Understanding Male Fertility Issues

All too often fertility issues are mistakenly understood as only female issues. In reality there are three categories of issues that infertile couples seek the help of fertility doctors to understand before creating the families they’ve been dreaming of. They are split evenly between the sexes. One third for female fertility issues, one third for male fertility issues, and on third for a mix of both or an unknown cause. To understand these issues it is important for a fertility doctor in Viera, Florida to perform as many tests as necessary. For many couples issues with male fertility can be easily treated and a family may be just around the corner.

Male Fertility

Male fertility is much different than female fertility. Unlike women who are born with all the eggs she will ever have, men are able to synthesize their genetic material on a daily basis. Men can produce up to 1,500 sperm cells every second. These cells are created from germline stem cells that reside in the testes. Once the sperm are mature enough they can make their way through the vas deferens and urethra, and eventually make it into the uterus where a viable egg, hopefully, awaits fertilization. Because these cells can be replenished so quickly the issues men face when it comes to fertility can be very complex. Something as simple as a change in diet and lifestyle may produce high quality sperm cells, however in other cases other therapies are suggested to increase the chances of male fertility.

Testing For Issues

If a couple has been unsuccessful at conceiving a child after one year of unprotected intercourse, they will often seek the help of a fertility doctor. The first thing a fertility doctor will do is order a semen analysis. The purpose of a semen analysis is to determine the quality of sperm being produced. After two to three days of abstinence a sample will be collected and tested. The sperm will be counted, as well as tested for motility and morphology. This test will tell your fertility doctor everything they need to know in order to move forward. It will reveal the need for further testing, as well as any obvious prescriptions for an immediate remedy if one presents itself.

Low sperm count along with low motility is an amazing indicator of a fertility issue. Low sperm counts can point to an urological obstruction, hormonal issues, or even an issue with a man’s lifestyle that should be addressed in order to increase the chances of conception. Abnormal morphology can be an indicator of a larger issue that may point to hormonal or genetic problems that cause the sperm to become deformed and unviable before they even have a chance to meet the ovum. The semen analysis is the best, and only, place to start examining male fertility issues.

What Causes Male Infertility?

Although male fertility may not seem as complex as the issues that surround female fertility issues, we can assure you that they are. Hormones, genetics, and physical abnormalities cause just as many issues in men’s’ reproductive systems as they do in women’s. The male reproductive system is just as susceptible to infection and disease as the female reproductive system. Swelling of the vas deferens, otherwise known as varicocele, is one of the main causes of male fertility issues. This can be caused by many variables such as overheating and infection. There are also many other health issues that can cause the male reproductive system to function improperly. Diabetes, celiac disease, trauma, and genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis can make it impossible for sperm to exit the male body.

Hormones can also play a large role in male fertility. Hormones are what tell the body to create high quality sperm in the first place. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland and testicles are all glands that work together and if their function is altered for any reason can cause a major shift in sperm quality and production. If a hormonal imbalance is suspected as the reason for male infertility, blood tests can determine the exact cause and a treatment plan can be enacted.

Finally, there are many lifestyle factors that can have an effect on male fertility. The usage of tobacco products, some medications, and alcohol can all cause problems with sperm count, morphology and motility. Occupations that expose a male to industrial chemicals, excessive radiation and stress can also create problems for men attempting to begin the journey to a family.

If you and your partner have been trying to build your family but have been unsuccessful, give us a call at our Viera office today. After a semen analysis, we will be able to create a treatment plan that will have you on your journey to a family.