Male Fertility
Overview
What is Male Fertility
Nearly 1 in 7 couples is infertile, which means they haven’t been able to conceive a child even though they’ve had frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. In up to half of these couples, male infertility plays at least a partial role.
Symptoms
The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. There may be no other obvious signs or symptoms.
In some cases, however, an underlying problem such as an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm causes signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms you may notice include:
- Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area
Causes
Male fertility is a complex process. To get your partner pregnant, the following must occur:
- You must produce healthy sperm.
Initially, this involves the growth and formation of the male reproductive organs during puberty. At least one of your testicles must be functioning correctly, and your body must produce testosterone and other hormones to trigger and maintain sperm production.
- Sperm have to be carried into the semen.
Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis.
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and diet. A diagnosis will need to establish the exact size, location and type of kidney stone you have. The investigations, using radiological imaging, such as a CT scan, will diagnose the site and size of the stone and the degree of kidney blockage, and can usually be done quickly during the first visit.
Other tests may include:
- Urine test for infection.
- Blood tests to show whether you have high levels of certain chemicals linked to kidney stones.
- X-rays – stones containing uric stones are usually not seen on x-rays.
- Ultrasound scan of the urinary tract.
Treatment
Male infertility isn’t always preventable. However, you can try to avoid some known causes of male infertility. For example:
- Don’t smoke.
- Limit or abstain from alcohol.
- Steer clear of illicit drugs.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Don’t get a vasectomy.
- Avoid things that lead to prolonged heat for the testicles.
- Reduce stress.
