Infertility is an issue that affects nearly 8% to 12% of all couples in the world. It’s a universal problem, affecting people of all socioeconomic statuses and backgrounds. Historically, infertility has been attributed to women more often than men. However, research suggests that the rates of infertility are nearly equal between men and women. Are you familiar with the signs of male infertility? You can familiarize yourself with some of the most common indicators listed below.
What are some of the top signs of male infertility?
There are a lot of signs that should indicate to a couple that the male may be the infertile partner. These signs of male infertility include:
- Trouble achieving conception with a partner — One of the top signs of male infertility is having difficulty conceiving with your partner. If you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for over a year, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with a fertility specialist. Most couples who don’t experience infertility problems have the ability to achieve conception within a year of frequent, unprotected sex.
- Issues with sexual function or performance — A man who experiences difficulty with arousal, ejaculation and other sexual performance aspects may be dealing with issues that are causing him to be infertile.
- Unusual sensations in the testes — It’s a sign of male infertility if a man experiences uncomfortable or painful sensations or swelling in his testicles. Lumps, swelling, and discomfort are all signs of abnormal testicles that may contribute to infertility.
- Unusually low amounts of facial or body hair — Abnormal hair growth can indicate a hormonal imbalance, which can negatively impact male fertility.
What are some of the top causes of male infertility?
There are a few different causes of male infertility that are important to know about. Take a moment to read through each of these common causes of male infertility that often require professional treatment. These are some of the most common, but not the only reasons for male infertility:
- Too little sperm — One of the top causes of infertility in men is having too little sperm in the semen. Sperm production is influenced by the testicles and hormone production. Having healthy and well-developed testicles can improve your chances of sperm production. When these factors are negatively impacted, a man might produce too little sperm. Low sperm counts can make it difficult for sperm to fertilize a partner’s egg and achieve conception.
- Poor quality sperm — Sperm that isn’t mobile enough to move from the semen to a partner’s egg can drastically reduce a couple’s chances of getting pregnant.
- Sperm blockage — In some instances, a person with an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance or vein obstruction might experience a blockage in their testicles that prevents enough sperm from exiting during ejaculation. This blockage may reduce the chances of healthy sperm reaching their partner’s egg and becoming fertilized.
Who is more at risk of showing signs of male infertility?
There are several factors that can make men more at risk of being the infertile partner. The most common factors include but are not limited to:
- Someone with undeveloped testicles — A man with testicles that are underdeveloped or undescended is more likely to experience trouble with infertility.
- Someone with a history of genital infections — A man who has experienced an infection in his genitals in the past or developed inflammation around his genitals or prostate may be more likely to be infertile.
- Someone who has sustained an injury to the testicles — Injuries sustained to the testes can increase the likelihood of infertility in men. If you’ve injured or twisted your testicles, this could put your fertility at risk.
- Someone who takes certain types of medications — Certain types of medications, like high blood pressure medication, depression medication and ulcer medication, can increase the chances of infertility in men.
Fertility Cloud offers virtual treatment for couples struggling with male infertility
At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our team of experienced fertility doctors is dedicated to providing you with compassionate and professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort. We’re confident that we can help guide you toward improved fertility.
At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely. We can do everything virtually, from communication with your doctor to your fertility tests. Appointments are conducted via live videoconferencing. All you need to meet with us is a computer, tablet or cellphone.
We understand that finding convenient, high-quality medical care can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists. Our team can provide you with easily accessible digital services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.
If you need more help or have any questions concerning virtual infertility doctors, you can reach out to us for more information. Our medical specialists are experienced in providing treatment to patients with a variety of medical conditions that affect fertility. We’ll do our best to help you achieve conception. Let our team of licensed infertility specialists be the ones to help you and your partner.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.