Infertility Isn’t Only An Issue For Women
Most people hear the word infertility and immediately picture a woman trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant. However, even though pop culture constantly focuses on a woman’s age or egg quality, the reality is that pregnancy requires more than a woman’s presence to occur. Men are an essential component and can also struggle with difficulty conceiving. Recent statistics regarding infertility in the US, about 1/3 of all infertility cases are directly caused by male reproductive issues. While unexplained infertility can also impact men, sometimes underlying health issues are to blame.
Physical problems
In some cases, male factor infertility is caused by physical abnormalities that prevent sperm from effectively traveling through the penis. To determine if blockages are an issue, specialists will look for signs such as a high presence of sperm in a urine sample. Such a phenomenon would show that the sperm are traveling backwards into the bladder instead of being ejaculated. Other issues, such as testicular or prostate blockages, can also create problems and may indicate that donor sperm or undergoing a testicular sperm extraction (TESE) might be required.
Hormonal issues
Another major factor that can impact male fertility are hormones. Just as in women, an imbalance can lead to poor sperm production or even quality issues. For example, low testosterone can lead to lower sperm counts or even erectile dysfunction which can make conceiving naturally difficult.
Previous health issues
Sometimes, just as in women, underlying health conditions can lead to infertility in men. For example, having previously had cancer at a younger age can increase the risk of sterility. The phenomenon is caused by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation which can permanently alter the reproductive system’s ability to produce sex cells such as sperm or eggs. Often, oncologists will recommend preserving fertility ahead of treatment by collecting a sperm sample in younger patients that haven’t yet started a family.
Genetic and lifestyle
Sometimes, health or hereditary conditions may also lead to fertility issues. Specifically, pre-existing conditions or behavioral choices can be to blame. A man who regularly uses tobacco or drugs, or consumes excessive quantities of alcohol, may struggle to successfully get a woman pregnant. Likewise, having an autoimmune condition could also lead to abnormal sperm. More importantly, hereditary conditions can also make getting a woman pregnant difficult. As part of an infertility diagnosis, a specialist may recommend carrier screening.
Choosing donor sperm
Regardless of gender, getting an infertility diagnosis can be difficult to experience. Sometimes, natural workarounds may exist such as making lifestyle changes or even undergoing medical treatments. However, in some cases where sperm quality is too poor, opting for a donor specimen may be the best solution to achieve a pregnancy. If conception seems like an elusive goal, consider speaking with a fertility specialist to get real answers.
