Health Topic

Because nearly 50 percent of fertility problems in couples involve the male partner, the evaluation and treatment of the male is extremely important. Many of the causes of male infertility are treatable, and a careful medical history and physical exam will identify most of these.

The most common cause of male infertility is the varicocele. This may be identified in up to 40 percent of men.

Other identifiable factors include

• Excurrent ductal obstruction,
• Hypogonadism,
• Ejaculatory dysfunction
• Gonadotoxins

Your medical history is an important part of the evaluation and should include:

• Sexual history
• Family history
• Past medical history, including childhood and development
• Systemic illnesses, such as diabetes mellitus, neurologic disease, such as multiple sclerosis, and previous cancer treatment
• Past surgeries and previous hernia repair

Other causes of infertility include:

• Infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Gonadotoxins in the form of chemicals
• Medications (both prescription and over the counter)
• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Elicit drugs

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