Not many men readily talk about their experience with male infertility. Stereotypically, men are often assumed to be macho and full of pride; however, they may be dealing with depression related to male infertility. If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year, you should consult a doctor to determine the root cause. You can take steps to help achieve pregnancy more quickly and start building the family of your dreams.
Most Common Causes of Male Infertility
Male infertility is the inability to impregnate a woman naturally. The most common causes of male infertility include factors such as semen deficiency or low semen quality. These issues affect sperm production or sperm transport (when the sperm has low mobility), making it difficult to achieve a successful pregnancy. These factors of male infertility affect approximately 7% of men. In about 30% of infertility cases, the reason is male fecundity.
Reasons for Low Sperm Count
The reasons for a low sperm count are wide and varied. Some include a pre-existing condition, the use of alcohol or drugs, hernia, hormone disorders, exposure to radiation, injury to the groin area, or simply wearing restrictive clothing. Other factors of male infertility could be related to a history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) or urinary tract infections (UTI).
Determining Infertility
Men suffering from fertility issues are under the age of 35 who have tried to have children for over a year with a female counterpart unsuccessfully. Both parties should undergo physical exams and screenings to determine who is infertile. A male will undergo a blood test, semen analysis, and physical examination. Female testing is more extensive and may include ovulation testing, hysterosalpingography, ovarian reserve testing, imaging testing, and hormone testing.
Increasing Sperm Count
Men increase sperm count by exercising regularly, taking vitamin and mineral supplements (including Vitamins C, D, and zinc), relaxing, and reducing stress. They should also try to avoid smoking, alcohol, and other drugs, which may lower sperm count. Even some medications are known to reduce sperm count temporarily, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, some antibiotics, opiates, and anabolic steroids.
If you’ve taken all the steps to determine potential factors of male or female infertility and increase your chances of conceiving, but you’re still left empty-handed, don’t despair! There are other options available that can help you start a family. Family Creations can pair you with an egg donor or a surrogate to help you cradle your own baby in your arms. Contact us today to learn about our family services.