Male infertility is real, and so are the treatments

When a heterosexual couple—a man and a woman—faces difficulty conceiving, there is a 30% to 50% chance that the man is the one experiencing infertility. Male infertility is real, it is common, and there are ways to treat it. The important thing to understand is that if a couple is unable to conceive, the causes of infertility may lie with the woman, the man, or both, though it is never anyone's fault. The best way to handle the situation is for both partners to see a fertility specialist to find the cause. 

Of all the medical specialties, which one? 

When it comes to male infertility, it is most commonly detected and addressed by urologists or endocrinologists, but in both cases, it is recommended that they have training and experience in the field of reproduction. The main difference between these specialists is that urologists have an in-depth understanding of male anatomy, while reproductive endocrinologists are obstetrician-gynecologists who specialize in issues related to hormones and fertility. Generally, they work to detect and resolve any infertility problems men may have, but fertility treatments and procedures are performed on women. It is highly recommended that you see both! And if they can work as a team, even better. 

A treatment for every case

It is common for in vitro fertilization to be the first option considered in cases of male infertility. However, it is not always advisable to reach this point without first knowing the exact cause of the infertility. There are simpler options such as sperm retrieval, hormonal treatments, and intrauterine insemination. In fact, male infertility can even be addressed through lifestyle changes. See a fertility specialist who will, whenever possible, look for less invasive and more effective treatments.

Ruling out high-risk conditions

In some cases, male infertility can be a symptom of a high-risk medical condition. For example, the hormonal imbalances that cause male infertility can increase the risk of having a pituitary tumor. That is why it is so important that, in addition to treating the infertility, you insist that specialists provide you with a complete diagnosis of the cause.

What to expect? 

One of the most common procedures in cases of male infertility is a semen analysis. This may be done several times throughout the process to measure progress. But, as with all fertility treatments, it takes time. Unlike eggs, which are limited, sperm are created every day. Spermatogenesis, which is the process of sperm formation, lasts approximately 74 days. That is roughly the period it takes to make a difference in a man's fertility. For example, if the decision was to make an initial attempt to improve fertility through lifestyle changes, the ideal approach is to repeat the semen analysis 2 to 3 months later to evaluate the results.

There are options

Fortunately, fertility treatments exist and can be accompanied by a series of actions that will help you achieve holistic health. During the process, it is important to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health with the guidance of a fertility specialist. If you are facing male infertility, we send you our encouragement and support.