Infertility Urologist - Dr. Angelo Gousse, MD
Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy through sexual intercourse due to a problem in the reproductive system. Both men and women can suffer infertility because they have separate reproductive systems susceptible to problems. When someone experiences infertility, they might not understand the exact reason why without a thorough examination from a urologist.
The good thing about infertility is no life-threatening side effects will usually occur. Unfortunately, if a person wants to have children and suffers from infertility, it puts them in a challenging situation. They will have to resort to medications, treatments, lifestyle changes, and possibly surgery to combat the problem. These treatments may or may not be effective.
Couples are encouraged to have frequent unprotected sex for one year. If the female partner cannot get pregnant within that timeframe, one or both partners have infertility. You won’t know which partner it is for sure until you schedule an appointment with a urologist. However, you can look for specific signs to determine if the male or female partner is with the problem.
For example, infertile women tend to have irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles. That could be one sign that the woman is barren rather than the man. But if the man is experiencing hormonal issues, such as slow hair growth or erection difficulties, it could be a sign of male infertility. But, again, only a doctor can tell you for sure one way or the other.
The Main Causes of Male Infertility
Men need to produce sperm in their testicles and transmit the sperm to the eggs in a woman. However, certain daily habits could be jeopardizing your sperm production in the testicles. Some contributing factors include smoking cigarettes, antibiotic medications, anabolic steroids, and alcohol consumption. Sometimes frequent exposure to heat can affect sperm count too.
Several different health conditions can reduce sperm production in the testicles, resulting in male infertility. For example, men with diabetes, HIV, mumps, or genetic defects can experience low sperm counts. But if that doesn’t cause infertility, it could be a problem with the delivery of the sperm. Perhaps the man is a premature ejaculator or has a blockage in one of his testicles. There could even be a recent injury to the testicles that prevents them from producing sperm adequately or at all.
If poor lifestyle habits are causing the problem, you could easily change those habits by avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and all forms of drugs. You should also eat healthily and exercise as often as possible. These are the most natural steps men can take to increase fertility. If these steps don’t work, the problem will require treatment from a doctor.
A primary care physician and urologist can assist you with illnesses and injuries related to your infertility. The treatments available may or may not reverse your infertility, so there are no guarantees. Just keep working with your primary doctor, urologist, and any other medical specialists recommended to you.
The Main Causes of Female Infertility
Female infertility has significantly different causes compared to male infertility. The primary cause of female infertility in younger women is an ovulation disorder preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. This disorder can be attributed to hormonal conditions, such as hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. Consult with a doctor regarding issues related to hormones.
Women in their 30s may develop early menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency. This condition causes the ovaries to malfunction before a woman reaches her 40s, which means she’ll experience menopause before the standard time in other women. There are many reasons why a woman could develop early menopause, such as immune system conditions and genetic disorders.
Other conditions and medical treatments which cause female infertility include pelvic adhesions, chemotherapy, endometriosis, fallopian tube damage, and cervical abnormalities. Some studies even suggest that frequent high-intensity exercises and eating disorders can cause infertility.
Women have a higher risk of infertility because their age can catch up to them. The older a woman gets, the more difficult it gets to conceive a child. That is why women in their 30s and 40s should consult a physician for fertility treatments and guidance. As long as you have not gone through menopause, there is still a chance that fertility can be achieved.
Contact a Qualified Urologist
There is no way to prevent infertility in men or women completely. All you can do is lead a healthy life by avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and junk foods. And don’t forget to exercise frequently and maintain a nutritious diet. You don’t want to be overweight or underweight, so keep an average weight for someone of your age, height, and gender.
Do you need help with your infertility problem? Please contact Gousse Urology at (954) 362-2720 and make an appointment to see our chief urologist, Dr. Angelo Gousse. He can answer all your questions and figure out the best way to increase your fertility.
