If you are a man who is not medically infertile but yet is having trouble impregnating your wife, you may be suffering from what is known as subfertility. In this condition, the chances of conception are lower than average, but there is still a possibility of achieving pregnancy without severe medical intervention. According to some studies
How Can You Know If You Are Subfertile Or Infertile?
To understand the underlying conditions of your reproductive health, a series of tests can be conducted. The results of these tests will tell you whether you are infertile or subfertile. For example:
- Semen Analysis: This test examines the quantity, quality, and motility of sperm in the ejaculate. It also gives a picture of the volume in each ejaculate, the pH level of the sample, any interfering infection, etc. that could be the underlying cause of your subfertility.
- Hormonal Tests: Blood tests can measure hormone levels that play a crucial role in sperm production, such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin.
- Physical Examination: A physical examination is done to detect any anatomical abnormalities that could affect fertility, such as enlarged veins in the scrotum.
- Medical History: A detailed medical history is taken to identify potential risk factors, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and medications that might reduce your fertility level.
- Scrotal Ultrasound: This imaging technique can identify structural abnormalities inside the testicles and surrounding areas.
How Is Male Subfertility Treated?
The treatment of male subfertility depends on the diagnosis made during evaluation. The common treatment options are:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Making healthy lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress can positively impact sperm quality.
- Medications: Hormonal imbalances can sometimes be treated with medications that help improve sperm production.
- Surgical Interventions: Surgical procedures may be required to correct anatomical issues that affect fertility, such as varicocele repair or addressing blockages in the reproductive tract.
- Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART): Techniques like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) increase the chances of pregnancy in case of infertility. However, you can opt for these more aggressive approaches if you wish for speedier and surer chances of pregnancy.
The journey from planning to pregnancy is an exciting one for any couple. But, it can be a stressful one too if you and your partner are dealing with fertility issues. Around 7-10% of men suffer from subfertility at some point in their life. While the treatment does require multiple visits to the clinic, it is much more likely to yield a positive outcome in the long run, especially if we are dealing with subfertility. The expert team at AndroPlus Clinic, headed by Dr. Priyank Salecha helps you understand the entire process and offers counseling to manage all emotional challenges.
