Fertility Options Coach

Men may be particularly sensitive about infertility. Male identity is frequently closely tied to sexual performance and virility. Often there are no symptoms of male infertility other than the inability to conceive so infertility is often considered to be a woman’s problem. The truth is that about 40% of infertility is due to male factors. Men may not talk much about their fertility but it is a common problem.

Male fertility starts with large quantities of healthy, well-formed sperm. About 90% of male infertility is caused by low sperm counts. Low sperm count can be caused by pollution, diet, genetics and many other factors. Other causes of male infertility can include sperm that die too quickly or are not formed properly, and physical problems such as enlarged scrotal veins (varicocele) or fluid accumulation in the scrotum (hydrocele). Correcting circulation to the testes with exercise or surgery may restore fertility.

Under current guidelines from the World Health Organization a sperm sample is considered to be normal if there are at least 20 million sperm per milliliter and at least 50% of those sperm are moving. If there are less than 20 million sperm or fewer of them are mobile, then it is considered to be abnormal. However, the National Cooperative Reproductive Medicine Network proposed new guidelines in 2001 that suggest a sperm count of greater than 48 million per milliliter and more than 63% mobility is normal. Anything between 13.5 million and 48 million would be considered to be in a “grey area” according to the proposed guidelines. Those with fewer than 13.5 million sperm and fewer than 32% mobility would be considered infertile.

There are many simple things you can do to improve sperm quality and sperm count. Nutrition is one of the most important steps to better sperm, although there are also a number of herbs proven to improve your odds of fertility. It is important to note that men also need proper levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone. There are a number of herbs that will help to make sure your hormones are properly balanced.

Start with a thorough health workup and sperm analysis. Talk to your doctor about any concerns that arise. Thyroid problems or diabetes can also interfere with proper hormone levels so it is important to discuss these issues with your doctor.

Between 28% and 71% of men with low sperm count are in fact suffering from an infection in the reproductive organs. Infections of the prostate and epididymis (a tubular structure secretion collectors on top of each testis) can interfere with sperm production or block the path of sperm. Infections can lead to anti-sperm antibodies. Some infections, such as Chlamydia, are sexually transmitted. Many infections have no outward symptoms, they just silently cause inflammation that can block the flow of sperm. They may also cause sperm anti-bodies to form, causing the immune system to kill sperm. Treating the infection with antibiotics can often restore fertility.

Some infections, such as an inflammation of the testicles following the mumps can result in permanent infertility. Chromosomal abnormalities such as Klinefelter’s syndrome may be associated with permanent infertility.

There are natural treatments for many causes of male infertility. Many natural remedies have astoundingly high success rates in scientific studies.

The mere thought of a sperm test is enough to send many men squirming right out the door. Yet male infertility accounts is about as common as female infertility – and the test is much less invasive than many female infertility tests. Why are so many men reluctant to be tested? For some, it is fear of looking like less of a man. For others, it is just a general discomfort with medical things.

If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year if you are under 30, or more than 6 months if you are over 30, it is time for both of you to be talking to your doctor. Even if you already know that you have a fertility issue, it is important to have your partner tested as well.

Many women have told me that they have undergone painful and expensive infertility treatments, only to find that their male partner also had fertility problems. A simple sperm analysis is only about $90-125 even without insurance, and it can save a whole lot of heartache and expense.

My husband and I were shocked to find out that he had morphology issues (sperm shape and function). We had assumed that since he had one child from a previous marriage, and we had gotten pregnant with our first child easily, that any fertility problems must be mine.

If you can get your partner to open up about why he is refusing to be tested, it can help clear things up. If not, you can still work towards getting him tested by gently explaining that the test for him is non-invasive and that it will bring you a lot of peace of mind to know the results. You can also explain that in many cases, any problems can be treated easily.

Let him know that by being tested, he can make it easier on you and save money on treatments by narrowing down the cause. Assure him that your feelings for him will not change, no matter what the test results. Men play tough, but they often really fear losing a woman’s love if they are not perfect.

Finally, find some simple but good information online that can help him to understand how important this test is in helping you achieve your goal of a healthy baby.