Male infertility: what you need to know when planning a child, advice from an endocrinologist
Doctors say that in 30 percent of cases when “it does not work”, the problem is precisely in the potential dad.
It was once believed that the woman was “responsible” for the sex of the child. Scientists have debunked this myth, fortunately. But the fact that responsibility for the very fact of conception is also a woman’s business, many are sure to this day. However, this is exactly the same ridiculous stereotype as the first one. As confirmed by medical research data, the likelihood of conceiving a child is equally dependent on both the woman and the man.
“The approach is changing – the concept of ‘infertile marriage’ has been introduced: even if one of the future parents is healthy, the problem is viewed as a common one. A third of cases of infertility in a couple are associated with women’s health problems, another third – with problems in men, and 30-40 percent is a combination of health problems of both future parents, ”says Irena Ilovaiskaya, endocrinologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Course of Private Endocrinology at the Department of Endocrinology, FUV, Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute. M.F. Vladimirsky (MONIKI).
Yes, there is also a third stereotype – it is believed that the role of a man in having a child is extremely small. Mom carries the main load on herself. This is really so: a man cannot take over pregnancy or childbirth. But he plays a very important role in shaping the health of the unborn baby. After all, he will inherit equally from both mom and dad. Therefore, if pregnancy does not occur, the future father is also recommended to consult with a specialist.
Doctors, starting to find out the causes of problems with conception, are guided by a questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Based on the data obtained, analyzes and examinations are prescribed.
The standard examination option is as follows: a general analysis of blood and urine, which helps to determine whether there are infectious or inflammatory processes in the body, and also shows the general state of health of the body; blood tests for the group and Rh factor to know about the possibility of Rh conflict with the mother and child; tests to identify sexually transmitted diseases.
“It is important to remember that genital infections existing and transferred by a man can cause endocrine infertility,” Irena Ilovaiskaya emphasizes.
If the doctor suspects any abnormalities in the functioning of the male body, he will prescribe a number of additional studies. A hormonal blood test will show whether the level of male sex hormones in the body is reduced and whether the level of prolactin is exceeded; a prostate secretion test will determine the nature and level of sperm motility. Spermogram – a study of semen – will make it possible to assess the number of immobile and mobile germ cells, as well as to detect the connection between infertility and infectious or viral effects.
In addition, the doctor may ask about how often the couple is sexually active. You should not be surprised at this question: it may turn out that the future parents “try not enough” or, on the contrary, are too zealous. Too frequent intercourse – more than 5 times a week – is a kind of definite contraceptive measure, since this does not have time to renew the sperm supply.
Other diseases, even common tonsillitis, as well as toxic substances can provoke disruption of the endocrine system. Sometimes endocrine infertility can be the result of severe psychological trauma.
But, of course, the main factors of endocrine infertility are disorders in the functioning of the organs of the endocrine system: the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, testicles, as well as the glands of mixed secretion: the pancreas and the gastrointestinal tract.
Heredity and unhealthy lifestyles – drinking and smoking – can also lead to male infertility.
“In such a responsible matter as family planning, there is nothing to replace a competent, thinking doctor – the future father should not engage in self-diagnostics and even more self-medication. Modern medicine offers the widest range of diagnostic methods, treatment and, if necessary, reproductive technologies, which means that the chances of becoming happy parents today are great, ”Irena Ilovaiskaya is sure.