Infertility; a topic that most men would avoid touching with a yard stick. It brings a discomfort and embarrassment that cannot be articulated. However, today men are beginning to accept the fact that infertility is not only a woman’s problem. It is a couple’s problem. Longing for a child, makes both the man and woman reevaluate their lifestyle and genetics.
Doctor’s Office
When a couple fails to conceive after a year of trying, it gets termed as infertility. The causes could be numerous. Here we focus on the ones that the men have to deal with. The first step when a couple decides to seek treatment, is finding a reliable urologist. The doctor will conduct a few tests from which he can determine cause. Usually a semen analysis is conducted. In this analysis the doctor checks for how frequently the sperm are produced and if they are projected in the semen. He will also check for the movement of the sperm. Sperm that doesn’t move normally cannot fertilize an egg. And then he will check for sperm form and structure. Once the doctor has done all the required tests and understands your problems, he will be able to guide you to a successful path of child bearing.
Causes of Infertility
There are varied reasons for infertility in men. Causes that range from physical problems to hormonal imbalances to psychological problems. Most doctors are of the opinion that men who live a healthy lifestyle are more likely to produce healthy sperm. So, if there are some troubles in the sperm pool, it’s time to look at your “overall” health. Stress and poor eating habits are main reasons that impact male fertility. Poor eating habits lead to deficiencies in vitamin c and zinc that is essential for a good sperm count. Although exercise is essential, intense exercise can increase levels of adrenal steroid hormones that can cause low testosterone production.
Hormonal imbalances in the pituitary and thyroid glands are also causes for infertility. Varicocele is the problem of engorged varicose veins that develop in the scrotum and prevent regular blood flow. This obstructs the sperm in the spermatic cord that connects the testicle. Retrograde ejaculation is also a cause that is physically challenging in producing sperm.
How to Improve Your Chances
Once the reason for your infertility is diagnosed, the doctor will recommend the right treatment for you. Those with low sperm count will be advised to have intercourse less frequently so that they can build a better concentration of sperm. Those with abnormal hormones need to start taking medication immediately. Retrograde ejaculation is usually when the sperm enters into the bladder. This can be countered by over the counter cold medicine. Varicocele can be treated with surgery. Artificial insemination and other assisted reproductive techniques are also helpful in many cases. New emerging methods like intrauterine insemination are also allowing couples to bring to life their dream of a baby.
Most of these cases, hope is an important factor. Science has advanced so much today that there will be a way to find a solution for you as long as you are patient and don’t give up hope. Infertility can be a huge stress in itself for couples. Treatments are painful and expensive, not to mention totally depressive, when they don’t work. But usually once you start treatment and forge ahead with a positive attitude; your dream will soon be realized.
