Men may have doubts about their fertility. To find out if you are infertile before conception, the answer can only be given through tests that evaluate fertility and identify changes in the reproductive organs. Learn more.
When the desire for fatherhood begins to manifest, some fears may arise: how to know if I am infertile? Can I get a woman pregnant? Will it take a long time for me to become a father?
These are extremely important questions to verify before pregnancy, not as a reason for concern, but as a way to assess fertility and ensure everything is ready for this moment.
Next, understand how to evaluate male fertility.
What are the symptoms of male infertility?
There are some signs of male infertility that can be noticed by men and give hints that conceiving a child may be a bit more complicated for the couple. They are:
- Pain, swelling, or lump in the testicle area
- Difficulty ejaculating
- Low semen volume ejaculation
- Lack of libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Anatomical changes in the penis
- Abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia)
- Enlarged testicular veins (varicocele in men)
- Decrease in body or facial hair
A young couple who has been trying to conceive naturally for at least a year also raises an alert. For couples with women over 35, this period is reduced to six months.
Risk factors
The main risk factor for male fertility is damage to the testicles, the sexual glands that produce sperm.
The danger is when the testicles become overheated, making the environment unsuitable for the production and survival of reproductive cells.
Conditions such as cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), varicocele, and infections (such as prostatitis and urinary tract infections) can increase the temperature of the area for extended periods, as well as the habit of wearing tight or synthetic underwear that doesn’t allow for perspiration.
Issues directly related to sexual activity can also compromise fertility. Low sexual frequency, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s Disease, premature ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, and lack of ejaculation can make fertilization difficult.
In addition, an unhealthy lifestyle is a risk factor that should make men consider how to know if I am infertile. The consumption of alcohol, drugs, and steroids is associated with reduced testosterone and semen volume.
Tests requested for diagnosis
How to know if I am infertile is only possible through tests, which, in addition to providing an answer, can indicate the causes if infertility is confirmed. Therefore, it is important for men to undergo some fertility tests:
- Sperm analysis
- Sperm DNA fragmentation test
- Hormonal evaluation (testosterone, FSH, and LH)
- Sperm culture
- Sperm search in urine
- Fructose level in semen
- FISH for sperm
- Testicular ultrasound
Is there treatment for male infertility?
There are several treatments available for infertility. Currently, many causes can be treated, depending on the diagnosis. However, it is necessary to identify the cause to determine the most appropriate treatment for men:
1. Medications
They are indicated for men with some type of infection in the reproductive system, which reduces the quantity and quality of sperm in semen, or for those with ejaculation problems.
2. Hormonal treatment
If a man does not produce enough sperm due to testosterone deficiency, hormone therapy is necessary to regulate sperm production and libido.
3. Surgeries
Surgical treatment is indicated in the case of varicocele to interrupt the blood flow in the dilated veins of the testicle, a very frequent cause of infertility.
However, other surgeries can be performed when hormonal or medication treatments do not work, such as penile prosthesis surgery for erectile dysfunction.
4. Artificial insemination
If a man does not have enough sperm after trying other treatments, sperm can be collected in a laboratory. The collected material is prepared and later applied to the partner’s uterus for fertilization.
5. IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
In IVF, sperm are also collected, but fertilization is done in the laboratory. That is, the prepared sperm are placed with the eggs. After fertilization, the formed embryos are transferred to the uterus.
This treatment may be indicated when semen shows a decrease in quantity, motility, and/or morphology, after medical evaluation.
Can male infertility be prevented?
Male infertility can be prevented in many cases.
However, two studies show that there is a trend of declining fertility, with sperm count dropping worldwide. The first study reports that between 1973 and 2011, this number decreased by 50%. Already between 2014 and 2019, a new meta-analysis showed that this decline was 62% and that the yearly decline doubled since 2000.
Despite this, prevention can be achieved by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs are measures that help improve the quantity and quality of sperm.
Remember that excessive heat can harm sperm production. Therefore, avoid hot baths and very tight clothes.
It is also important to be cautious about exposure to chemicals and toxins, especially for men who work with certain types of materials.
To avoid having to ask “how to know if I am infertile,” men should be alert to signs and seek medical help if they notice that something is not right. Regular medical check-ups to evaluate reproductive health can detect problems early and also represent a measure of fertility preservation.
Men who suspect infertility due to erectile dysfunction or penile curvature can seek Dr. Paulo Egydio to evaluate their condition and discuss possible treatments. Get in touch!
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- What is Prostatitis? Learn About Symptoms, Causes, and Recommended Treatments
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