Signs and symptoms of male infertility?
You may not show any symptoms of infertility until you try for a baby. When symptoms do show, they may include:
- Changes in hair growth
- Changes in sexual drive
- Small, firm testicles that may be painful, or have a lump or swelling
- Difficulty with erection and ejaculation
Who is at risk of male infertility?
You may be at a risk of male infertility if you have the following factors:
- Smoking, excessive alcohol intake and drug abuse
- Overweight
- Exposure to toxins
- Overheating or trauma to the testicles
- Previous major abdominal or pelvic surgery, or vasectomy (permanent birth control)
- Past or present infections
- History of undescended testicles
- Family history of fertility disorder
- Certain medical conditions, including tumour and sickle cell disease
- Certain medications
- Undergoing medical treatments for cancer
How is male infertility diagnosed?
To diagnose male infertility, your doctor will first conduct a general physical examination and medical history to understand your sexual habits, sexual development during puberty, chronic health problems, medications and surgeries that could lead to infertility. Additional male fertility tests that may be ordered include:
- Semen analysis: This is a laboratory test carried out to assess the sperm count and quality from semen sample ejaculated into a sterile bottle.
- Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate: It is an investigation carried out to evaluate the prostate gland and detect any obstruction in the ducts that transport the sperm.
- Scrotal ultrasound: This is an imaging test to diagnose abnormalities of the scrotum or testicles.
- Testicular biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed from the testicle using a sterile needle and evaluated under a microscope.
- Anti-sperm antibody tests: This test is performed to trace the antibodies that attack sperm.
