In case there are difficulties with conception, one of the first questions which arises in society is, “What is wrong with the woman?”
And here is a fact which is surprising for a lot of people: the problem with male infertility causes almost 50% of infertility problems. Yes, being infertile is not only a women’s health issue. Male fertility plays an important role as well. Unfortunately, male infertility remains a taboo subject. Men are hesitant to talk about their fertility challenges, get tested, or even consider that their infertility might lead to problems.
Here at Revyve Fertility, we are convinced that this approach should be changed with the help of increased awareness.
Understanding Male Infertility
Infertility in men basically implies that there may be some problems with their ability to contribute to conception because of problems with sperm production, quality, or delivery of sperms.
In order to achieve natural conception, sperms should be healthy, be produced in appropriate quantities, and be capable of reaching the egg and fertilizing it. If any of these factors be influenced, the possibility of conception will decrease.
It is crucial to point out that there can be no evident symptoms for infertility. In many cases, it becomes known only after a couple fails to conceive for some time.
Why Can Men Be Infertile?
The exact cause is not always one. Sometimes it involves a few different aspects. One of the main reasons for male infertility is low sperm count. It means less possibility of fertilization.
In other cases, sperm may be present but may not move properly. This is called poor sperm motility. Since sperm need to swim to reach the egg, movement plays a major role. Sperm shape also matters. Abnormal sperm morphology can affect the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. Apart from these, hormonal imbalances can interfere with sperm production. Varicocele, infection, diabetes, and genetics can have an effect on fertility.
Lifestyle habits have more influence than many men think. Sperm health can be adversely affected by smoking, binge drinking, sleep deprivation, long-term stress, obesity, and bad eating habits. Modern life can quietly affect fertility in ways many men don’t expect.
When Should You Seek Help?
Many men think that if they feel healthy, fertility should not be a problem at all. But many times, fertility issues are silent issues.
If you have been having difficulty conceiving for over a year now, then it is high time that you consider getting a fertility consultation. This will help you save precious time and avoid stress.
The Good News: Treatment is Possible
Another myth concerning male infertility is that nothing can be done. This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Luckily, there are numerous causes of male infertility that can be successfully treated. First, sometimes all you need to do to boost sperm production is make some basic lifestyle adjustments – improve your diet, exercise regularly, reduce stress and get enough sleep. For others, medication or hormone therapy might be helpful, while for some men a relatively minor surgery will make a difference. Moreover, more advanced treatments such as IUI, IVF, and ICSI have made wonders for many couples.
Breaking the Silence
Fertility can be very stressful for many people, but it should not be made worse by any blame or silence. Fertility is a process that concerns both individuals and requires equal consideration from both sides. As professionals at Revyve Fertility, we strive to help our patients open up about their fertility and take appropriate action early on. In many cases, the first thing one needs to do is begin the discussion. And that discussion can make all the difference.
