Male Infertility: General Information

What Is male Infertility?

Some couples have a hard time getting pregnant. A couple is considered to have infertility issues when they try for a year without success.
There was a time when people thought infertility was only a woman’s problem. But men can have fertility problems, too. When a couple is having a hard time getting pregnant, it is just as likely to be caused by a problem with male fertility as it is with female fertility.
When a couple has a problem achieving pregnancy, it’s estimated that about
40%  it’s due to a problem with the man’s fertility
40%  it’s due to a problem with the woman’s fertility
20%  it’s due to a problem with both the woman’s and the man’s fertility, or a cause cannot be found for the problem

That’s why both the woman and the man usually get tested for fertility problems when a couple is having infertility problems.

When Should Get Help for Male Infertility?

It can take up to a year for a woman to get pregnant. This is considered normal. Most health care providers suggest waiting a year before seeking infertility testing. If you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, it may be time to see your health care provider.

Some health problems may reduce a man’s ability to get a woman pregnant.