infertility means not being able to become pregnant after a year of trying. If a woman keeps having miscarriages, it is also called infertility. Lots of couples have infertility problems. About a third of the time, infertility can be traced to the woman. In another third of cases, it is because of the man. The rest of the time, it is because of both partners or no cause is found.
If you think you might be infertile, tell your doctor. For a man, a first step is often a sperm test. For women, doctors run tests to see if their ovaries work properly. Women in their 30s who have been trying to get pregnant for six months should consider seeking help. A woman's chances of having a baby drop rapidly every year after age 30.
The most common cause of male infertility is a varicocele (say: "var-ee-koh-seal"). This is when the veins in the scrotum (the skin "sack" that hangs beneath the penis) are dilated (enlarged) on 1 or both sides. This heats the inside of the scrotum and may affect sperm production. A blockage in a man's reproductive system may cause male infertility. Some medicines can also cause infertility.
Other causes of male infertility may include:
Other causes of male infertility may include:
Sometimes the cause of male infertility cannot be identified. In these cases, there may be an underlying genetic problem.
Should men be checked for infertility?
Yes. It's important to identify and treat any correctable problems. In some men, a doctor's exam may find an underlying medical problem that is causing the infertility.
Your doctor will obtain your medical history, examine you and test your semen at least twice. A semen analysis can tell your doctor about your sperm count and sperm quality. These are important parts of fertility. More testing may be needed, depending on the results of this first evaluation.
