+ Guys
Nearly 1 in 7 couples experience infertility or fertility challenges. In order words, this means they haven't been able to conceive a child with frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. In up to half of these couples, male factor infertility accounts for half.
Often, many people believe that infertility is a white man’s issue. Black men, like Black women, are often believed to be hyper-fertile. However, the truth of the matter is that data suggest that Black men have lower mean ejaculate volumes, sperm concentration, and total motile sperm counts. In addition, research also shows that, unlike white men, black men are less likely to access treatment and access it later when they do
There are multiple reasons as to why men experience infertility.
Male infertility can be caused by:
Low sperm production.
Abnormal sperm function.
Blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm.
Other things like Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, environment, lifestyle choices, and other factors may also contribute to male infertility.
Although the primary sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child, there may be no other obvious signs or symptoms.
In some cases, however, an underlying problem such as an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm causes signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms you may notice include:
Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction).
Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicle area.
Recurrent respiratory infections.
Inability to smell.
Abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia).
Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal abnormality.
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).
Although male factor infertility may cause you to feel alone and lost, there is still hope and help as there are great doctors available to support you.
When to see a doctor:
If you have been unable to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse or sooner you should see a doctor immediately. if you have any of the following:
Erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive, or other problems with sexual functional attention to your cervical mucus.
Pain, discomfort, a lump, or swelling in the testicle area.
A history of testicle, prostate, or sexual problems.
A groin, testicle, penis, or scrotum surgery.
A partner over age 35.
In addition, organizations, like FFCG, are here to walk with you and support you.
