Male fertility is often overlooked, but for those men who want to eventually become dads, learning about and taking charge of your fertility now can save you and your partner heartache down the road. Here are 5 important points you need to know.
- MALE INFERTILITY MAKES UP 50% OF ALL INFERTILITY CASES. 1 in 6 couples has problems conceiving. However, most men don’t go in for a noninvasive diagnosis until their partners have endured extensive evaluations. Male comprehensive tests, including hormonal testing, semen analysis and testicular ultrasounds, are simple and painless.
- PERFORM SELF-EXAMS AND GET YOUR CHECK-UPS. Examining your scrotum monthly not only helps you identify the early stages of testicular cancer but also possible varicoceles, and enlarged veins in the scrotum that can cause future infertility. A yearly check-up with a urologist can keep you better informed about your reproductive health as well.
- 1% OF THE MALE POPULATION HAS NO SPERM IN THEIR SEMEN. If you and your partner are struggling to conceive, ask for a semen analysis from your urologist. Depending on the results, surgery to remove a blockage or a sperm retrieval from the testicles may be necessary. Even simple medication treatments may be available.
- AGE CAN AFFECT YOUR SPERM. While men can still procreate well into their later years, their sperm numbers decline along with their testosterone. In addition, research has found older sperm can contribute to conditions like autism and schizophrenia in children who are conceived after their father turns 50.
- IF YOU AREN’T READY FOR CHILDREN, FREEZE YOUR SPERM! You may want children, but not right now. Freezing your sperm allows you the freedom to plan for a family when you are ready, whether that’s in 10 years or 30! That’s even more important for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
ARE YOU READY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR FERTILITY HEALTH? SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION!
