Are There Symptoms of Male Factor Infertility?
An infertility diagnosis can often come as a surprise. There are certain situations in which a person might already be aware of or suspect a possible fertility issue, but outside of these cases, symptoms of male infertility specifically are not well known.
Ultimately, it is important for anyone who suspects an issue or those who’ve tried to conceive for six months to a year without success, to visit with a fertility specialist. Male fertility testing should be part of initial screenings for those seeking assisted reproductive services. If only the female partner (in a heterosexual relationship) is tested, it could delay vital treatment approaches because doctors only know one half of a couple’s reproductive story.
In the meantime, it can be very helpful to better understand male infertility and the symptoms that can present a potential issue with conceiving.
Male factor infertility symptoms
- Hormonal and/or chromosomal abnormalities: A loss or decrease in body or facial hair can be indicative of underlying issues that can lead to infertility.
- Loss of sense of smell
- Repeat respiratory infections
- Testicular concerns: Swelling, pain, or lumps that develop and remain over time
- Changes or issues with sexual functionality: Decreased semen amounts in ejaculate, problems ejaculating, reduced libido, or erectile disfunction (ED) are all examples
If any of these symptoms should occur, the first step needed is to consult with your general practitioner. It is possible that an underlying medical issue is present and in need of proper diagnosis and treatment. Once this is established, you may be directed to a fertility specialist who can assist with your individual needs. Treatment for male factor infertility is available. For example, fertility services like in vitro fertilization (IVF) are used for both male and female factor infertility needs.
What is happening when male factor infertility occurs?
When sperm is healthy it is able to move with ease, it is of a good shape, and within a desirable range of volume. If there are fertility issues, one or more of these characteristics is negatively affected. It is also possible for fertility issues to be present from a young age in the event that normal reproductive development does not take place. Semen analysis is used to review the health of a patient’s overall fertility health, it can determine whether a fertility issue is present.
Once more, it is important for both partners to consider fertility testing if conception is proving allusive in the initial six months to a year of trying. Please talk to your fertility specialist about including a male factor screening.