WHO IS INFERTILE?
Estimates on infertility range from 6 to 71/2 million people in the United States battling infertility. The National Health Center says that about "2.1 million couples are affected which is about 10-20% of the reproductive age population." The National Women's Health Center also reports that "35% of the time infertility occurs because of medical problems with the woman. About 35% to 40% of the time a couple is infertile because of medical issues the man has or both the man and woman have." The remainder of the time is perhaps the most frustrating for couples trying to build a family. Doctors are unable to specifically identify why the infertility exists. Treatment is especially challenging in these cases.
THE CAUSES OF MALE INFERTILITY
The cause of male infertility is problems with the sperm. Sometimes it is the quantity of sperm. There can also be problems with the development, movement, shape or the amount of sperm produced. A complete medical history should be done with any man and woman that is experiencing infertility.
EXAMINATION FOR MALE INFERTILITY
If you and your partner are unsuccessful in having a child after trying for more than a year you are probably experiencing infertility. Both the man and woman should have a complete medical examination to try to determine the causes of the infertility. The University of Maryland Medical Center describes the treatment for males with infertility "a urologist, will perform a physical examination. A physical examination of the scrotum, including the testes, is essential for any male work up. It is useful for detecting large varicoceles, undescended testes, absence of vas deferens, cysts, or other physical abnormalities."
Another important diagnostic component for men experiencing infertility is an analysis of a semen sample. Prior to this test being done the man is told to not ejaculate for 2-5 days. The sperm is then collected after masturbation in a specially designed condom or cup. This sperm sample must be brought to the lab immediately in the next 1-2 hours to get an accurate sample. This test is then repeated 2-3 times to ensure accuracy of the sample.
WHAT THE DOCTORS ARE LOOKING FOR
Once the sperm sample is obtained the sample is analyzed. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center the following tests are run:
- "Amount of semen produced (volume)
- Number of sperm per milliliter of semen (concentration)
- Total number of sperm in the sample (count)
- Percentage of moving sperm (motility)
- Shape of sperm (morphology)"
TREATMENT FOR MALE INFERTILITY
A question that many people wonder about is how treatable is male infertility? According to Familydoctor.org, "More than one-half of cases of male infertility can be corrected. If the man needs surgery to correct the problem that is causing his infertility, it can be an outpatient procedure. This means he doesn't have to stay"
LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Lifestyle impacts both the woman and man's fertility. This information should be a part of any complete medical examination. Doctors will look at alcohol and drug use and frequency. Being overweight can be a factor in infertility because it impacts hormones. According to Mayo.com tobacco intake can be a factor as well. "Men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don't smoke. Secondhand smoke also may affect male fertility." Emotional factors like ongoing stress,anxiety, can affect the fertility of men and women as well and should be explored with your doctor.
This article points out there are a variety of reasons for infertility. A thorough medical examination can sometimes identify whether the problem is related to the man or the woman or both. Experiencing infertility is an emotionally painful time. Sometimes there is a tendency to feel guilt, anger, or blame. While you wage your own infertility battle try to fight any impulses to blame. Having a medical problem is not something people choose to do. Work as a team to gather the medical information and support you need to determine your best chances to build your family together.
THESE ARE GOOD RESOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON MALE INFERTILITY:
Familydoctor.org at http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/men/reproductive/766.html
Fertility Journey at http://www.fertilityjourney.com/trying-for-a-while/male-infertility/index.asp?svarqvp2=0
University of Maryland Medical Center at http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_causes_of_male_infertility_000067_4.htm
Lifetips.com at http://infertility.lifetips.com/cat/64179/male-infertility/index.html
MayoClinic.com at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-infertility/DS01038/DSECTION=causes
Medscape Today has over a dozen articles on male infertility that are free. You just have to register. The site is at http://www.medscape.com/resource/male-infertility
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