Infertility isn’t just a woman’s issue – in approximately 40% of couples, the male partner is either the primary cause or a contributing cause of infertility. Unfortunately, the majority of the books, websites, blogs, and support groups are targeted at women who are struggling with infertility, with few resources available for men.

Men suffering from infertility are often shocked to find out that they’re unable to impregnate their partner, and often have just as much difficulty dealing with it emotionally as infertile women. There are several causes of male infertility, and if your partner is facing one of them there are many ways you can help him deal with it. Dr. Walid Saleh of SIRM Dallas in Dallas, Texas talks about what causes male infertility and how you and your partner can get through it together.

What Causes Male Infertility?

There are a number of issues that can cause male infertility. If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, it’s important for both of you to get checked out. When evaluating the male partner of a couple for infertility, Fertility Specialists will take a detailed medical history, conduct a full physical exam, and take a semen sample for analysis. Occasionally, additional testing may be requested including endocrine labs (blood draw), an ultrasound, or genetic testing.

Some of the most common causes of male infertility include:

  • Structural abnormalities which prevent the sperm/seminal fluid from getting where it needs to be
  • Production of abnormal sperm
  • Little or no sperm production, also known as non-obstructive azoospermia
  • Obstructive azoospermia, wherein the testicles produce sperm, but something obstructs it from being discharged.
  • Endocrine disorders or antisperm antibodies that can make it difficult for sperm to penetrate the egg
  • Ejaculatory issues

If you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant and would like to see a fertility specialist at SIRM Dallas for an evaluation, please call (972) 566-6686.

Treatments Options for Male Infertility

After determining the cause of your partner’s infertility, our fertility specialists will put together a personalized treatment plan to put you on the path to parenthood. There are a number of non-invasive procedures available to help with male infertility:

  • Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA): A technique used collect seminal fluid from the epididymis using small needles.
  • Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA): A procedure used to collect the sperm directly from the testes using small needles.
  • Trans-rectal Ultrasound of the Prostate with Seminal Vesicle Aspiration: A test utilizing ultrasound to see if there is a blockage and, if so, pinpoint the location.
  • Microscopic Varicocel Repair: One of the most frequently used techniques to treat male infertility, this procedure focuses on decreasing venous blood flow in the reproductive tract and improving testicular function by reducing scrotal temperature.

Connection is Key

Men struggle with their infertility diagnosis and what it means for your family. Societal beliefs and ideas surrounding male infertility can affect your partner’s self-esteem and he may feel guilty when he sees your anguish at not getting pregnant month after month. In this stressful situation, the best way to get through it is to support each other. Take time to connect, spend time together, and do whatever you love to do to release stress.

It may also be beneficial to seek out a qualified therapist trained in helping individuals deal with infertility. Call SIRM Dallas at (972) 566-6686 if you’d like help finding resources in Dallas, Texas.

When dealing with male factor infertility, being diagnosed and determining an individualized treatment plan is a crucial first step. Make an appointment today to meet with our fertility experts at SIRM Dallas to help you realize your dream of having a baby. You can reach us at (972) 566-6686.