Private MD News

Men's health problems are often the cause of couples' infertility

Category: Infertility Testing-Male

Fertility concerns may be most common among women, but experts say that men are often affected too. FSH testing may help men learn if they have sexual health issues that may be preventing them and their partner from becoming pregnant.

Dr. David Samadi, the vice chairman of the Department of Urology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, wrote on the website of Fox News that up to 50 percent of couples who have difficulty conceiving are affected by men's health issues.

Problems with sperm that decrease their effectiveness or mobility are among the most common male fertility issues, Samadi wrote. Varicocele is another prime cause of infertility in men. In this condition, veins leading to scrotum become dilated, which may decrease the production of sperm. Despite the profound impact this condition can have on fertility, it rarely presents any obvious symptoms.

This is why it so important for men to consider FSH testing if they are having difficulty conceiving with their partner.  The National Library of Medicine reports that about two-thirds of couples treated for infertility are able to conceive, but this can't happen if the couple is unaware of what is causing their problem.