A man may have normal sexual desire, erections and ejaculations, and still have difficulties in achieving a pregnancy.
This occurs because sexual function and fertility are not the same. For fertilization to occur, the production of sperm and characteristics such as its quantity and mobility also influence, some alterations may be present without causing obvious signs.
What are the symptoms of male infertility?
Male infertility does not always have obvious signs, however, some symptoms and medical history can guide the evaluation.
Although they do not confirm a fertility problem on their own, it is advisable to discuss them with a health professional:
- Pain, inflammation or lumps in the testicles: They can have different causes and require an assessment, although they do not necessarily mean that there is infertility.
- Erection or ejaculation difficulties: They can interfere with sexual intercourse or the arrival of semen to the female reproductive system. In certain cases, they also justify investigating possible hormonal alterations or other conditions.
- Major decrease in sexual desire: It can be related to different factors, including some hormonal alterations.
- Relevant medical history: For example, testicles that did not descend during childhood, surgeries or testicular lesions, certain infections and treatments against cancer.
- Use of external testosterone or anabolic steroids: These products can affect sperm production and should be discussed during fertility assessment.
Male infertility is involved in approximately 50% of cases of infertility in pairs.
How do you know if you have a fertility problem if you have no symptoms?
It is not possible to confirm male fertility only because of how you feel, your sexual performance or the appearance of semen.
One of the main tests to evaluate male fertility is spermogram or semen analysis. This test studies features such as:
- Concentration: amount of sperm in semen.
- MOBILITY: How sperm move.
- Morphology: characteristics of its form.
- Other semen parameters, according to the analysis carried out.
The results help identify possible alterations and decide if more studies are needed, based on the findings and background, the evaluation can include a medical history, a physical exam and additional tests. Not all men need the same exams.
It is important to know that an altered result does not automatically mean that it is impossible to achieve a pregnancy, the seminal parameters must be interpreted together, taking into account the situation of the couple and the clinical context.
Can you have infertility even if you have erections and ejaculates normally?
Yes. Erection and ejaculation are functions other than the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg.
A man can ejaculate normally and have a low concentration of sperm or alterations in his mobility, these conditions are not always perceptible to the naked eye and can be identified by a spermogram.
When should a man consult for his fertility?
You do not need to wait for symptoms to seek guidance.
As a general reference, it is recommended to initiate a fertility assessment when a pregnancy has not been achieved after 12 months of regular sex without contraception. When the woman is 35 years or older, it is usually recommended to consult after six months. If there is a history or conditions that may affect fertility, the evaluation may be necessary earlier.
It is also important to evaluate both members of the couple, the difficulties in conceiving can be related to male, female factors or a combination of both; It is not convenient to attribute the cause to a single person without investigating it.
If you have doubts about your fertility, relevant medical history or have been trying to achieve a pregnancy for some time, a health professional can guide you on the studies that could be appropriate for your situation.
Male fertility deserves attention
If you have doubts about your fertility, relevant medical history or have been trying to achieve a pregnancy for some time, a health professional can guide you on the appropriate studies for your situation.
Here you can consult with specialists in fertility and assisted reproduction to know the evaluation options and the following steps according to your case.