Male Infertility

When couples are having difficulties becoming pregnant, it is generally the female who will seek treatment first. This is probably due, at least in part, to enduring stereotypes surrounding the woman’s responsibility in conception. However, the statistics show that men are the infertile partners in 40-50% of couples unable to get pregnant. There are many factors influencing male fertility, including lifestyle and family history.

This is not meant to be discouraging, but instead to enlighten you to the many possibilities available to infertile men wishing to seek treatment. Many of the same medical treatments available to women, such as assisted reproductive technologies, surgery and fertility drugs are also offered to men.

And while some men may try to disguise their embarrassment to shield their pride, it is important that men learn how to come to grips with their infertility so that they can seek treatment. Indeed, less than half of all infertile men are totally sterile, so the chances of being able to reproduce, given proper treatment, are quite high. For example, men who are experiencing impotence will be happy to know that there are many treatments available, especially now that open discussion around erectile disfunction is becoming more and more common.

While female fertility, and specifically, the female biological clock, has long been thought to be the factor contributing to a couple's infertility, a new study has found that a male biological clock does indeed exist. Learn more about the link between male fertility and age, and also what types of male infertility treatment can help to minimize the effects of age on male fertility.

Hormones play an integral role in maintaining healthy male fertility. However, a low testosterone level may indicate a fertility problem known as hypogonadism, which may adversely affect reproductive functioning. Varicocele is another common cause of male infertility, but it can normally be treated effectively to improve fertility..

Additionally, you may be surprised to learn that the immune system can have an effect on male fertility through antisperm antibodies.