For some couples who are having a difficult time getting pregnant, the sperm is the problem, not the eggs. If male infertility is a concern, a semen analysis can be done to check a man's sperm count and overall sperm health.

What causes Male Infertility?

Male infertility is caused by one or more of these issues:

• Low sperm production—A man may produce lower than normal numbers of sperm in his semen (a condition called oligospermia). A low sperm count decreases the chances of getting a woman pregnant, but natural pregnancy is still possible.

• Abnormal sperm shape—The morphology of the sperm, or the sperm’s shape, may decrease fertility. While all semen contains some abnormally shaped sperm, having higher numbers of these abnormal sperm may influence fertility.

• Reduced sperm motility—If the sperm are unable to move regularly, they may be unable to reach the egg in time to fertilize it. The sperm may never reach the egg or they may die before reaching the egg.

• Obstructed sperm delivery—A man may have normal sperm but an obstruction in the way semen is delivered. When no sperm is present in the semen (called azoospermia), it is possible that the ejaculatory ducts are obstructed. This obstruction may also cause low amounts of semen when ejaculating or a gel-like semen consistency.

Symptoms of Male Infertility

There are no obvious symptoms of male infertility. However, there can be signs that can suggest male infertility is an issue. These signs include:

• Problems maintaining an erection

• Low amount of ejaculate

• Testicles that are small and firm or painful and swollen

• Changes in sexual desire

• Changes in hair growth

How is Male Infertility Treated?

Like female infertility, male infertility is treated with medication, hormone treatment, or surgery.

Some of the infertility medications and hormone treatments used for women are also prescribed to men. If sperm motility or delivery is the issue, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures can be used to bring the sperm and egg together at exactly the right time.

Male fertility can also be increased by living a healthy lifestyle. This includes a good diet and regular exercise. Excessively using substances such as tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol can harm sperm production. Also avoid hot baths and whirlpools and do not take weight-training supplements, which will decrease sperm function.