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The Facts about Male Infertility
Although many people still think of infertility as a woman's issue, the truth is that as many as half of all infertility cases are caused or exacerbated by male infertility. This means that if you are a couple that is having trouble conceiving, it is just as imperative for the man to go through testing as it is for the woman. While this may seem like an embarrassing process for many men, early testing may save the woman from undue poking and prodding, and help the couple find an answer to their fertility issues much more quickly and effectively. It is important for any infertility workup to include an investigation of male infertility as well as the female problems that can be the culprit.
The Face of Male Infertility
There are a number of factors to consider when diagnosing male infertility. First, there may not be any sperm produced, which is a condition called azoospermia. You can also have a condition called oligiospermia, which is where there are very few sperm that show up in the semen. This can greatly reduce the chances of conception. It can also be a problem if sperm are present, but cannot move effectively enough to penetrate the egg for fertilization. Finally, there can be issues with the form and structure of the sperm that can also inhibit fertilization. The good news is that there are treatment plans available for many of these issues in male infertility.
Treatment Options for Male Infertility
Sometimes the treatment options regarding male infertility can be as simple as a few behavioral changes. Your doctor may recommend less frequent intercourse if your sperm count is low, to ensure that you can build up a better concentration of sperm in between. If hormones are the culprit, a medication can be prescribed to solve the problem. Another effective treatment for male infertility is artificial insemination, where the sperm and eggs are extracted and fertilization takes place outside the womb. This can be a very effective treatment for low sperm counts and other issues, since a single sperm can successfully be placed into an egg.
The good news is that there are many treatment options for male infertility that can greatly increase a couple's chances for successfully conceiving a child. If you have been trying to conceive for a year or more without success, talk to your doctor today about your options in infertility diagnosis and treatment. You and your partner will be glad that you did.
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