For couples wanting to start a family the five words they most dread hearing are you have a fertility issue. While many people assume that fertility issues only affect women, the truth of the matter is that men and women each account for 40% of infertility problems, while the remaining 20% are either both or unknown. In recognition of National Men’s Health Week (June 13-18), Attain Fertility® Centers will raise awareness about men’s fertility through their blogs and by running a men’s fertility health quiz on the Attain Fertility Facebook page.
Among the issues that will be covered, Dr. Samuel Pang, Medical Director at the Reproductive Science Center of New England, a member of the Attain Fertility® Network, recommends that men take 3 proactive steps that will help them avoid surprises and start off on the path to parenthood on the right foot.
Have a semen analysis, and if semen analysis is abnormal, see a fertility specialist.
Take a good look at your daily habits, cut back on alcohol consumption and discontinue use of tobacco or recreational drugs, including anabolic steroids.
Learn about the effects of over-exercise.
When a couple comes to me the first thing I suggest is a semen analysis for the man, explains Dr. Pang, It’s the simplest and least invasive test and I want those results before I put a woman through the rigors of more invasive and expensive testing.
According to Dr. Pang, the most common finding in cases of male infertility is that the health of the sperm is poor. There are many underlying factors that may affect the number and health of sperm including:
Tobacco use
Alcohol use
Use of anabolic steroids for body building
Stress
Environmental toxins
Genetic conditions
STI’s (sexually transmitted infections)
Age
Dr. Pang recommends that men should tell their specialists about all medications they take and other health conditions they have experienced including surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Some types of male infertility may be treated through medication and surgery while other issues may be treated with simple shifts in lifestyle habits. Whether faced with low sperm count, STI’s, exposure to environmental toxins, or overuse of alcohol and tobacco, the most important action men can take is to be proactive, get educated about their fertility and overall health and seek treatment for any conditions they may have with the guidance of a medical specialist.
In our society men still feel threatened if they find out their sperm is not strong enough to impregnate their partner. They feel less of a man and there tends to be a strong element of shame. Frankly, it’s no different from what a woman feels, said Dr. Pang. The most important message Dr. Pang wants to get across is that the sooner you know what you’re dealing with, the sooner you’ll get treated and the better off you’ll be; just don’t ignore it. There are treatment options available for most cases of infertility but before we begin treatment we need to know what the issues are. I urge men not to be shy about getting an evaluation. It is the best first step that allows us to figure out the appropriate treatment that will allow a couple to achieve a successful pregnancy.
And while there are medical treatments for male infertility, it is also important to take care of one’s mental health. Feelings of grief and anxiety are very common and men who are having a difficult time coping with infertility are encouraged to speak to their doctors, a professional counselor or to find a support group.
For more information about male infertility visit http://attainfertility.com.
