Defining Male Infertility
Male infertility is defined as a man’s inability to impregnate a fertile female. In approximately 40-50% of couples that are having trouble getting pregnant, it is due to male infertility. 15% of couples will experience infertility. If you are having trouble conceiving, male infertility is certainly something that should be discussed with a doctor, especially because there may be medical intervention options to resolve the issue.
Symptoms of Male Infertility
The most common sign or symptom of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child after having unprotected sex for longer than a year. Other signs may include trouble with sexual function, such as difficulty achieving an erection or ejaculating. Other infertile men may experience feeling pain or a lump in the testicle, which should absolutely be discussed with a doctor. Low testosterone is another common cause of male infertility. Symptoms of low testosterone include less hair growth, changes in sexual desire, and/or weakened muscles.
Male Infertility Causes
Male infertility is usually due to a low sperm count, abnormal sperm function, or a blockage that prevents the delivery of the sperm. Blockage of the sperm from the normal passage in any part of the reproductive tract is a frequent cause of infertility. The blockage may be due to past surgeries, infection, or inflammation. Fortunately, sperm obstruction is usually treatable.
· Low Sperm Count and Sperm Disorders
Sperm disorders are a common cause of male infertility. A common sperm disorder is when the sperm is abnormally shaped, underdeveloped, or unable to move properly. Another sperm disorder is Oligospermia, where sperm is produced in abnormally low numbers. Azoospermia is a rare but similar disorder, where sperm is not present at all in semen.
A male’s sperm count can also be affected by antibodies that mistake sperm as harmful and attack, which can be diagnosed with an Antisperm Antibody Test. Other factors that can affect sperm count include sperm duct defects, hormonal imbalances or prior surgeries.
· Varicocele
Another cause of infertility may be the presence of Varicoceles. These dilated scrotal veins make it difficult for sperm to develop because they prevent the proper drainage of blood. Varicocele Repair is a surgical procedure where the affected veins are cut to eliminate blood flow to the varicocele.
Male Fertility Treatment in New Jersey
Male fertility treatment is not going to be the same for each patient. Because there are so many causes of male infertility, treatment will widely vary. While some causes of male infertility are easily treatable and will result in the immediate ability to reproduce, some causes of male infertility are not as simple. It is important to meet with a urologist specializing in male fertility treatment in order to determine the cause of your fertility issues and treatment options that will best suit your needs.
Contact Somerset Urological Associates Today
If you have been trying to reproduce for over a year, it is best for you and your spouse to see a doctor to determine the cause. Your doctor will help you to determine the cause of your infertility, and advise you with a plan to address the problem. Appointments can be made by calling 908-927-0300. Somerset Urological Associates is located at 72 West End Avenue Somerville, NJ 08876. Contact us today to get started.