Infertility is not being able to conceive after a year of trying. This means having regular, unprotected sex. About one-third of cases are caused by male factors. An equal number are caused by female factors. In the remaining cases, the cause is unknown or is due to problems with both partners.
Fertility in men depends on the following organs:
Men are considered infertile if they:
In about half of the cases, a cause cannot be found. Some factors that can contribute include:
These factors increase your chance of developing infertility:
Tell your doctor if you have any of the above risk factors.
During the first visit, you will both be evaluated. The doctor will ask about symptoms, medical history, and work history. Chemicals at your job could have an effect. Your doctor will look for physical problems that might cause infertility.
The following tests will be done:
Treatment depends on what is causing the condition. Treatments can be costly and lengthy. They often are not covered by insurance.
Your doctor may suggest that you first try:
If you have a hormonal imbalance, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Surgery is done for conditions like varicocele. Though, a treated varicocele does not restore fertility. Surgery can be done to reverse a vasectomy . But, this is not always successful.
ART involves using human sperm and eggs or embryos in a lab to help with conception. The eggs and sperm can be from you and your partner or donated. ART methods include:
Infertility cannot always be prevented. But the following steps may help:
RESOURCES:
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
http://www.asrm.org
The Hormone Foundation
http://www.hormone.org/
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
http://www.resolve.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Men's Health Centre
http://www.menshealthcentre.net/
SexualityandU.ca
http://www.sexualityandu.ca/home_e.aspx/
References:
Infertility. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp137.cfm . Published 2007. Accessed July 8, 2008.
Infertility. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated July 2008. Accessed July 7, 2008
Jorgensen N, Carlsen E, Nermoen I, et al. East-West gradient in semen quality in the Nordic-Baltic area: a study of men from the general population in Denmark, Norway, Estonia and Finland. Hum Reprod. 2002;17:2199.
Male risks. Protect your fertility website. Available at: http://www.protectyourfertility.org/malerisks.html . Accessed July 8, 2008.
Reproductive health. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html . Accessed July 8, 2008.
Swan SH, Brazil C, Drobnis EZ, et al. Geographic differences in semen quality of fertile US males. Environ Health Perspect. 2003;111:414.
Vasectomy. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81 . Updated May 2008. Accessed July 8, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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