If you and your partner have been struggling to conceive a child, it can feel like you’re all alone. Luckily, this isn’t uncommon, and there are solutions to the problem. Up to 15% of couples have difficulty conceiving, and in a third of those cases, the issue is male infertility. Infertility in men can be attributed to a number of factors, and understanding what these are can help you determine your next steps should be. Below are some of the most common questions about this issue.

What Are Some Symptoms of Male Infertility?

The most obvious sign of infertility is an inability to conceive after sustained unprotected sex with your partner. While there might not be any other symptoms, these are often the result of underlying problems, such as erectile dysfunction, difficulty ejaculating, or a lowered sperm count.

Other signs can include decreased facial and body hair or gynecomastia (abnormal growth of breasts). If you’re experiencing any of these while having difficulty with conception, you may have a problem with fertility.

What Causes Male Infertility?

The most common cause of infertility in men is a varicocele, a swelling of the veins in the testicles. Although it’s not known how exactly this interferes with fertility, it’s found in over 40% of men who have trouble conceiving.

Other common problems can be sexually transmitted diseases or infections like HIV, inflammations of the genitals, undescended testicles, or blockages in the tubules that carry semen.

How Can Infertility Be Treated?

Because infertility in men isn’t a single condition, but usually a result of other problems, it’s necessary to first identify what that cause is to treat it. Surgery is a common treatment method for physical complications like varicoceles or relatively harmless cysts or lumps. Any infections will have to be treated with medicine, while problems, such as erectile dysfunction, can be treated with counseling or medication. Similarly, if infertility is the result of a hormonal imbalance, hormone therapy may be helpful.

If none of these are successful, there are still many ways for couples to conceive, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which involve the combination of semen with an egg either in laboratory conditions or directly into the vaginal tract.

 

 

If you’re struggling with male infertility and need sympathetic expert advice, you can place your trust in Diamond Institute for Infertility & Menopause in Millburn, NJ. With more than 40 years of experience in knowledgeable and compassionate care, Dr. Matan Yemini and Dr. Ndidimaka Onwubalili will help with a wide range of fertility-related issues. To learn more, call (973) 761-5600 or visit them online.