When a couple is trying to conceive and it is not happening, both the man and the woman may need to see a doctor. People often focus on women when it comes to infertility, but men can also have fertility problems. It is just as important for men to get tested and treated if needed. So who does a man see for fertility? This article will explain that in simple words and go into detail to help you understand the process.
Start with a General Doctor
The first step for a man who is worried about his fertility is usually a visit to a general doctor or family doctor. This doctor can talk to him about his medical history, lifestyle, and any problems he might be having. The general doctor may also do a physical exam. If the doctor thinks there might be a fertility problem, he will refer the man to a specialist. A general doctor cannot treat most fertility issues, but they can point you in the right direction.
See a Urologist
A urologist is a doctor who works with the male reproductive system and urinary system. This is usually the main type of doctor a man sees for fertility. Some urologists specialize in male infertility. These doctors understand how the testicles, sperm, and hormones work in men. They can do more tests to find out if something is wrong.
The urologist may check for varicocele, which is swollen veins in the scrotum that can lower sperm quality. He might also look for signs of infection or injury. Some men have blockages that stop sperm from coming out when they ejaculate. A urologist can find and sometimes fix these problems.
Visit a Reproductive Urologist
Not all urologists are experts in male fertility. A reproductive urologist has special training in helping men who have trouble getting a partner pregnant. This kind of doctor can do advanced testing, give medications, or do surgery if needed. If the regular urologist cannot help, he may refer the man to a reproductive urologist.
These doctors often work in fertility clinics with reproductive endocrinologists, who help women. They can work together to help both partners improve their chances of having a baby. Reproductive urologists are the top choice when a man has serious fertility problems.
See an Endocrinologist
Sometimes the problem with male fertility is due to hormones. Hormones are chemicals in the body that control many functions. In men, testosterone and other hormones help the body make sperm. If the hormone levels are too low or not balanced, sperm production may drop. In this case, the man may need to see an endocrinologist.
An endocrinologist is a doctor who focuses on hormone problems. They can order blood tests to check hormone levels. If needed, they may prescribe medicines to help balance the hormones and support sperm production. Hormonal therapy may take time but can be helpful.
Consider a Fertility Specialist
Fertility specialists are doctors who work at fertility clinics. They are trained to help both men and women with infertility. While many fertility specialists focus on women, some work with men too. If a man goes to a fertility clinic with his partner, he may be asked to do a sperm analysis first. This is a test that looks at how many sperm are present, how they move, and how healthy they are.
If the sperm test is not normal, the fertility doctor may suggest more tests. They may work together with a urologist or endocrinologist to treat the man’s condition. A fertility clinic often offers sperm freezing, intrauterine insemination, and IVF. The man may play a role in all of these, so he needs to be part of the process.
Men Should Not Wait Too Long
Many couples wait a year or more before they see a doctor. But it is better to act sooner if there are any signs of trouble. If a man has a history of injury to the testicles, infections, surgery near the groin, or problems with erections or ejaculation, he should see a doctor earlier. Even if he feels fine, he could still have a fertility issue that only a test can show.
Getting tested is simple and usually starts with a sperm analysis. If the sperm count is very low or there are no sperm at all, more tests can be done. Sometimes, doctors can find sperm in the testicles even if none are in the semen. These sperm can be used for IVF.
Testing for Male Fertility
The main test for male fertility is semen analysis. The man provides a semen sample, and a lab looks at it. They count the sperm, check their shape, and see how well they swim. A good sperm count does not always mean a man is fertile, but it is a good start. If the count is low, doctors may repeat the test to confirm the results.
If there is a problem with the semen, doctors may check hormone levels with a blood test. They may also do an ultrasound to look at the testicles and surrounding tissues. Sometimes, a biopsy may be done to look inside the testicles for sperm.
Treatments for Male Infertility
There are many treatments for male fertility problems. The treatment depends on what is causing the issue. If the problem is hormonal, medicines can be used. If there is a blockage, surgery may help. If there is a varicocele, it can often be fixed with a small operation.
If the sperm are healthy but few in number, they can be collected and used in assisted reproductive techniques. For example, intrauterine insemination puts the sperm directly into the woman’s uterus. IVF combines the sperm and egg in a lab. ICSI is a form of IVF where a single sperm is injected into the egg.
Even men with no sperm in their semen may still be able to father a child. In some cases, sperm can be taken directly from the testicles and used in IVF. There are many options, but it all starts with seeing the right doctor.
Emotional Support Matters Too
Infertility can be hard on both partners. Men may feel pressure to stay strong or may not want to talk about the problem. But it is important to speak openly and seek help. Mental health counselors, support groups, and couples therapy can all be helpful.
Men should not feel ashamed about fertility problems. Just like other health conditions, male infertility is common and treatable. The sooner a man seeks help, the better his chances of becoming a father.
Healthy Lifestyle Makes a Difference
Doctors will often talk to men about their lifestyle. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, being overweight, or being under too much stress can all hurt sperm quality. Eating healthy food, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help.
Wearing tight underwear or using hot tubs too often may also raise the temperature of the testicles, which is not good for sperm. Making small changes can lead to big improvements in fertility over time.
Conclusion
When a man wants to have a baby but is having trouble, he should not wait. Start by seeing a general doctor. Then go to a urologist or, even better, a reproductive urologist. Hormone problems may need an endocrinologist. A fertility clinic can help too. There are many ways to test and treat male infertility. With the right help, most men can become fathers. The most important thing is to take that first step and talk to a doctor.
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