Is Male Infertility a Big Deal?

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 4 years ago · 7 min read

Choosing to start a family is no small decision, and many couples think long and hard about how a child will impact their relationship, their careers, their finances, their schedules, and their long-term plans. However, if you and your partner have trying unsuccessfully for several months to conceive, there may be some concern that infertility is hindering your plans. The most general assumption is that the female partner is struggling with fertility, but the most recent research shows that male infertility might be preventing your family expansion, as 40-50% of all visits to fertility specialists deal with male challenges. Most of the data and the studies conducted have surrounded the female infertility experience, but more attention need to given to the potential contribution that males make when conception isn’t happening in a timely manner. In order to understand a little bit more about this dynamic, consider the following information about sperm production.

The Male Patterns

Females go through cycles of fertility, which is what makes it easier to predict the most opportune moments for sex and reproduction. Males, however, maintain continuous sperm production, and the estimate is that a single heartbeat can produce up to 1,500 sperm. When it comes to fertility, abnormalities in sperm production and low sperm count are factors, just as transport and delivery can affect conception. There are five primary areas that affect the quality and production of sperm.

1. Reproductive Aging. The concept of reproductive aging is shared by both men and women. After the age of 35, semen parameters start to decline, becoming significantly more noticeable after the age of 50.

2. Varicoceles. Similar to varicose veins, a man having a problem with varicoceles within the scrotum might experience infertility. Almost 40% of the men who are infertile have been diagnosed with this condition or enlarged veins.

3. Hormone Imbalance. Males aren’t immune to having problems with irregular hormone levels. Too much estrogen or too little testosterone can cause infertility. Because the thyroid plays a role in regulating hormones, men suffering from thyroid problems can also have difficulty with starting a family.

4. General Health Conditions. If a man is dealing with obesity, infection, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or cancer treatments, it can affect sperm production. One of the more notable causes of male infertility is a link to men who have erectile dysfunction. The topic of ED is gaining more open attention and research when it comes to men's sexual health, and for very good reasons. This condition can stem from more serious underlying conditions of cardiovascular or neurological concern. This condition also reveals low testosterone levels and reduced sexual appetite, all of which affect male performance. However, the research is placing more of an emphasis on finding the earliest links between ED and infertility.

5. Environmental Factors. Some studies claim that certain environmental exposures, such as pesticides, OTC drugs, and cigarette smoke, has a negative effect on sperm movement and development. Further studies are exploring the effects of exposure to toxicants and pollutants as causes of infertility.

Solving the Problem

If the infertility issues are with the male partner in a relationship, neither party should get discouraged. There are treatment plans available to help. Depending on the underlying cause of infertility, treatments might range from medication or hormone therapy to minimally invasive surgery. When issues with erectile dysfunction impact male performance, there are medications available to bring back the vitality and erection needed for intercourse. The Mt. Everest pill combines three powerful medications into one compound, which support the multiple areas of the body necessary for great sex. The medication improves energy, increases libido and sexual appetite, enhances feelings of pleasure, and is designed especially for men who struggle to maintain hard erections during sex. The difference between having ED and simply an off-night in bed is the continual inability to get or keep an erection, but it is also accompanied by a lower sex drive, and often premature ejaculation. This condition often occurs as men age, so if you are over 40 and some of these things are happening quite frequently, you might need to check with your doctor about erectile dysfunction diagnosis. This can severely impact your fertility potential.

If the problems are related to too much estrogen or not enough testosterone, hormone therapy is usually the course of action. In this plan, hormone injections usually bring the hormone levels back into balance, but it can take up to year of the therapy in order to restore sperm production to the point of fertility. Issues with varicocele or other blockages generally require surgical technique to remove the problem areas. Regardless of why the infertility is there or whose fault it is, don’t get stuck in self-guilt, shame, or even apathy. Treatment options are available. Don’t let your fears or embarrassment interrupt your plans to start a family.

Nu Image Medical® offers a new and futuristic approach to achieving optimal health and wellness. The company has been a weight loss, anti-aging and wellness provider since 2004 and offers medically supervised programs for medical weight loss, peptides, erectile dysfunction, scream cream, and hair loss (NuDew) 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.