Male Infertility Guide

Understanding Male Infertility

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What is the official definition of male infertility ?

Male infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child, caused by factors that are not related to the female. Several factors can lead to male infertility, including low sperm production, immobile sperm, malformed sperm, or blockages that prevent sperm delivery to the semen. These conditions can result from illnesses, infections, chronic health problems, injuries and/or environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals.

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What is erectile dysfunction / impotence ?

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is an inability to get an erection that is good enough to achieve intercourse. The severity of erectile dysfunction can vary from complete lack of erection, to a partial erection that is not enough to penetrate your partner or is lost soon after you penetrate. Although erectile dysfunction is typically more common among older men, it can occur at any age.

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What is premature ejaculation ?

Premature ejaculation happens when a man has an orgasm too soon during intercourse to satisfy his partner. The condition is typically caused by anxiety or too much stimulation, and is often more common during the early stages of a relationship. Premature ejaculation does not usually require treatment and improves on its own.

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Is erectile dysfunction / impotence a cause or symptom of male infertility ?

Erectile dysfunction can cause male infertility because it interrupts or prevents intercourse. In order to conceive a child, sperm must be delivered to your partner’s egg during intercourse. Thus, problems that prevent or interrupt intercourse cause the inability to deliver sperm to the egg and lead to infertility. Having an erectile dysfunction does not mean you are infertile.

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Is premature ejaculation a cause or symptom of male infertility ?

Premature ejaculation is another possible cause for male infertility. As with erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation can prevent the delivery of sperm to the egg. This is especially the case when premature ejaculation occurs before penetration. However, if premature ejaculation happens during penetration, it may be sufficient enough to deliver sperm to the egg and cause fertilization. If you experience premature ejaculation, it does not mean you are infertile.

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Can I experience male factor infertility even if my sperm count is healthy ?

Yes, you can experience infertility even if you have a normal sperm count. Male infertility can be caused by low sperm mobility, malformed sperm, as well as blockages in the sperm ducts that prevent the sperm from entering the semen. Even though your sperm count is normal, these other factors can cause infertility.

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Semen Analysis

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Does a semen analysis hurt ? How is this procedure performed ?

Semen analysis is a pain free procedure that measures the amount and quality of a man’s semen and sperm. In order to do the analysis, you’ll need to provide a sample of your semen. This can be done by collecting a semen sample into a sterile container during masturbation, or by using a special condom that collects the sample during intercourse. Once you deliver the sample to your health care provider they will run the analysis in a laboratory.

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Is sexual intercourse or masturbation off-limits before a semen analysis ?

You should avoid all sexual activity for two to three days before having the semen analysis. Sexual activity leads to ejaculation, which can lower your sperm count temporarily and affect the test results. On the day of the test, you need to collect the sample and then deliver it to the laboratory within two hours for the most accurate results.

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Why are the results of my current semen analysis different from my original semen analysis ?

Men’s ability to produce viable and healthy sperm can change considerably over the years. This can be caused by several factors including aging, exposure to certain chemicals, infection and certain illnesses. There are also factors that can temporarily lower your sperm count, such as stress. Thus, it is fairly common that your current semen analysis differs from one done a few years back. Minor differences can also be accounted for due to varying techniques used in different laboratories. However having an analysis performed in one laboratory versus another, should not create a significant enough difference to affect the results of a normal vs. abnormal semen analysis.

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Low Sperm Count

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What is the sperm count for healthy semen ?

Normal sperm count is typically between 20 to 150 million sperm per milliliter of semen. In addition, at least 60 percent of the sperm should have normal motility and shape. However, these values can slightly vary depending on the laboratory that analyzes the semen sample.

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If I have a low sperm count, am I infertile ?

Low sperm count is one of the leading causes of male infertility. Although low sperm count decreases you and your partner’s chances of conceiving a child through intercourse, it does not mean you cannot father a child.

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What infertility treatments are recommended for low sperm count ?

The treatment options for low sperm count depend on the underlying causes for the condition. For example, if low sperm count is caused by swelling of the veins that drain testicles, or blockage of the sperm ducts, these can be treated with surgery. If the condition is caused by infection or hormonal imbalances, these can be treated with certain medications. In some cases the low sperm count can’t be treated and the only option for you to father a child is to use assisted reproductive technology (ART). This is done by taking the sperm directly from the testicle and then artificially injecting it into the egg. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common ART treatment.

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Can an STD cause low sperm count ?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause low sperm count. These infections can interfere with sperm production and cause scarring that blocks the passage of the sperm. STDs can be treated with antibiotics, and treatment usually returns your sperm count to normal. Untreated STDs can lower your sperm count permanently.

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Can excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages cause low sperm count ?

Excessive drinking can lower your testosterone levels and decrease sperm production, leading to low sperm count.

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