Infertility symptoms are more prevalent in men than most people think, and is a factor in almost half of all couples who are unable to conceive. When a man doesn't take note of early signs of infertility, it's because the subject is usually kept quiet and only he realises it when it becomes difficult to conceive. A man who is unable to father a child may exhibit a variety of symptoms, and realizing that a man's inability to father a child is not his fault, is the first step towards seeking help. This article will help you and your partner to know what male infertility is, what are the symptoms and signs of infertility in men.
What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility is more common than female infertility and is the cause of almost half of all couples' problems in conceiving. Usually the subject is kept quiet and many men don't even acknowledge that they are facing the early signs and symptoms of infertility until they have to struggle with the issue. The first step in obtaining help is to learn what you can look for if your man has an issue with his fertility and to know that a man's inability to father a child is a medical issue, and not his fault. By reading this article, you will learn a bit about what male infertility is, what the symptoms are, what the causes of infertility in men are, and what treatment options you have today so that you and your partner can move forward with your fertility journey with clarity, knowledge and confidence.
What Are the Symptoms of Male Infertility?
Infertility in men symptoms are rarely apparent and in some men there is no apparent sign at all until they attempt to conceive and without success for a prolonged time. But some signs of infertility may indicate that there is a problem with the production of sperm, the level of hormones, or the reproductive passages. By identifying the signs male infertility symptoms early on, the man can get tested and treated for it instead of suffering from unexplained trouble and uncertainty for months and years.
These infertility symptoms may be minimal or completely absent, and many men find out they have a fertility problem after several unsuccessful attempts to conceive have led to a semen analysis. Symptoms may also manifest in very different ways in different men, from physical changes within the body, to changes in sexual function or in the mood and energy levels resulting from alterations in hormone levels; self-diagnosis at home is unreliable.
Knowing what to expect as far as physical, hormonal and functional changes that are associated with male fertility can help men seek medical help sooner, and therefore have more effective treatment options once the cause is properly identified, which also results in less anxiety during the diagnosis and treatment process.
Common Signs of Infertility in Men
Some of the most frequent signs of infertility in men involve changes in sexual function, like with difficulty to achieve or keep an erection, or a gradual decline in libido. Other signs of infertility include pain, swelling or firmness in the testicle area and abnormal breast development, which may indicate a hormonal imbalance within the body that impacts on the production of testosterone. Other physical symptoms of low testosterone like decreased facial or body hair or low muscle mass can also be observed by the person or partner. In some men, it may take a year of normal, unprotected sexual activity before the first sign of trouble is that they cannot conceive.
Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored
Some symptoms require immediate medical intervention and do not respond to wait-and-watch policy as this may sometimes result in poorer outcomes. These are swelling or pain in the testicles that can be seen or felt, sudden or unexplained change in testicle size, blood in the semen and persistent pain in the lower abdomen, groin or scrotum that doesn't go away. The inability to ejaculate or a very small amount of semen or no semen at all should also be investigated promptly as they may indicate a blockage, infection or other underlying medical condition that will greatly benefit from early diagnosis and early treatment.
What Causes Male Infertility?
By knowing the infertility causes in male, you will be able to understand the condition in a better way and realize that it is not untreatable or can be blamed on the woman. Male infertility may be caused by abnormalities in any aspect of sperm formation, development or release and the cause is not always a simple single factor operating on the body.
The reduction in fertility is often caused by a combination of medical, lifestyle and environmental factors, which over months or years can cause its function to diminish more than is initially thought. Some are congenital, others occur in later life as a result of infection, injury or just the cumulative effect of lifestyle and environment over time.
A detailed examination by a fertility specialist will generally be required to determine the cause, as treatment depends on whether the problem is with the sperm production, hormones or physical blockage somewhere along the reproductive tract that is preventing the sperm from getting to the penis during sexual intercourse. A clear diagnosis can also establish realistic expectations for treatment and recovery time, and which treatment method is most likely to prove effective.
Medical Causes of Male Infertility
Common medical causes include varicocele, which is the swelling of veins in the scrotum, which can raise the heat in the testicles and make it affect the quality of the sperm, reproductive tract infections, hormonal imbalances such as those involving testicles or pituitary hormones, and undescended testicles at birth. Other factors that can affect either sperm production or sperm delivery during sex are also important, such as an ejaculation disorder (including retrograde ejaculation) and genetic disorders like Klinefelter syndrome.
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Male Fertility
Compromised semen quality, decreased sperm motility and sperm count can be seen over time due to smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, obesity and chronic stress. Frequent use of hot tubs or saunas, wearing tight-fitting clothes over time, and a sedentary lifestyle with limited exercise can also lower fertility over time. Over the months, poor sleep and an unbalanced diet that's depleted of nutrients can also work their way silently into a man's sperm health.
Environmental & Genetic Causes
Some workplaces have pesticides, heavy metals and industrial chemicals in the environment that can have a negative impact on the health of the sperm, and long-term exposure to radiation from occupational or medical sources can also have a negative impact. Some genetic disorders can also cause a decrease in sperm production from an early age.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Male Infertility?
There are some factors that make men more susceptible to become infertile and knowing about them can aid in early detection and prevention. There is an important age effect, with the quality and quantity of sperm gradually decreasing after the mid-thirties, although fertility is not necessarily lost at a specific age. Male infertility is significantly increased later in life in men who had a family history of fertility problems and/or had been operated on in the groin or genital area.
