Coping with Male Infertility

Infertility can affect a man's self-confidence. However, there are ways to address this condition and improve the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.

Infertility is often misunderstood as being synonymous with sterility, where a couple cannot have children. According to Dr. William, Sp.And, an Andrology Specialist at Tzu Chi Hospital, men experiencing infertility still have hope of fertilizing their partner's egg.

“There is always hope, even for men with reduced or absent sperm quality, to improve their sperm quality and fertilize their partner. However, we must first identify the root cause—whether it is due to an unhealthy lifestyle, hormonal imbalances, or other medical conditions. By understanding the underlying cause, it can be addressed effectively, leading to improved sperm quality and, ultimately, successful fertilization,” explained Dr. William.

 

When Is the Best Time for Men to Check Their Fertility?

Married couples who have not been able to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse should consider checking the man's fertility.

Fertility assessments can also be conducted before marriage as part of a premarital health check-up. “Before getting married, it is a good idea to undergo a premarital check-up, including a sperm analysis, if possible. This helps assess the initial condition. For instance, if you plan to have children soon after marriage and the examination shows declining sperm quality, an Andrology Specialist can provide treatment, prescribe vitamins, or recommend specific medications to optimize sperm quality,” Dr. William suggested.

Most men with fertility issues do not exhibit clear symptoms. Here are some steps to check and address male infertility:

1. Consultation with an Andrology Specialist

To determine whether a man is infertile, the doctor will conduct a physical examination and sperm analysis.

Physical Examination: This helps identify any visible characteristics that may indicate infertility, such as unhealthy lifestyle habits like obesity, or signs of hormonal imbalances, such as poor hair growth or stunted height.

Sperm Analysis: This lab test evaluates the quality of sperm in terms of count, motility, and morphology. In some cases, no sperm may be detected, requiring further investigation.

 

2. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle plays a significant role in sperm quality. Unhealthy habits such as lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption can lower sperm quality.

The solution lies in adopting a healthier lifestyle. This includes eating nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and achieving an ideal body weight.

 

3. Hormone Therapy

Sperm quality issues caused by hormonal imbalances can be treated with hormone therapy. This treatment may take 2-3 months to show results. During this time, patients will undergo regular evaluations to monitor progress and ensure the treatment’s effectiveness.

Fertility assessments are available at Tzu Chi Hospital, including consultations with andrology specialists, sperm analysis, and tailored treatments recommended based on each individual’s condition.

 

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. William, Sp.And.