Male infertility is more common than you realize

Our Houston urologists diagnose and treat male infertility. Among couples who have a fertility problem, up to one third are facing an issue with the male partner. Another one third of cases involve fertility problems with both the male and the female partner. For men, sperm disorders cause many fertility issues.

Structural problems, chronic health issues, injuries and lifestyle decisions can also affect a man’s ability to impregnate his female partner. Our physicians help men deal with infertility with lifestyle change recommendations, medications and surgical procedures.

When should a man see a doctor about fertility issues?

A man who has been having unprotected sex with his partner for one year without conceiving, or who has a partner age 35 or older who hasn’t conceived after six months, should see our physicians for an examination.

Men should get an appointment as soon as possible if they experience any of the following issues while trying to get their partners pregnant.

• Male sexual dysfunction problems, such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction
• Low sex drive
• Swelling, a lump, pain or discomfort in the testicles
• Past surgery involving the penis, testicles or prostate

What causes male infertility?

Sperm disorders are the most common cause of male fertility complications. These range from a low sperm count to problems with sperm movement, known as motility, and abnormalities in the sperm’s shape. In some cases, men may not produce any sperm at all. Structural issues in a man’s reproductive system may also cause problems with fertility.

• Varicoceles – swollen veins in the scrotum
• Retrograde ejaculation – instead of leaving the penis, semen backs up into the bladder
• Tubal obstruction – a blockage in a vas deferens, a tube sperm travel through

Low hormone levels; certain medications; and immunologic infertility, where men make antibodies that attack their sperm, also affect men’s ability to impregnate their partners.

How do our Houston urologists diagnose male fertility problems?

Our physicians begin their analysis for male infertility by taking a medical history and performing a physical exam. Patients also need a semen analysis, and some men may need a hormonal profile. Our urologists may also order a transrectal ultrasound to check for blockages or structural abnormalities.

How do physicians treat infertility?

Treatment for fertility issues depends on the diagnosis. It ranges from hormone treatments to medications that treat infections or problems like premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. Our Houston urologists also perform surgery to correct structural issues like varicoceles.

Sometimes men who have sperm disorders benefit from lifestyle changes, such as getting to and maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, exercising, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking and avoiding toxic substances. In other cases, men need to see a reproductive endocrinologist with their partners to discuss assisted reproductive technology, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Men who have problems with male infertility should contact us for an appointment.