How long do you have to wait, if you are trying to conceive, until you have a sperm test?
If you are under 35, you can wait for a year, but over 35 you should consult your doctor after six months trying to conceive.
Are there any visible signs of male infertility?
Some men will have visible marks, but not all. For example, small testicular size may be associated with hormonal abnormality and infertility. Gynecomastia (which is an enlargement or swelling of the breast tissue in men), obesity, lack of facial or body hair, and low body height are also natural signs of male infertility.
What are the reasons for not being able to conceive naturally?
Sperm disorders: This happens when the sperm is either strangely shaped, does not move properly, has a low number or there is actually no sperm at all. All these different characteristics are analyzed - number, shape and movement. Normal sperm count ranges from 15 million to more than 200 million sperm per ml. Sperm motility must be above 40% T.
Normal sperm count should not be less than 4%. Anomaly in either number, shape or movement can cause infertility.
Varicose veins: There is a link between varicose veins and infertility. It can reduce the number of sperm, reduce sperm motility and cause an increase in the number of deformed sperm.
Varicose veins can also cause excessive heat. Excessive heat damages the sperm by raising the temperature of the testicles, which is supposed to be about 2 ° C colder than the body.
Retrograde ejaculation: This happens when sperm enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis during ejaculation, so it essentially goes back to the body.
Immune sterility: This occurs when antibodies attack the sperm of the human being himself, binding to the surface of the sperm. This can affect sperm motility.
Obstruction: Sometimes the sperm duct can be blocked, which means that the sperm from the testicles cannot leave the body during ejaculation. This blockage can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as infections or surgery (angioectomy).
Hormones: Very low levels of hormones cause poor sperm growth. Any disorder of the thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin and blood sugar hormones can cause male infertility. Testosterone and FSH (the follicle-stimulating hormone, which regulates the body's growth and reproductive processes) can be indicators of male infertility.
Chromosomes: Changes in the number and structure of chromosomes can affect fertility.
Y chromosome infertility is a condition that affects sperm production and causes male infertility, which means that it is difficult or impossible for infected men to conceive. Any other chromosomal abnormality can also affect the sperm.
Medication: Some drugs can change sperm production, function and quality. Hypertension drugs and antidepressants have been found to be responsible for erectile dysfunction. Chemotherapy can completely damage sperm production.
Can you deal with any of the above?
Sperm disorders should be thoroughly evaluated and treatment should be scheduled accordingly. A surgical approach or hormonal support are methods commonly used in the treatment of male infertility.
Cases of male infertility are treated with the use of intracellular sperm injection (sperm injection into the egg with a microscope) which gives satisfactory pregnancy rates even in severe cases.
* The content on this blog is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health care providers with questions you may have about medical conditions.