Although infertility is still mistakenly thought of as only a woman's problem, it is in fact equally likely that the cause is due to a male factor. Individually, each is the cause of infertility approximately 35 percent of the time. A combined problem exists in 20 percent of infertility cases, and in 10 percent of cases the cause is unexplained.

Male infertility problems often relate to sperm production, structural issues or immunological response. Disorders may be genetic or caused by exposure to radiation, medications, infection or trauma. Hormonal imbalance may also be a factor.

Diagnosis is typically based on the results of a semen analysis, which will be evaluated for sperm count, movement and shape. If one or more parameters are found to be abnormal, you and your physician will discuss your options for treatment. If the analysis is normal, additional testing for hormone imbalance and genetic defects may be recommended.

Recent technological breakthroughs have made great advances in the field of male infertility. Once limited to intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization with donor sperm, innovative new options now available at Conceptions offer many males the opportunity to father their own children.