If you and your partner are trying to conceive but facing some roadblocks, you will want to consider all the possibilities. While around one-third of fertility problems are due to women’s problems, the rest are caused by male infertility.
Fertility problems are not anyone’s fault, there are a few things that a male can consider when trying to conceive.
What is Male Fertility?
Male fertility is dependent upon a man’s ability to produce healthy sperm that can be delivered safely to a woman’s reproductive tract. While men produce sperm throughout their adult lives, the quality of a man’s sperm does decrease as they age. A decreased quality of sperm can lead to an inability to conceive, pregnancy complications and conditions such as autism.
How to Test Fertility in Men
If you are trying to conceive and feel that there may be a problem with your fertility, there are a few ways that you can test this. There is a range of fertility clinics in Melbourne and around Australia where you can seek advice and undergo tests.
The first thing your fertility doctor will do is conduct a general physical and collect your medical history in order to understand things like past surgeries, chronic health problems, medications, sexual development during puberty and your sexual habits.
After this, there will likely be additional tests ordered, including:
- Semen Analysis: You will have to collect a sperm sample which will be analysed in the lab for sperm count and quality.
- Scrotal Ultrasound: Your doctor might order this type of imaging test that can show and diagnose any abnormalities in the scrotum or testicles.
- Transrectal Ultrasound of Prostate: This test will show any obstructions in the prostate glands and ducts that might hinder the transport of the sperm.
- Testicular Biopsy: This involves removing a small piece of tissue from the testicle using a sterile needle. The sample is then analysed under a microscope for cancer.
Possible Treatment for Male Infertility
If you are having problems with fertility, you do have a few options that depend on the cause.
For example, if the cause of your problems conceiving has anything to do with a blockage of the sperm, backwards ejaculation or problems with sexual intercourse, you might consider IVF, or In Vitro Fertilisation. There are many IVF clinics in Melbourne, and the basic process of IVF involves the sperm being injected directly into an egg outside the body, fertilising it before placing it in a woman’s womb.
In addition, your doctor might discuss options with you such as:
- Surgery to improve sperm motion or backwards ejaculation.
- Antibiotics to treat any reproductive system infections.
- Male hormone replacement therapy.
- Sexual intercourse counselling.
- Lifestyle changes, such as quitting drug, tobacco and alcohol intake, as well as dealing better with stress.
Read more about infertility in men and about your options here.