VITAL MEN'S HEALTH San Francisco

Nearly 1 in 7 couples have difficulty in conceiving after trying for over one year.  In 1 out of 3, the problem is with the male, and it can increase with age.

The quantiy and quality of a man's sperm are the determining factor on male infertility.   Low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm can affect male fertility. 

Men ejaculate and produce semen, which is a combination of sperm suspended in a viscous whitish fluid produced by the seminal vesicles, prostate and  bulbourethral Cowper's gland.  Any disruption in the quallity of this fluid, can  impact the survival and transport of the sperm, and adds to the multitude of known and unknown causes of male infertility

Some of the known causes of male infertility include inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle (varicocele), or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm. 

Signs and symptoms may include:

-Problems with sexual function, such as, difficulty with ejaculation,  small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire, or difficulty maintaining an erection

-Pain, swelling or a lump in the scrotum 

-Undescended testicle

-Recurrent respiratory infections

-Inability to smell

-Abnormal breast growth 

-Decreased facial or body hair

A lower than normal sperm count (fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or a total sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculate)

Add to that, scientific studies have shown that since 1973, there has been a 50-60% drop in sperm count in developed nations.  There are known reasons, and though people want to associate certain activities with this decrease, there is no cause and effect to a proven cause.

Indeed, often no cause can be found to account for the decrease and absence of sperm count.

Treatment options:

-Identify a cause or causes for the low sperm count.  This include a workup that may involve sperm analysis, diagnostic ultrasound, MRI study, hormonal and comprehensive lab tests, and genetic testing.

-Review present and past medications

-Improve nutrition with supplements

-Consider off-label use of prescription medication to improve sperm count and quality

-Surgery for varicocele if present