Signs and Symptoms of Male Infertility

How do I know if I have poor sperm?

Poor sperm generally describes the quantity and/ or quality of male reproductive cells, or gametes. Quality usually talks about sperm not moving as fast as they need to or being the wrong shape. However, it is possible to have a normal semen analysis but sperm DNA damage could be high. That makes it less likely to conceive naturally, or even with treatment. Men with high levels of damaged sperm DNA also have double the risk of miscarriage.

Even with a positive semen analysis, a man could be diagnosed infertile.

Most couples who have regular sex (every two to three days) without using contraception will conceive within one year. Technically, a man is considered infertile if he is unable to make a fertile woman pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse with her.

Some men have no sperm at all in their semen. The tubes that carry sperm the testicles to the penis (seminal ducts) are blocked. A man is either born with this or develops it after an infection, bladder neck surgery or scarring after an inguinal hernia repair.

There might be no other obvious signs or symptoms.

Male Infertility signs and symptoms might include:

Problems with sexual function — for example, low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area
Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosome or hormone abnormality

Infections or inflammatory conditions. One example is infection with the mumps virus after puberty
Hormone or pituitary gland problems
Immune problems in which you make antibodies against your own sperm
Environmental and lifestyle factors. These include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, use of marijuana or steroids, or exposure to toxins
Genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis

Next Steps

There are many experts online who offer DIY sperm tests with varying degrees of ridiculous. A quick search produced a person who states all you need is a glass of water. I’m tempted to give some methods a go, for some light entertainment.

Please don’t only do this.

Whilst home test kits offer high percentages of accuracy and can be a good first step, the most accurate results will be found at a health centre/ clinic. There is no need to be embarrassed about doing this, the results could exploit underlying health issues and help improve overall wellbeing. The doctors and consultants deal with this subject every single day and understand the sensitivities surrounding male fertility. It can be daunting and feel like an unnecessary nuisance but what is there really to lose in finding out? Leave a comment below or get in touch if you’re contemplating the next step and have some questions.

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