This Father’s Day, millions of men worldwide are projected to struggle with infertility, with up to 50% of cases involving male infertility issues. However, men often hesitate to get tested due to fear or a lack of awareness about the importance of reproductive health.
According to Dr. Kelli Gross, a urologist specializing in male infertility and men’s health at University of Utah Health, it is crucial for both partners to be tested and diagnosed with infertility issues. Men are not always getting the necessary attention, and women often take the initiative, but this can lead to a lack of understanding about the causes of male infertility.
Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after having regular unprotected sex for at least one year. Fertility issues can be diagnosed in both men and women, but it’s often women who are examined and tested first. Men, however, can be tested with simple procedures such as a semen analysis and hormone blood test.
Many causes of male infertility are treatable and involve simple interventions. Environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and health conditions can affect sperm quality and quantity. Exposure to heat, toxic chemicals, and certain medications can also impact reproductive health.
In recent years, research has shown that deficiencies in sperm count and sperm health can be early warning signs of other serious health conditions, including cancer. The connection between paternal reproductive health and a man’s children’s overall wellness is being studied, with scientists seeking to understand the genetic and environmental factors that underlie infertility and related cancer risks.
Gross emphasizes the importance of men taking control of their reproductive health, saying “Men are becoming more aware of the infertility issue and coming in more, but it is rare that we need to do something invasive. There is hope for even the most difficult cases of male infertility.” With advances in research and technology, there is a growing hope for fertility care for men who have already undergone failed sperm retrieval procedures or experienced severe unexplained fertility issues.
It’s essential for men to take action and seek testing and treatment if they’re struggling with infertility. By doing so, they can improve their chances of becoming a father and maintain overall health and well-being.
Source: https://www.ksl.com/article/51334769/fostering-better-understanding-and-acceptance-of-male-infertility