Talking to Your Healthcare Provider About Infertility in Men

You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with male infertility. By talking openly and regularly with your healthcare provider, you can take an active role in your care.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your healthcare provider:

Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

About Infertility in Men

Can male infertility be cured?
Can I be infertile even if I am not impotent?
Is there any way for me to tell if I’m infertile?

About Your Risk of Developing Male Infertility

Does my occupation affect my risk of infertility?
Can smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol make me infertile?
Does my past sexual history play a role in my fertility today?
Can running or other physical activities affect my fertility?
Which types of medications can cause fertility problems?

About Treatment Options

Can infertility be treated with medications?
Will I need surgery if I’m infertile?
Can any of the new reproductive technologies be used to treat male infertility?
Are there any alternative or complementary therapies I should consider?
What is the success rate of the above treatments?

About Lifestyle Changes

Will I need to quit smoking and drinking alcohol?
Do I need vitamin or mineral supplements?
Can I still play sports?
Are there foods I should eat to improve my fertility?

About Outlook

What are our chances of getting pregnant after we are treated?
Will we need to undergo treatment again if we want more children?
Can any of these treatments cause long-term problems? Are they reversible?

References:

American Society for Reproductive Medicine website. Available at: http://www.asrm.org/ .

International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, Inc. website. Available at: http://www.inciid.org/ .

RESOLVE. The National Infertility Association website. Available at: http://www.resolve.org/ .

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.