Infertility means not being able to become pregnant after a year of trying. If a woman can get pregnant but keeps having miscarriages or stillbirths, that's also called infertility.

Infertility is fairly common. After one year of having unprotected sex, about 15 percent of couples are unable to get pregnant. About a third of the time, infertility can be traced to the woman. In another third of cases, it is because of the man. The rest of the time, it is because of both partners or no cause can be found.

There are treatments that are specifically for men or for women. Some involve both partners. Drugs or surgery are common treatments. Happily, many couples treated for infertility go on to have babies.

Infertility affects approximately one out of every six couples. An infertility diagnosis is given to a couple who are unable to conceive over the course of one year. When the problem lies with the male partner it is referred to as male infertility. Male infertility factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases, and male infertility alone accounts for approximately one-third of all infertility cases.

What Causes Male Infertility?

Male infertility usually occurs because of sperm that are abnormal, because of inadequate numbers of sperm, or problems with ejaculation.

Sperm can be considered abnormal for two possible reasons: unusually short life span of the sperm and/or low mobility. Sperm abnormalities may be caused by one or more of the following:

• Inflammation of the testicles
• Swollen veins in the scrotum
• Abnormally developed testicles

Reasons for a low sperm count or lack of sperm include one or more of the following:

• A pre-existing genetic condition
• Use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
• Severe mumps infection after puberty
• Hernia repairs
• Hormone disorder
• Exposure to poisonous chemicals
• Exposure to radiation
• Blockage caused from a previous infection
• Wearing restrictive or tight underwear
• Injury to the groin area

Male infertility can also occur when there are problems with ejaculation. Ejaculation problems may include any of the following:

• Premature ejaculation
• Retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when the semen is forced back into the bladder
• Erection dysfunctions
• Complications from radiation therapy or surgery

Other causes of male infertility can include:

• History of STD’s
• Urinary tract infections
• Use of certain types of medications

How Is Male Infertility Diagnosed?

Potential male infertility will be assessed as part of a thorough physical examination. The examination will include a medical history regarding potential contributing factors.

Your healthcare provider may use one or more of the following tests to assess fertility:

• Semen analysis to determine the number and quality of sperm
• Blood test to check for infections or hormone problems. Hormone levels are just as important in male fertility as they are in female fertility
• Making a culture of fluid from the penis to check for infections
• Physical examination of the penis, scrotum and prostate

Semen analysis is the most important part of male fertility testing. Some men find it more comfortable to do semen analysis testing in the privacy of their own homes. In-home testing kits are available.

Infertility is a condition that affects approximately one out of every six couples. An infertility diagnosis is given to a couple that has been unsuccessful in efforts to conceive over the course of one full year. When the cause of infertility exists within the female partner, it is referred to as female infertility. Female infertility factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases, and female infertility alone accounts for approximately one-third of all infertility cases. 

What Causes Female Infertility?

The most common causes of female infertility include problems with ovulation, damage to fallopian tubes or uterus, or problems with the cervix. Age can contribute to infertility because as a woman ages, her fertility naturally tends to decrease.

Ovulation problems may be caused by one or more of the following:

• A hormone imbalance
• A tumor or cyst
• Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
• Alcohol or drug use
• Thyroid gland problems
• Excess weight
• Stress
• Intense exercise that causes a significant loss of body fat
• Extremely brief menstrual cycles

Damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus can be caused by one or more of the following:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• A previous infection
• Polyps in the uterus
• Endometriosis or fibroids
• Scar tissue or adhesions
• Chronic medical illness
• A previous ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
• A birth defect
• DES syndrome (The medication DES, given to women to prevent miscarriage or premature birth can result in fertility problems for their children.)

Abnormal cervical mucus can also cause infertility. Abnormal cervical mucus can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or make it more difficult for the sperm to penetrate the egg.