by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: July 01, 2008   Last Updated: March 12, 2012

What is infertility? The American Society for Reproductive Medicine defines it as a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function or reproduction.

There are risk factors that are often related to male infertility.

*testicular trauma
*history of prostatitis
*exposure to lead, mercury, vinyl chloride, cadmium, radioactivity

*exposure of genitals to high temperatures
*repairing of hernias
*alcoholism or heavy drinking
*DES taken by mother during pregnancy
*prescription drugs for psoriasis or ulcer

Testing is required to determine what the issue may be causing male infertility. Your health care professional will do a complete check up that includes basic health and diet questions that may have an influence. Then more specific testing will be done to determine the proper treatment and the best chance of a successful pregnancy.

Treatment options for male infertility include the following:

{} Hormone Levels

Sometimes infertility can be caused by too much or too little of certain hormones. Sometimes the problem is the way the body uses a particular hormone. In these cases the doctor may recommend medication to change the level or hormones. Hormone replacements may be an option as well.

{} Surgery

Varicocele is a dilation or enlargement of the internal spermatic veins that drain the testicle. This develops because the valves that normally allow for blood to flow away from the testicle are defective. This is a repair that is done with surgery.

If there is a blockage of the vas deferens this can also be repaired with surgery.

{} Sexual Malfunctions

For conditions such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation there are medications and counseling that can help improve the situation.

{} Sperm Issues

Many sperm issues can be overcome by removing the sperm directly from the testicles and injected into the egg. Sometimes life style changes can also increase low sperm counts. Often medication can be affecting the mobility of the sperm.

One of the most important things to remember is that these are medical conditions and should be treated as such. There should be no blame attached to infertility. It can become very difficult for a man from a performance standard if the pressure becomes too much. Stress can cause a large number of problems when trying to conceive.

Trust your health care professional to guide you in the best direction and be sure to follow their advice closely.

There are always other options to build a family as well. On a personal note I will be forever grateful to the loving family who could not have children and now have my beautiful twin nephews as their children. Food for thought.

Reference:
www.healthcare.utah.edu
www.mayoclynic.com

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