UNDERSTANDING UROLOGY
Male fertility
About 1 in 7 couples has difficulty conceiving, and male factors are involved in many cases. Checking both partners early can save time and worry.
What you may notice
- No pregnancy after a year of regular unprotected sex
- Difficulty with erections or ejaculation
- Past testicular problems, such as undescended testicles, injury or surgery
- Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or past sexually transmitted infections
Get help quickly if
- You have not conceived after 1 year of trying – seek advice
- Seek advice sooner if your partner is 36 or older, or if either of you knows of a possible fertility problem
- A new lump or swelling in a testicle – see a doctor soon
In an emergency in Kuwait, call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
How it is usually assessed
- A discussion of your health, medicines and lifestyle
- An examination of the testicles
- Semen analysis, which is often repeated
- Tests for infections such as chlamydia
- Sometimes blood hormone tests or a scrotal ultrasound scan
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause. Lifestyle changes can improve sperm quality – sperm take around three months to develop, so changes take time to show. Infections or hormone problems can be treated, and some causes can be helped by surgery. Assisted conception, such as IUI or IVF, may also be options.
What you can do
- Stop smoking and avoid heavy drinking
- Aim for a healthy weight
- Do not use anabolic steroids or testosterone supplements unless prescribed – they can stop sperm production
- Ask a doctor whether any of your regular medicines can affect fertility
Based on NHS patient information: nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/
This page is general information, not a personal medical assessment. Speak with a clinician about your own situation before starting or changing any treatment.