Male infertility is an issue many people do not talk about. However, men are just as likely as women to find they cannot conceive a child for one reason or another. What are five facts about male infertility men and women tend to be unaware of?
Numerous Causes
There is no single cause of male infertility. A male may find he has a physical, genetic, or hormonal condition that interferes with semen deposits. The same is true of sexual conditions, an illness that is chronic, or a problem with the immune system. However, men often have no symptoms and are completely unaware that they are the reason their partner cannot conceive. If there are any issues with conception, it is best to see a fertility doctor to determine what the underlying problem is. Go ahead and schedule an appointment today to get the answers you, as a couple, have been seeking.
Several Treatment Options Are Available
A lack of knowledge concerning available fertility treatments may hold some couples back from seeking help. In vitro fertilization is offered for those with a low sperm count or those who have low-quality sperm, as this procedure combines the sperm and the egg directly when sperm is unable to make its way to the egg naturally. Intrauterine insemination is a different procedure used with donor sperm for those who wish to become pregnant without a partner or for a couple who have discovered the male cannot produce sperm. These are only two of several treatment options. The doctor determines which procedure is appropriate for the couple wishing to conceive.
Nutrition is Important
Men need to pay attention to what they are putting into their bodies just as women do. In fact, a man’s overall health is directly associated with the quantity and quality of his sperm. Any chronic illness can negatively impact the production of sperm, and the same is true of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Fortunately, the male body creates new sperm every day, so changes can be made to improve the man’s health and boost sperm production. It doesn’t happen overnight, so be prepared to wait at least two months to see an increase in sperm count.
Testicles Temperature
Experts believe the temperature of the testicles plays a role in sperm count. When the temperature is too high, the male may suffer from a low sperm count. In actuality, the temperature of the groin needs to be a few degrees cooler than the rest of the body, as this helps ensure the best sperm function. Even one degree above normal can result in a roughly 40 percent decline in the quality of the sperm.
Age Plays a Role
While men can have children much later than women, this does not mean producing a child during the senior years is as easy as doing so at a young age. Men need to understand their sperm begins to decline in both quality and quantity when they are in their forties. This decline continues into their fifties. As a result, a man should not assume that just because he doesn’t go through menopause as women do that he can produce a child at any time. This is not the case.
Don’t put off seeing a doctor if you are finding it difficult to conceive a child. Help is available for couples in this situation. Everyone should be able to know the joy of having children in their lives, and a fertility expert may be of great help in seeing this happen. It never hurts to learn more about what is available today for those in this situation.
