Male Infertility: When you and your partner are trying to conceive, you least expect or hope to encounter any kind of difficulties. Yet, as much as 10% of the worlds population experience fertility problems. We believed the common myth that infertility exists only with the women, but the belied fact is that the men also do conceive infertility. But what exactly is infertility? Male infertility is simply defined as the inability to produce healthy sperm. Although a man might be embarrassed to admit that he has a fertility problem, but it is equally important that he undergoes fertility testing. The male alone is the cause in 20-35% of cases of infertility. An evaluation of the male should be one of the very first tests carried out in the investigation of the infertile couple.

Signs and symptoms
Male infertility occurs when the mans partner does not conceive after one year of attempting to become pregnant. Other signs and symptoms depend on the underlying cause of the mans infertility.

Analysis
Some men may have a history of erectile dysfunction or abnormal ejaculation. Alternatively, others may have had previous surgeries or injuries that may have led to problems in semen production. One if the most initial diagnostic study is the semen analysis. The semen analysis is one of the few tests that have withstood the test of time and which continue to be considered an integral and important part of the evaluation of the couple. The analysis is generally performed on a specimen that has been produced by means of masturbation into a sterile container. Ideally the male should abstain from ejaculation for 2-7 days prior to the analysis.
The specimen should be evaluated within one hour after collection. The analysis consists of an evaluation of a number of factors, like: Volume, Concentration, Motility and progression.
Another important test that is performed regularly for males is the post-coital test (PCT), in which the couple is asked to have intercourse during the middle of the woman’s menstrual cycle and 2-12 hours later have the female come into the office for an exam.
Causes and factors:

There are many male factors that can prohibit a couple to become pregnant. This includes the following factors:
a) Conditions:

• diabetic neuropathy
• extreme obesity
• Conditions that prejudice the production of sperm
• testicular torsion

b) Diseases:

• Liver and Kidney disease
• Genital infections
• Infections of the reproductive organs

c) Additional factors:

• Certain medicated drugs
• Anabolic steroids
• Diet low in folic acid
• Excessive exercise
• Radiation therapy
• Wearing tight-fitting pants and underwear