Certain occupations that include long periods of sitting or working in chemicals, or heat, also increase the risk greatly, as do chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity and untreated infections. Additionally, men receiving cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy are at increased risk, and may be encouraged to explore fertility options prior to treatment.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
If a couple who has been trying to conceive for a full year without success or six months for those older than 35, most physicians will recommend a fertility assessment. But some signs of infertility in men are such that warrant an early visit, irrespective of the duration of the couple's efforts to conceive. These include obvious infertility symptoms in men like testes pain or swelling, a record of previous undescended testes, groin or pelvic surgery or a history of known hormonal conditions that can affect testosterone levels. An early consultation with a fertility expert means a coordinated evaluation of the couple so that any potential factors affecting the couple can be identified and dealt with early, without the added stress and frustration of continuous uncertainty.
How Is Male Infertility Diagnosed?
Initial evaluation of male infertility usually starts with a comprehensive medical history and a series of focused and systematic tests to discover the reason for diminished fertility. Doctors evaluate lifestyle, past surgery, existing health issues and any medications to recommend specific tests for the individual. The first discussion can be useful to obtain information, including history of infection or a family history of fertility issues, that can help determine the areas for further testing.
If applicable, doctors will also ask about the female partner's reproductive history, as a comprehensive and collaborative diagnosis will provide a more comprehensive profile of the couple. If based on the initial results of this assessment further specialised testing is recommended to give a full and accurate picture of the overall reproductive health, this will help direct the most appropriate and effective treatment for that individual and their partner.
Physical Examination
During the physical exam, the size, firmness, swelling, varicocele and any obvious hormonal imbalance like a decrease in body hair are examined. The doctor also checks for any surgery, infection or injury that might have an impact on the fertility.
Semen Analysis
Semen analysis is the most important test of male infertility, which quantifies the number, motility, morphology and volume of semen. The sperm is thoroughly examined in the lab and, the results being subject to natural variation from one sample to another, a second test may be carried out weeks later to confirm the results.
Hormone & Imaging Tests
Tests of the blood to measure key hormones that are important to the healthy production of sperm in the testicles, such as testosterone, FSH and LH. Diagnosis of varicocele, blockages, cysts or abnormalities may be made by scrotal ultrasound or other imaging techniques that can have an impact on fertility.
Treatment Options for Male Infertility
The treatment for male infertility will vary greatly depending on the cause of the problem that is discovered during the time of diagnosis and can be as simple as a low risk lifestyle change, or more advanced medical or surgical treatments.
Usually the least invasive and conservative treatment is recommended first and more advanced treatment is recommended if the initial treatments do not lead to a meaningful improvement in fertility markers within a reasonable amount of time. No two treatment plans are the same, as each patient's diagnosis, age, overall health status and fertility objectives are unique and different treatment works for different patients who walk through the clinic.
Often, both partners are treated at the same time, as in many cases there are female fertility factors as well as male factors and treatment needs to focus on both to increase the likelihood of conception. The amount of time needed to treat symptoms can be as short as a few months for some men, or up to several months for others, especially if treatment is done in a more carefully timed fashion. Whether it's medication, or assisted reproduction, knowing the full range of options, and having a clear picture of what to expect from the treatment process, can make couples feel more at ease and prepared as they journey together.
Medications
Hormonal treatment can rectify hormonal imbalances which affect normal sperm production and antibiotics can be used effectively to treat underlying infections of the reproductive tract. In certain instances, prescriptions are also given to enhance the motility, number and quality of the semen in a few months of regular monitored administration.
Lifestyle Changes
In just a few months, making positive lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and actively managing chronic stress, can have a profound effect on the health of sperm. Healthy lifestyle changes including limiting exposure to heat, regular exercise and a well-balanced and healthy diet also help improve fertility over time.
Surgical Treatment
If it can, a surgeon or doctor can correct a varicocele and may also be able to clear the blockages in the reproductive duct, restore fertility and correct a vasectomy. If there's no sperm in the semen, surgical techniques could be able to extract sperm straight from the testicle for the fertility treatment procedures.
Assisted Reproductive Techniques (IVF/ICSI)
Assisted Reproductive Technologies are proven and effective if natural conception is not possible. If sperm and egg are combined outside the body in a controlled laboratory setting it is called in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and if sperm is of poor motility or in low numbers, a single healthy sperm can be injected directly into the egg, this is called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Can Male Infertility Be Prevented?
There are a number of lifestyle modifications that a man can make that are very similar to many infertility causes in male that can't be entirely avoided. A healthy weight, avoiding excess heat, toxic chemicals at work and too much alcohol and tobacco will help the health of sperm in the long term. However, the overall risk is significantly reduced when living with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, and when treating infections promptly and not waiting until they become serious, and wearing the right safety equipment in dangerous jobs.
Other lifestyle changes, such as consuming fewer clothes, staying active and consuming a nutritious diet also help ensure better semen production in the long term. If there are any reproductive symptoms, health assessments and early intervention may allow for evaluation and correction of potential issues in a timely fashion that allow men to maintain their natural reproductive function in the long-term.
Take Charge of Your Fertility Health Today
Do not delay seeking advice, if you have noticed any male infertility symptoms or if you have been trying to get pregnant for a while without success. Male infertility is a very common problem which can be corrected and if the couple goes early for evaluation, it almost always gives good and faster results. By listening to the signs of infertility and seeking advice from a fertility expert, you will find a sense of clarity and discover effective and individualized treatment options. The first step to getting to be closer to the family you want will be one that you take today.
