Uncovering Male Infertility Risk Factors

Traditionally, fertility treatments have had a tendency to fall on a woman’s plate. However, it is just as necessary to diagnose and treat infertility factors in men. In nearly 40% of all infertile couples, a male problem such as sperm abnormalities is part of the cause of infertility or the cause of infertility. This is why it is so important to not only perform diagnosis on women but also their partners. We diagnose male factor infertility through semen analysis, physical exams, and taking a look into a patient’s medical background. At Lexington Fertility Center, we know that infertility is a trying time for any couple, so we believe that examination of both partners is a necessary step to obtaining fertility success.

What are the risk factors for men regarding infertility?

The following is a list of risk factors related to male infertility (also called male factor or male factor infertility):

• history of prostatitis or genital infection
• testicular trauma or torsion
• history of precocious puberty (puberty occurring at a young age) or delayed puberty (puberty occurring at an older age)
• exposure to toxic substances or hazards on the job, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, ethylene oxide, vinyl chloride, radioactivity, and x-rays
• cigarette or marijuana smoke
• heavy alcohol consumption
• exposure of the genitals to high temperatures
• hernia repair
• undescended testicles
• prescription drugs for ulcers or psoriasis
• DES was taken during pregnancy
• mumps after puberty

If you would like to learn more about male factor infertility, contact us to schedule a consultation.