Yes, Fertility Affects Men Too
Among the millions of Americans struggling with infertility, there is a fair share of men in the mix. Like women, men also feel frustrated and helpless after an infertility diagnosis. What’s worse, several myths surround male-factor fertility that could be preventing men from getting help. Unpacking these 5 myths can make pregnancy possible.
Most infertility problems are female-related
Whenever a couple is struggling to get pregnant, a woman often makes the first move. A comprehensive check by the doctor could sometimes prove negative. Only at this point would men decide on a fertility check. Statistics show that men are equally as likely to be the cause of infertility.
2. Age is not essential with fertility
With age, a woman’s ovarian reserve decreases significantly. From 40 and beyond, pregnancy becomes much more difficult. Men can conceive well past 40 since sperm production continues. That, however, does not mean age has no impact on a man’s fertility. Studies show that men over 40 are more likely to have reduced quality and ED.
3. Weight does not affect male fertility
Many men considered overweight can successfully have children. However, when overweight men become obese, the chances of conceiving drop further. Obesity affects the body in several ways and can cause many lifestyle diseases. There is also a direct impact on hormone production, which can impact the quality and quantity of sperm. Losing as little as 10% body weight can improve fertility health.
4. Boosting your testosterone will cover your fertility problems
More testosterone means more sperm, means more pregnancy, right? Spikes in testosterone could have the opposite effect. Sperm production is not governed by testosterone only. Other hormones are vital, like luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin. Spikes in testosterone could reduce FSH and LH while increasing estrogen. The result is reduced sperm production.
5. Lifestyle changes won’t help your fertility woes
There are many unexplained cases of male infertility. Unexplained infertility means there are no apparent signs of infertility, but there is an underlying problem. At this stage, the best thing men can do is make changes to habits that may impact fertility. For instance, reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption may improve sperm quality. Studies also show that smoking affects sperm count and quality.
Diagnosing male infertility
Men struggling to get pregnant should get tested with the help of a reproductive endocrinologist. The reproductive specialist will perform a range of tests to get to the root of the issue, including:
- Physical tests can check for conditions like retrograde ejaculation or varicocele.
- A testicular biopsy can help men who produce no sperm (azoospermia).
- Blood tests measure testosterone, FSH, and LH.
- A sperm analysis from a sperm sample. The examination checks sperm volume, concentration, speed, and shape.
In some cases, the doctor will suggest genetic testing to look for abnormal chromosomes. These tests often reveal the issue and help doctors decide a course of action. At the same time, there could be unexplained infertility.
Giving your fertility a jumpstart
Fertility treatment can improve the chances of pregnancy, depending on the issue. If there are hormonal issues, the doctor will suggest medication like clomiphene citrate or TRT. For physical problems like varicocele, surgery can help clear blockages preventing sperm from moving freely. If these fail, Assisted Reproductive Technology can help. These techniques IUI, IVF, and ICSI.
Ready to get help?
Male fertility woes can be stressful. Knowing that male-factor infertility is just as common as women should raise alarm bells. If a couple is struggling to get pregnant, the man should get checked as soon as possible. A reproductive specialist can answer questions, perform the necessary tests, and suggest treatments.
