Male infertility is a prevalent issue. There are various challenges in the difficult process of conception. Fortunately, having infertility problems does not preclude you from having a kid of your own with your partner. There are procedures and therapies that can raise the likelihood of conception. Male infertility: What is it? A reproductive system issue known as infertility prevents you from becoming pregnant with a female. You, she, or both of you may have infertility concerns if a man and a female engage in recurrent unprotected sex for more than a year and the female doesn’t become pregnant. How frequent is infertility in men? More than five million couples in the United States struggle with infertility, making it a widespread issue. Infertility affects one in every six couples who are trying to conceive. In at least half of all cases of infertility, a male factor is a major or contributing cause. This means that about 10 percent of all males in the United States who are attempting to conceive suffer from infertility. Symptoms The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. There may be no other obvious signs or symptoms. However, in some cases, an underlying problem such as a hereditary disease, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicles, 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 ejaculating or passing small amounts of fluid, decreased sex drive, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) Pain, swelling, or lumps 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 (less than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen or a total sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculation Risk factors Risk factors associated with male infertility include: Smoking tobacco Use of alcohol Use of certain illegal drugs To be overweight Have certain past or present infections Be exposed to toxins Overheating of the testicles After trauma to the testicles After a previous vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery Have a history of undescended testicles Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative with a fertility disorder Certain medical conditions, including tumours and chronic diseases such as sickle cell anaemia Taking certain medications or medical treatments such as surgery or radiation to treat cancer Complications Complications of male infertility can include: Stress and relationship problems related to the inability to have a child Expensive and complicated reproduction techniques Increased risk of testicular cancer, melanoma, colon cancer and prostate cancer Prevention Male infertility is not always preventable. However, you can try to avoid some known causes of male infertility. For example: Do not smoke. Limit or avoid alcohol. Stay away from illegal drugs. Maintain a healthy weight. Don’t get a vasectomy. Avoid things that cause prolonged heat to the testicles. Reduce stress. Avoid contact with pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins. When to the doctor See a doctor if you have not had a baby after a year of regular, unprotected sex, or sooner if you have any of the following problems: Erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive, or other sexual function problems Pain, discomfort, a lump, or swelling in the testicle area A history of testicular, prostate, or sexual problems A groin, testicle, penis, or scrotum surgery A partner over 35 years

What is infertility among women? The disorder known as infertility affects or limits one’s capacity to become pregnant and give birth to a child. After a year of attempting to get pregnant, this is typically diagnosed in heterosexual couples (a man and a woman) (but may be diagnosed sooner depending on other factors). For heterosexual couples, one third of infertility causes are attributable to male issues, one third to female issues, and one third to a combination of factors or unidentified causes. Female infertility, often known as “female factor” infertility, is the term used when the female partner is proven to be the cause of the infertility. How frequent is infertility in women? A prevalent illness is infertility. One form of infertility affects at least 10% of women. As a woman gets older, her odds of becoming infertile rise. Symptoms The inability to become pregnant is the most common symptom of infertility. A menstrual cycle that is either too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular, or absent may indicate that you are not ovulating. There may be no other indications or symptoms. When should you see a doctor? When you should seek help depends on your age: Most doctors recommend waiting at least a year before testing or treatment for women under the age of 35. If you’re between the ages of 35 and 40, talk to your doctor after six months of trying.  Your doctor could prescribe testing or therapy immediately away if you are over 40. If you or your spouse has a history of known fertility issues, irregular or painful periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, recurrent miscarriages, cancer treatment, or endometriosis, your doctor may want to start testing or treatment right away. Risk elements You may be more susceptible to infertility as a result of some causes, such as: Age. With time, a woman’s eggs lose both quality and number. The rate of follicle loss accelerates towards the middle of the 30s, producing fewer eggs of lower quality. This increases the chance of miscarriage and makes fertilisation more challenging. Smoking. Smoking raises your risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy in addition to harming your cervix and fallopian tubes. Additionally, it’s known to prematurely age your ovaries and diminish your egg supply. Prior to starting fertility therapy, stop smoking. Weight. Ovulation may be impacted by being significantly overweight or underweight. The risk of pregnancy and the frequency of ovulation may both rise with a healthy body mass index (BMI). Sexual background. The fallopian tubes can suffer damage from STIs such chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Your risk of contracting an STD that could later affect your fertility increases if you engage in unprotected intercourse with numerous partners. Alcohol. Overindulgence in alcohol can lower fertility. Prevention These advice might be helpful for ladies who are contemplating pregnancy now or in the future: Keep a healthy weight. Ovulation abnormalities are more likely to affect overweight and underweight women. Exercise moderately if you need to lose weight. Exercise that is difficult and intense for more than five hours per week has been linked to a reduction in ovulation. Give up smoking. Tobacco use has a number of detrimental impacts on fertility as well as overall health and foetal health. Considering becoming pregnant while smoking.  Avoid drinking alcohol. Heavy drinking may lead to decreased fertility. Any alcohol consumption can affect the health of the developing foetus. Avoid alcohol if you are planning to become pregnant and do not drink alcohol during pregnancy. Relieve pressure. Some research suggests that stress can cause couples to be less effective in infertility treatment. Try to reduce stress in your life before trying to conceive.