Talking about male fertility is still uncomfortable terrain for many men. But there is something that becomes more important than silence: information. Especially when there are symptoms that, although not always obvious, may be signaling that something in the body needs to be checked.
In general, fertility problems in men do not manifest themselves with pain or sharp physical signs. That is why they can go unnoticed for years, until the desire to have a child arrives and, with it, the questions.
Understanding the early signs and common causes allows you to act early. Not to be alarmed, but to intervene in time if necessary.
Are there symptoms of infertility in men?
Although it is often thought that male fertility problems are only discovered with a spermogram, the truth is that the body can give some clues earlier. They may be subtle, but they are still valuable.
Some signs that may be related to alterations in men’s reproductive health include:
- Decreased sexual desire for no apparent reason.
- Changes in erectile function, such as difficulty maintaining or achieving an erection.
- Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicles, which may be indicating alterations such as varicocele or infections.
- Retrograde or painful ejaculation.
- Reduction in semen volume or visible changes in its consistency.
- Decreased body or muscle hair without lifestyle changes, which may be related to hormonal imbalances.
These symptoms do not always imply a definitive diagnosis, but they can be the prelude to a more in-depth evaluation. In this article we explain how to know if a man is fertile and what tests allow us to have clarity about this.
Main Medical Causes of Male Fertility Problems
When alterations in the quantity or quality of sperm are identified, the next step is to look for their origin. Many of the most common causes are medical, and in many cases can be treated or managed with timely intervention.
1. Varicocele
It is a dilation of the veins in the spermatic cord, similar to varicose veins in the legs. It affects blood flow and can raise the temperature in the testicles, which interferes with sperm production. It is one of the most common treatable causes.
2. Hormonal imbalances
Although less common than in women, hormonal disorders also affect men. Low testosterone levels, or alterations in the hormones FSH and LH, can impact sperm production.
3. Infections
Some infections — such as chlamydia, cytomegalovirus, gonorrhea, or mumps in adulthood — can cause inflammation in the reproductive organs, causing scarring or temporarily affecting fertility. They can also alter the pH of semen.
4. Anatomical problems
Obstructions in the vas deferens, undescended testicles, or congenital malformations can prevent proper sperm transport or affect their maturation.
5. Systemic diseases
Diabetes, thyroid disease, chronic kidney failure, or autoimmune conditions can alter the hormonal or vascular environment necessary for healthy fertility.
Male Fertility: A Reflection of A Man’s Whole Health
Fertility problems are not an isolated condition. In fact, in many cases they function as a “thermometer” that warns of wider imbalances in men’s health.
Altered sperm production can be the first sign of an endocrine, metabolic, or vascular problem. Therefore, going to a specialist in human reproduction is not only important for those who want to become parents. It can also help detect conditions that affect a man’s physical and emotional well-being in time.
We’ve already talked about how to tell if a man is fertile and what can be done to improve his reproductive health. But if there are persistent symptoms or known medical factors, the next step is to consult. Not to be alarmed, but to have a clear and accompanied plan.
Fertility is not just a number on a spermogram. It is an expression of the physical, hormonal and emotional state of man. Recognizing when the body needs attention is a gesture of self-care, not weakness.
At Fertivida, we accompany men from that place: with respect for their times, with information that opens paths, and with the support of a team that understands that fertility also speaks in a male voice.
