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Male Infertility: When Starting a Family Becomes a Struggle

Male infertility means a man has difficulty getting a woman pregnant, even after a year of regular, unprotected sex. It’s more common than many people think — and in about half of all infertility cases, the problem lies at least partly with the man.

The main issue is usually with the sperm: there may not be enough of them, they may not swim well, or they may be abnormal in shape. Sometimes, no sperm is produced at all. Other causes include hormone problems, past infections, injuries, or blocked tubes in the reproductive system.

Common causes of male infertility include:

• Varicocele (swollen veins in the scrotum)
• Low testosterone levels
• Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
• Obesity
• Exposure to heat or harmful chemicals
• Certain medical conditions or medications

Symptoms are often silent — most men don’t notice anything until they try to conceive. Occasionally, there may be signs like swollen testicles, low sex drive, or problems with erections.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include:

• Lifestyle changes (healthier diet, exercise, quitting smoking)
• Hormone treatments
• Surgery to correct blockages or varicocele
• Assisted reproduction techniques like IVF or ICSI

If you and your partner are struggling to conceive, a urologist can help find answers — and solutions.