweight, and wearing tight underclothes. Exposure to high temperatures such as those in a hot tub or sauna can temporarily reduce fertility. Health issues that may affect a man's fertility include prostate infections, sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, a mumps infection after puberty and uncontrolled celiac disease. Fertility decreases after a man reaches 35 years of age.
Symptoms
A couple is considered infertile if a pregnancy is not achieved after one year of frequent, unprotected sex. A man may not have other signs and symptoms of a fertility problem unless he has a hormonal disorder. Symptoms of a hormonal issue include a low sex drive and decreased hair growth on the face or body.
Diagnosis
A male infertility diagnosis is based on a physical examination of the testicles and penis, questions about any medical issues that could contribute to your infertility, laboratory tests and imaging studies. Your physician will ask you questions about topics that you may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about such as your sexual habits. The first laboratory test performed is generally a semen analysi,s which examines number, concentration and shape of the sperm cells as well as if the sperm move correctly.
Your physician may also order additional laboratory tests to check your hormone levels or to determine if a genetic factor is causing your infertility. Imaging tests such as a scrotal ultrasonography and a vasography examine the structures of the male reproductive system for any abnormalities. If no sperm are seen in the semen analysis, your physician may suggest a testicular biopsy, which involves analyzing small samples of the testicle that are removed with a needle. Your physician may also order testing to check for the presence of anti-sperm antibodies that can affect the way sperm functions.
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at correcting the underlying problem with surgery, medications to correct hormone levels or a medical procedure called assisted reproductive technology to remove sperm from the male partner and combine it with an egg from the female partner. If the issue causing infertility is not treatable, other options exist for a couple to have a child, including using sperm from a donor or adopting a child.
Home Care
Home care to increase male fertility includes avoiding illegal drugs, limiting alcohol to less than two drinks a day, stopping smoking and avoiding extended or regular use of hot tubs or saunas. You can also limit intercourse to two to three times a week because having intercourse more often can actually decrease your fertility. Having intercourse every two days during the time your partner is ovulating can increase your fertility. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a minimal amount of vegetable oil if lubrication is needed instead of other lubrication products, which can affect how sperm move.
