Male infertility is the cause of up to 50% of a couple's infertility 

In one-third of couples with known fertility issues, the male has the sole fertility problem. In 50% of infertile couples, both the male and female have fertility issues, which means that the man is totally or partially responsible for infertility. 

How to track male fertility

If you've been trying to get pregnant for a while, are going to soon try, or are just curious about whether you will be fertile as a couple, the first step is to gauge male fertility by testing and tracking certain factors. A sperm count and analysis is the typical first course of action. This lets you know whether the sperm is adequate. When it comes to sperm, it's about both quantity and quality. A man needs to have enough sperm and they need to have normal structure and shape as well as motility. Motility is how well and fast the sperm move.

Boosting male infertility

There are certain lifestyle choices that can influence male fertility. Generally, good health equals better fertility, though there are always exceptions. Steering clear of smoking, alcohol, drugs, and steroids is a must. It also helps to eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep.

His lifestyle can reduce his fertility

There are hundreds of reasons for male infertility. Some are medical in nature and others are a result of an accident or extreme physical event that occurred early in life. Male fertility can be associated with prescription medications, genetics, and age. Some conditions are treatable with various forms of infertility treatments or health interventions and others simply require you to make a few personal changes.

Causes of male infertility

Male infertility is diagnosed when the sperms are not enough or they are abnormal. There are many causes of infertility among men, including:

Idiopathic oligospermia: This is probably the major reason for male infertility. It is diagnosed when all other tests were normal and is another way of saying that no cause is found.

Varicocele: A varicocele is an enlarged vein in the scrotum. This vein causes an elevated temperature which then affects sperm production. A varicocele is one of the most common and readily treatable causes of male infertility.

Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy and radiation can cause abnormal sperm or sterility.

Hormonal imbalances: Hormone problems affecting sperm count include thyroid problems, low testosterone levels, elevated FSH, and excess prolactin.

Impotence: One of the less common causes. Note: impotence is a medical problem. There are a variety of medical causes that can contribute, including diabetes mellitus, certain required medications such as antidepressants.

Infection: Postpubertal mumps, and, occasionally, sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can harm male fertility. Also, recurrent infections such as prostatitis can lower sperm count and motility.

Lifestyle factors: These include factors which raise the temperature of the scrotum (such as the use of hot tubs or long baths), or harm sperm production. A variety of medicines and recreational drugs can decrease male fertility.

Sexual dysfunction: Reported in up to 20% of infertile men. May include decreased sexual desire, inability to maintain an erection, and premature ejaculation. This could result from low testosterone or performance anxiety.

Male infertility testing

A semen analysis (also known as a sperm count) measures the quality and quantity, as well as other parameters of semen that a man produces. A definitive diagnosis of whether a man is fertile or infertile can be made by through a semen analysis. A semen analysis analyzes teh following:

• How the semen thickens into a solid and turns to liquid
• Fluid thickness, acidity, and sugar content
• Resistance to flow (viscosity)
• Movement of the sperm (motility)
• Number and structure of the sperm
• Volume of semen

Take the quiz

It takes just one minute to complete this test and receive your personalized report, which will let you know which factors may be affecting you or your partner's fertility. We will guide you toward the right tests to measure normal sperm counts and quality and explain the healthy habits and lifestyle changes you can make to improve sperm quality and quantity.

Our assessment and report were created by Dr. Amos Grunebaum, MD, babyMed's founder and a leading Ob-Gyn who has helped thousands of couples get pregnant, and overseen thousands of healthy births.

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