The 5 most common signs of infertility in men
Male infertility is common. According to WHO, approximately 22% (multiple children included) of heterosexual couples trying to have a baby seek help due to infertility. Read about the most common signs of infertility in men and how to proceed.
Below you will find a thorough explanation of the most common signs of male infertility. If you experience any of these signs, we recommend consulting your doctor for further examination.
1. No positive pregnancy test
Human infertility defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse is recognized as a disease by the WHO. An obvious sign of infertility is the lack of positive pregnancy tests. Suppose you and your partner have had regular intercourse around the time of ovulation for more than a year without a positive pregnancy test. In that case, you should contact a doctor for further examination. In half of the couples reported infertile, male infertility is one of the main factors involved and directly accounts for 20-30% of the overall cases. Luckily, most people who struggle with infertility will get their dream of a child fulfilled through fertility treatment.
Source: Agarwal A, Mulgund A, Hamada A, et al. A unique view on male infertility around the globe.
2. Unable to complete intercourse
If you are unable to complete intercourse, whether due to reduced sexual desire, trouble achieving or maintaining an erection, or ejaculation issues (e.g. retrograde ejaculation), this may indicate underlying fertility issues. Being unable to complete intercourse is a problem if you want to achieve pregnancy. Talk to a healthcare provider who can recommend medical treatment, lifestyle changes, or other solutions.
Source: Jane Read. Sexual problems associated with infertility, pregnancy, and ageing.
Struggling to get pregnant?
If you have had unsuccessful fertility treatment using your own sperm, it may be worth to consider other options like using a sperm donor. Contact us to learn more about the process.
3. Physical symptoms
Physical issues in the penis or testicular area could also be signs of male infertility. Symptoms like pain, varicocele, swelling, or lumps in the testicular area can make it very difficult to complete sexual intercourse or be a sign of a disease.
4. Decreased facial and body hair
Decreased facial and body hair may be a sign of low testosterone, which can cause your sexual drive to decrease while also negatively affecting your ability to complete intercourse. Men struggling with low testosterone can get a testosterone supplement.
Source: Darren J Katz; Patrick Teloken; Ohad Shoshany. Male infertility - the other side of the equation.
5. Infections
Untreated sexually transmitted diseases (STI) can also cause male infertility. If you have previously been diagnosed with sexual diseases like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or herpes and struggle with male infertility, you should contact your doctor for further examination.
How to proceed
Depending on your age, genetics, and medical history, there are many ways to proceed. First and foremost, if you have tried to get pregnant through regular intercourse for more than a year without positive results, we recommend seeing a doctor. From there, your doctor will help you make a plan and advise you on the next step on your journey towards parenthood.
Some couples should begin fertility treatment right away, while others are recommended to keep trying. Fortunately, many heterosexual couples end up conceiving through fertility treatment, but some may need more help, such as treatment with donor sperm.
Follow the link to read more about using a sperm donor to conceive or click on the links below to read some personal stories from men who had children through sperm donation:
- Being a dad to a donor-conceived child: I’m lucky to be a father
- How Verena and Enrico fulfilled their dream of a family
- Toyah and her husband had three children thanks to a sperm donor
Frequently asked questions about signs of infertility in men
How to know if you suffer from male infertility?
Signs of male infertility can be hard to spot, but two of the most obvious indicators are:
- No positive pregnancy test: If you and your partner have tried to conceive through regular intercourse for more than a year, you struggle with infertility.
- Problems with sexual function: Completing sexual intercourse is crucial when trying to conceive as a heterosexual couple. Problems with completing intercourse could also be a sign of male infertility.
Can male infertility be cured?
Yes, men struggling with male infertility can become fathers. However, it depends on what causes infertility. Many couples struggle with male infertility and end up conceiving one way or another. For some, fertility treatment with donor sperm will be necessary to achieve pregnancy.
What can affect male infertility?
Many things affect the male reproductive system. The most common ones are:
- Physical and mental health
- Diet and lifestyle
- Age and genetics