If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, understanding male fertility may be the key to finding a solution. Male infertility is more common than many realize, and by understanding the causes and exploring your options, you and your partner can take meaningful steps toward growing your family.
Who Does Male Infertility Affect?
While any male can experience infertility struggles, some men are more likely to experience infertility than others. Men with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 are more likely to struggle with fertility. And like women, age also negatively impacts male fertility, with men over age 40 more likely to experience fertility issues.
Exposure to radiation, lead, pesticides, mercury or environmental toxins affects fertility. Marijuana, tobacco, alcohol, along with some medications and anabolic-androgenic steroids and supplements, can reduce sperm count, leading to decreased fertility. High heat exposure can also damage sperm, so avoiding hot tubs and saunas can be helpful. Undescended testicles, low testosterone, and a history of varicoceles can all also affect male fertility.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
Low sperm count, malformed sperm or an absence of sperm are some of the most common causes of male infertility, along with certain medical conditions and genetic disorders. Epididymitis, orchitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), along with chemotherapy or radiation, can all have a negative impact on fertility. Experiencing testicular trauma at some point in a man’s life can also result in the inability to produce sperm.
Affordable Male Infertility Testing
If you’re struggling to conceive, it may be time to schedule a consultation and undergo testing with Dr. Marcus Rosencrantz and his team at Reproductive Health and Wellness. At RHWC, we assess possible fertility issues with both partners, including comprehensive male fertility testing that looks at all possible issues, including: sperm count, density, motility, acidity and white blood cell count indicating infection. Additional tests might include genetic analysis, and hormone and antisperm antibody testing.
The process is designed to be easy, fast, convenient and private. After your initial consultation, you’ll be given a testing kit to collect a sample either in our office or at home, after which you’ll take the sample to a selected lab. Based on your results, we’ll discuss your fertility and treatment options. From there, you’re in the driver’s seat!
Treatment Options for Male Infertility
For many men, treating male infertility is a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly can naturally improve male fertility. Quitting smoking, drinking, and using recreational drugs, along with taking steps to actively manage stress are also hugely beneficial. In addition, men are encouraged to avoid sexual lubricants that can make fertilization difficult.
Hormone therapy can help regulate hormone levels, though it’s important to speak with your doctor about taking, stopping or switching medications that could affect fertility. A fertility clinic can also provide advanced treatment options, like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), to assist with infertility.
Finding Answers For Your Male Infertility
Male infertility can be challenging, but understanding the causes and exploring treatment options can bring you one step closer to starting or expanding your family. Expert guidance can make all the difference, whether the solution involves lifestyle changes, medical treatments, or advanced fertility procedures. The first step is getting the proper diagnosis and understanding your options. At RHWC, we’re here to guide you through every step of your fertility journey.
Start with a consultation and get the answers you need with Dr. Marcus Rosencrantz at Reproductive Health and Wellness Center in Laguna Hills, CA.
Founder and Doctor at RHWC
