When it comes to infertility, the spotlight often shines on women, but it’s crucial not to overlook the male partner’s role. In fact, nearly 50% of infertility cases can be attributed to male factor infertility, either alone or in conjunction with female issues. Dr. Alex Carter, who practices at our Atlanta locations, recently shared insights on an Atlanta radio show about the causes of male factor infertility and the treatment options available.
Dr. Carter explains a simple way to understand the breakdown of infertility causes: “I like to use the 30:30:40 rule. About 30% of the time, we uncover issues related to female factors, such as blocked fallopian tubes or conditions like PCOS that can prevent a woman from ovulating properly. Another 30% is typically due to male factors, whether it’s a problem with sperm production or anatomical issues that prevent sperm from being released. The remaining 40% of the time, both partners contribute to the difficulty in conceiving.”
When discussing the importance of testing, Dr. Carter emphasizes that many couples hesitate to seek help due to fear of blame. “A thorough evaluation is vital to ensure we identify any issues on either side,” he notes.
The Testing Process for Males
The testing process for males is relatively straightforward and starts with a semen analysis. Key factors examined in the sample include:
- Volume: Low ejaculate volume could indicate a blockage or other issues in the reproductive pathway, which may hinder the fertilization process.
- Concentration: Commonly known as sperm count, a low concentration suggests potential problems with the testicles or hormonal imbalances affecting sperm production.
- Motility: This measures how well sperm move; lower motility can impede the sperm’s journey to the egg.
- Morphology: This examines the shape of sperm. Misshapen sperm may lack the necessary components to successfully fertilize an egg.
Does Age Play a Role in Male Fertility?
As for whether age plays a role in male fertility, Dr. Carter contrasts male and female fertility patterns: “Men produce new sperm roughly every three months, which allows for some rejuvenation, while women are born with all their eggs, and that supply diminishes with age.”
Causes of Male Factor Infertility
So, what are the causes of male factor infertility? Dr. Carter explains: “Sometimes, the issue remains unexplained, with low sperm concentration or motility. Genetic factors can also play a role, particularly if sperm counts drop below one million motile sperm. We often look at the karyotype to ensure chromosomes are normal, as mutations on the Y chromosome can hinder sperm production.”
Additionally, some men may be born without a vas deferens, the duct that carries sperm, often associated with cystic fibrosis mutations. Undescended testes in male infants can lead to lower sperm counts later in life if not addressed promptly.
Treatment Options for Male Factor Infertility
Fortunately, male factor infertility can often be treated effectively. Diagnoses can range from mild to severe, and the treatment plan will depend on the severity of the issue, the female partner’s fertility status, and the couple’s comfort with various options. With correct diagnosis and lifestyle adjustments, many men can successfully navigate male factor infertility challenges.
To dive deeper into male fertility, consider checking out our On-Demand Webinar, where we discuss testing, common causes, lifestyle changes, and effective treatment options. For real-life inspiration, you can read about the success stories of couples like Mike and Sarah or Jason and Lily.
For anyone facing similar challenges, resources like the CDC’s pregnancy page can be invaluable, and you might find helpful insights in our post about overcoming health scares and sperm sourcing challenges here. Additionally, for more information on couples’ fertility journeys, check out this link.
In summary, male factor infertility is a significant contributor to conception challenges, but with the right knowledge and support, couples can find effective solutions.