For some couples, infertility can bring on feelings of frustration, anger, and hopelessness. However, the condition is quite common; approximately 11% of American couples have problems conceiving, and the causes of infertility are split pretty evenly among male problems, female problems, and other factors. If you and your partner are struggling to conceive, it may be time to seek professional help—not from a fertility doctor, but a urology specialist. The doctors at Medical Center Urology in High Point, NC, specialize in diagnosing and treating male infertility.

Here are three common male infertility problems these professionals see on a regular basis:

• Sperm: Some men have a low sperm count or poor motility that can cause infertility. If the sperm is misshapen or unable to move, it won’t be able to make it to an egg for fertilization. Injury, disease, hormonal imbalances, and certain toxins can interfere with normal levels of sperm production.
• Varicoceles: These are the enlarged, visible veins in a man’s scrotum. They can raise the temperature in the testes, interfering with sperm production. Some men don’t have any symptoms, while others may notice pain in the scrotum after exercising or sitting in one place for a long period.
• Ejaculation: There are two organs that must work properly to bring sperm into a man’s ejaculate fluid. The epididymis carries sperm from the testes into a tube called the vas deferens. From there, it carries the sperm into the ejaculatory duct. If either of these organs is blocked or damaged, it can be difficult to conceive. 

There are many different causes of male infertility. If you and your partner are struggling to conceive, visit a urology specialist at Medical Center Urology. These professionals can provide a specific diagnosis and effective infertility treatments. Call (336) 882-0220 to make an appointment or visit the website to see a full list of services they provide.