What does trouble getting pregnant feel like with male factor infertility?

Male factor infertility often has no noticeable feeling. The main experience may be months of trying without a pregnancy, while ejaculation, sexual desire, and erections seem unchanged. In some cases, there may be clues such as reduced sexual function, pain or swelling in the testicles, a history of testicular injury, or previous reproductive surgery, but these clues are not present for everyone.

Sperm production, movement, shape, delivery, and hormone signals can each affect conception. A semen test is needed to examine several of these factors; symptoms alone cannot confirm or exclude male factor infertility.

Arrange a fertility evaluation for both partners rather than assuming the problem is on one side. A clinician may ask about childhood illness, medicines, heat exposure, smoking, alcohol, workplace hazards, infections, and surgery. Testing commonly includes semen analysis and may include hormone tests or an examination, depending on the findings.

Follow-up testing may be recommended because semen results can vary. Treatment depends on the cause and may include addressing medicines or health conditions, correcting a blockage, or using assisted conception.

Book an appointment for ongoing difficulty conceiving or sooner if there is testicular pain, a new lump or swelling, blood in semen, or a major change in ejaculation. Seek urgent care for sudden severe testicular pain, which can require immediate treatment.

What can the semen analysis show? Should it be repeated? Could medicines, hormones, a blockage, or a past illness be involved? Which treatments protect our options for pregnancy?