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A host of issues can cause fertility complications. Still, it’s estimated that close to half of all infertility cases suffered by couples are related to men’s infertility or a combination of women’s and men’s infertility. Male infertility is any men’s health issue that lowers the chances of his partner getting pregnant.
Male fertility specialists at TUCC can shed light on the causes and potential treatments for men’s infertility problems.
Producing mature, healthy sperm capable of travel depends on several conditions. Some potential causes of infertility in men include:
A semen analysis can pinpoint many of the problems that might be complicating the situation—whether that’s a physical issue preventing the sperm from being ejaculated normally or another issue that impacts the quality and production of the sperm.
At TUCC’s Center for Men’s Health, we can assess infertility cases through semen analysis, physical exams, and hormone evaluations. Semen analysis can detect:
Two normal semen analyses are typically required to rule out significant infertility problems. Following the semen analysis, your TUCC physician will perform a physical exam to look for any varicoceles (blockage of the spermatic cord).
Hormonal imbalances do not impact the fertility of the majority of men. However, we test the testosterone levels of every male fertility patient at the Center for Men’s Health.
Low testosterone is diagnosed through a blood test determining testosterone level and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). This protein binds testosterone and makes it unavailable for use by the target organ.
Our reproductive urologists will find the best course of treatment to address any instances of male infertility.
If your semen analysis proves irregular and you’ve been diagnosed with infertility, your TUCC physician will first discuss potential behavioral changes that could improve your chances of conceiving. This could include having sex less often to build up a better concentration of sperm. Meanwhile, retrograde ejaculation—when semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis during orgasm—can often be treated with over-the-counter cold medicine. Finally, if abnormal hormone levels are detected following a semen analysis, you may be a candidate for hormonal replacement therapy.
Our Doctors are specially trained in basic to advanced male infertility procedures and men’s reproductive health. With modern technology and methods—and the best male fertility doctors in Colorado—the number of treatment options at TUCC for male infertility has expanded. Depending on the cause of infertility, treatments may include:
Male infertility is the inability to conceive a child with a known fertile female.
Male infertility can be caused by many factors such as hormone disorders, medications, injury or infection of the reproductive anatomy, obstruction, illness, sexual dysfunction or drugs, tobacco, and alcohol use.
Yes. Male infertility can be caused by low sperm mobility, malformed sperm, anti-sperm antibodies, poor sperm viability (forward progression), and blockages in the sperm ducts that prevent the sperm from entering the semen.
Semen analysis is a pain-free procedure that measures the amount and quality of a man’s ejaculate. You must provide a sample of your semen, collected into a sterile container during masturbation or by using a special condom that collects the sample during intercourse.
Having erectile dysfunction does not mean you are infertile. However, erectile dysfunction can interrupt or prevent intercourse.
According to the Mayo Clinic, normal sperm densities range from 15 million to greater than 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Therefore, you have a low sperm count if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter or less than 39 million sperm total per ejaculate.
Low sperm count is one of the leading causes of male infertility. However, even if a male has decreased fertility, a fertile female may still be able to get pregnant.
If the low sperm count is caused by swelling of the veins that drain testicles (varicocele) or blockage of the sperm ducts (ejaculatory duct obstruction), these can be treated with surgery. In addition, these can be treated with certain medications if the condition is caused by infection or hormonal imbalances. In some cases, the low sperm count can’t be treated, and the only option for fertility is to use assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Yes, alcohol can lower sperm count. Excessive drinking can lower testosterone levels and decrease sperm production, leading to low sperm count.
Regarding boxers vs. briefs: though wearing tight underwear holds your testicles close to your body and might seem to cause pressure and increase the temperature in your scrotum, there is NO proven impact on fertility.
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