Reproduction (or making a baby) is a simple and natural experience for many couples. However, for some couples conception is not so easy. This is understandably a distressing situation.

A man’s fertility generally relies on the quantity and quality of his sperm. Lower numbers of sperm, or poorer quality of these sperm, may result in difficulties in achieving a pregnancy. In addition, sexual function issues may also result in infertility from challenges with sperm delivery.

Male infertility is diagnosed when, after testing both partners, reproductive problems are found in the male.

Infertility is much more common than most people think. Of infertile couples, half of these are due to a male component. In about 20% of couples, the issue is due to only a male fertility issue.

It is estimated that one in 20 men has some kind of fertility problem, such as low numbers of sperm in his ejaculate. Approximately one in every 100 men has no sperm in his ejaculate.

In most cases, there are no obvious signs of infertility. The quantity and appearance of the ejaculated semen generally appears normal to the naked eye. Some men may note a decline in erection quality or sexual performance, but this is not true for many men.

• Infertility truly is a “Couple’s Condition”: Up to 50% of couples struggling with infertility have a male component.
• “MANopause” is real! Male fertility decreases with age, just more subtly than in women.
• Boy or Girl? Sperm determine the gender of the baby.
• Sperm are complicated: It takes them 69 days to form and reach maturity.
• Going the distance! Sperm travel through 8 organs before they are released.
• Don’t overcook: Too much heat (hot-tubs, varicoceles, infections) can hurt sperm.
• Sugar is found in semen… and you thought it was just a cute nickname.
• Miss those romantic rendezvous’ over dirty diapers? You can go back: Vasectomy reversals work!