Did you know that up to 50% of infertility cases can be due to male factors? If you and your partner have been actively trying to get pregnant for 6 to 12 months, or longer, a fertility specialist may be able to help. In the video above, Dr. Akhil Muthigi, urologist at Houston Methodist, explains what to expect when you visit a male infertility specialist.
The medical workup: "We start with a full thorough history and a physical exam. We also do basic lab work to check hormone levels, and then we do a semen analysis," says Dr. Muthigi.
Potential causes: "Genetics can play a big role, and that's something we can test for. We assess environmental factors like exposure to cigarette smoke. There are hormone imbalances that we can test for and potentially adjust," Dr. Muthigi explains. Another cause might be anatomical — the main one in men is called varicocele, which is dilated veins around the testicle.
Treatment: "We start with encouraging healthy lifestyle habits," recommends Dr. Muthigi. "We might suggest a potential medication to optimize the hormones." If necessary, there are surgical options for sperm retrieval.
(Related: What Your Sperm May Reveal About Your Overall Health)
