Male infertility is both common and treatable. If you are in a relationship and ready to start a family, but are having no success, it might be time to find out the cause.
Actually It’s 50/50
When a couple can’t get pregnant, in the past the woman was usually tested first. Today it makes better sense for both partners to be tested at the same time. Either one can be the cause of the problem or both could have issues delaying pregnancy.
Let’s talk about male infertility here.
What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility is any health issue that lowers a man’s chance of getting a woman pregnant, and is related to making or moving healthy sperm. If there is a problem and a man is unsuccessful in these two main areas, sperm cannot reach the egg.
Causes of Male Infertility
Male infertility can be the result of the following:
- Decreased sperm production, also known as low sperm count
- Blockage of ducts that carry sperm
- Sperm quality like an abnormal shape, also known as poor morphology
- Poor sperm motility
- Hormone imbalance
- Ejaculation disorders due to conditions including thyroid disease, testicular cancer, and depression
- Side effects from certain medications for arthritis, depression, digestive problems, high blood pressure, and cancer
How a Urologist Can Help
If you are having trouble getting pregnant and take any of the above medications, contact Miguel Mercado, M.D. for an appointment in The Woodlands, TX.
Your urologist will do a thorough physical examination. Miguel Mercado, M.D. will also take a sperm sample to analyze the quantity of seminal fluid, the sperm count, sperm motility, and any morphology.
In addition, sometimes blood tests are performed to identify any hormonal issues. Supplements and hormonal therapy may be the recommended treatments.
Lifestyle issues can also be contributing to male infertility. Smoking and obesity can increase the risk as can excessive alcohol consumption and drugs. Your urologist will make recommendations about lifestyle issues and how to lower your risk factors.
Finding the root cause is the first step to solving your infertility.
Multiple Treatment Options
Treatments include anything from medications, counseling, hormone treatments, with or without surgery. There is in vitro-fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and other assisted reproductive techniques available.
Schedule a Male Infertility Consultation in The Woodlands, TX
Contact Miguel Mercado, M.D. at (281) 351-5174 if you are experiencing difficulty with fertility.