How to Cure Male Infertility

The National Infertility Association reports that approximately 40 percent of all fertility problems are due to male factor issues. Male infertility is caused by low sperm count, poor sperm morphology (abnormally shaped sperm), or low sperm motility (poor swimming ability). These problems can be a result of structural problems in the male reproductive tract, or environmental factors. While there is no "cure" for male infertility, the condition can often be rectified by making a lifestyle change or through surgery.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit a fertility specialist. If you have been having well-timed, unprotected sex with your partner for more than 12 months and no pregnancy has resulted, visit a doctor to determine whether there is a problem with your sperm. An urologist, preferably one who specializes in infertility, will give you a sperm analysis to assess the quantity and quality of your sperm. The doctor will also examine the state of your penis, scrotum, prostate gland, vas deferens and epididymis (the duct in which sperm mature) to see whether there are any blockages preventing the sperm from entering your partner's reproductive tract. A good urologist will also check for varicocele, which is an enlarged large vein near the testicles that often causes infertility, and run blood tests to determine whether your hormone levels are normal, or whether you are suffering from an infection that is causing the infertility.

• 2

  Have surgery or take treatment. Some male fertility problems can be remedied by surgery or through certain medications. Problems such as variocele and blockages of the vas deferens and epididymis can often be fixed by surgery. Infections and hormone abnormalities (such as low testosterone) can be treated by antibiotics or other medications. However, one should note that the effectiveness of these treatments varies from person to person.

• 3

  Adopt lifestyle changes. If a sperm analysis reveals that you have a problem with the quantity or quality of your sperm, but have no structural problems, making certain changes to your lifestyle can improve your fertility. For example, avoid taking hot baths or using saunas or hot tubs as heat can kill healthy sperm and significantly diminish sperm count. Also wear boxers (as opposed to briefs) because boxers allow sperm to live at an optimal temperature. Eliminate unhealthy habits, such as smoking (both cigarettes and marijuana kill sperm), and drinking excess alcohol. Finally, make sure that your diet includes the right vitamins and minerals. Foods high in zinc, folate, selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E are well-known to improve sperm count and sperm motility.