What is Male Infertility?

Infertility affects 15% of all couples (2.4 million dollars) in their childbearing years. As a result, one in eight couples will struggle with infertility, regardless of whether the diagnosis is primary or secondary. Although 40% of the causes of male infertility and attributed to 30% due to both men and women, most men are reluctant to appreciate the high prevalence of their contribution. This distribution of etiologies maintained across cultural and ethnic boundaries.

   The simplest assessment of the analysis of human sperm (SA). sperm density (greater than 20 million / ml), motility (greater than 50%) and the (over 30%) of an integral screen morphology of fertilization potential of sperm. SA abnormal persistence won twice a month apart, especially if it is very low, to justify a genital examination by a male reproductive specialist with experience. Most doctors of male infertility are now urologists with additional years of training specialized in the field. Abnormal SA may be the first sign of significant pathology and can be fatal in 2% of cases.

   The diagnosis of infertility can not only indicate a problem with the husband, but can also put the health of their offspring at risk. With a better understanding of the genetics behind male infertility, a genetic cause can exist in up to 20% of patients.

  The main objective of the evaluation is to determine the cause of the problem and to exclude mortality. To achieve these goals all husbands require at least a medical history, physical examination, hormone testing and sperm analysis. Other studies may be indicated, but most often occur after a baseline assessment.

  The secondary objective of the male evaluation is to determine if infertility is treatable. The main causes of male infertility are varicocele (42%), idiopathic (23%), obstruction (14%) and cryptorchidism (3%).Once the diagnosis is made a discussion ensued about treatment options. Today, there are more options that were previously inaccessible. Despite the severe male infertility, pregnancy can still be achieved.

   The other unique feature of infertility treatment is the shared nature of decision making between the doctor and the couple. Not only is the state of women included in the treatment decision, but the psychological, ethical and financial torque as well. It is essential for the evaluation of men and women have completed their evaluation and that there is an open dialogue between physicians both husband and wife.

  A couple experiencing infertility should not underestimate the importance of the problems that may exist in the male. These problems may be the only reason or contribute to the failure of the couple to conceive and it is best identified by a specialist in male infertility. Care and attention in research and identification of the disease process in men and women avoid lost opportunity of a potential cure and give the couple the faster and more efficient to start or expand your family itinerary .