If you are looking into the reasons that you are not conceiving a baby as quickly as you would expect, one of the first steps is to seek the help of an infertility specialist.
Infertility happens in both men and women, so it is important that both you and your partner get your health checked.
A specialist will help you determine what your next steps should be.
What causes male infertility?
There are many causes of male infertility. More than 90% of cases of male infertility are a result of low sperm counts or poor sperm quality, but hormonal, anatomical, and genetic factors may also play a roll.
When you meet your specialist for the first time, he or she will take a complete medical history and discuss your current health status in order to determine the next steps for diagnosis and treatment.
Here are the factors that will come up at your first appointment:
1. Lifestyle
The specialist will want to hear about your current and past practices with regard to:
- Certain prescription medications
- Smoking
- Drinking or drugs use
2. Sexual history
You will be asked if you have or have had:
- STDs
- UTIs
- Prostatitis
- Impotence or ejaculatory problems
3. Hormone levels
Your specialist will want to review the levels of these hormones:
- FSH
- Prolactin
- Androgen, e.g., testosterone
4. Past medical problems
You will be asked if you have or have had:
- Mumps after puberty
- Hernia repairs
- Groin injuries
- History of undescended testicles
5. Reproductive organs
In addition to a review of your history and hormone results, the specialist will conduct an examination of your:
- Pubic hair growth
- Scrotum
- Penis
- Prostate
Get help
Are you struggling to cope with infertility? Pam Kelberg is here to support you on your fertility journey. Call now to learn how she can help you individually, or as a couple, or just fill out the contact form and click Send.
Click here to learn more about what to expect when visiting your doctor from Resolve.org.
