Learn how the prevalence of male infertility affects couples hoping to build a family
Understanding the prevalence of male infertility can help patients at our Tennessee fertility clinic receive the right diagnosis and treatment. But how common is male infertility? According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, male infertility causes a couple’s fertility struggles about 40% of the time.
While male infertility is common, our clinic offers hope. The doctors at Nashville Fertility Center can order comprehensive tests to help determine if male infertility is an issue. Based on the results, our team can develop a customized treatment plan to make parenthood possible.
The prevalence of male infertility is due to a range of issues
Issues with sperm production, the characteristics of the sperm or the delivery of sperm can all cause male infertility. The following problems can lead to these issues.
Sperm disorders. There is a high prevalence of male infertility related to abnormal sperm morphology (shape) and motility (movement). A man may also have a low sperm count.
Hormonal imbalance. An imbalance in a man’s reproductive hormones can cause infertility.
Obstructive azoospermia. Azoospermia, the absence of viable sperm in a man’s ejaculate, can be due to a blockage in the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. A vasectomy, certain infections, congenital issues and scar tissue can all cause this type of azoospermia.
Non-obstructive azoospermia. This condition occurs when a man produces very low quantities of sperm or no sperm at all. Often, the levels of sperm are so low that they never leave the testicles. This issue can occur due to certain genetic issues or varicoceles. The use of testosterone and other steroids as well as chemotherapy and radiation can cause non-obstructive azoospermia.
In addition to these issues, our Tennessee fertility clinic finds that lifestyle factors like heavy drinking, smoking and drug use can contribute to the prevalence of male infertility.
Male fertility evaluations help doctors provide men with the right infertility diagnosis
Our doctors use several tests to determine if male infertility is contributing to a couple’s fertility struggles. These tests provide information about a man’s sperm, genetics and hormone levels.
Semen analysis. After reviewing a man’s medical history, the fertility doctor orders a semen analysis. If it reveals abnormalities, we may refer the man to a urologist for further evaluation.
Genetic testing. People can often learn more about their fertility from genetic testing. Chromosomal abnormalities can cause a low sperm count or the absence of sperm in semen.
Bloodwork. A blood test allows doctors to assess hormones that affect a man’s sperm production and sexual function.
After reviewing the results of a man’s fertility evaluations, the doctor can recommend an effective treatment plan. Often, the leading-edge treatments at our Tennessee fertility clinic result in the birth of a healthy baby. Contact us to learn more about the question of how common is male infertility.