Male fertility is crucial in reproductive health and the ability to conceive. Men produce sperm in the testicles, which combine with eggs to create embryos during sexual intercourse. The testicles also produce testosterone, which helps to maintain a healthy body and promote healthy sperm. However, some issues can prevent the production or delivery of sperm, leading to male infertility. These issues can range from hormone imbalances to problems with the structure of sperm.
Getting the correct diagnosis is critical to finding and treating male infertility. The first step is usually a complete history and physical exam. Your provider may order blood work and semen analysis to help find the cause of your male infertility.
Some of the most common causes of male infertility are lifestyle factors and age-related conditions that can interfere with sperm production or movement. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to certain chemicals or environmental toxins have all been shown to affect sperm production and quality negatively. In addition, several medications can contribute to infertility in men. For example, long-term use of anabolic steroids, some types of cancer drugs, and even several arthritis medications can decrease sperm count and quality.
A healthcare provider may also check for a varicocele, which is an enlarged vein in the testicle that can block sperm flow. Other tests your provider may order include a scrotal ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to view the scrotum and its structures, including the blood vessels and testicles. A urologist can use this to see if there is a blocked tube in the testis (varicocele) or other problems, such as a cyst.
In many cases, lifestyle changes can correct or prevent male infertility. For example, smoking and excess alcohol intake have negatively impacted sperm production. At the same time, prolonged exposure to hot water in the form of showers, saunas, and hot tubs can lead to a lower sperm count. A gluten-free diet can also improve fertility in men with Celiac disease, a condition where the body is sensitive to the protein in wheat called gluten.
Some male infertility can be addressed with medical treatment such as Clomid, which works similarly to female fertility medication to increase sperm production and the chance of pregnancy. This medication binds to receptors in the hypothalamus, which signals the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. These hormones stimulate sperm production and release, increasing the chances of a successful conception. A urologist can also prescribe a drug that increases the concentration of washed and prepared sperm, known as a sperm-enhancing medication. This treatment can be combined with intrauterine insemination to increase a man’s chances of pregnancy significantly. The sperm is injected into the uterus during an in vitro fertilization procedure. This treatment can lead to a successful conception rate of up to 50 percent.
