For a long time, the focus of fertility has been almost on women. But the reality is that men’s reproductive health also influences, and a lot. It is estimated that in around 40% – 50% of cases where it is difficult to achieve a pregnancy, there is a male factor involved.
What few know is that there are simple, non-invasive and quite accessible ways to get a first idea of the state of male fertility. In addition, when there are warning signs, it is possible to act, improve some habits and, if necessary, rely on alternatives such as assisted reproduction.
Recognizing these aspects not only allows informed decisions to be made, it also offers peace of mind: a man’s fertility can be evaluated, cared for and, in many cases, strengthened.
Are there physical signs that indicate whether a man is fertile?
Although the male body does not present symptoms as obvious as the menstrual cycle in women, there are indicators that can offer clues about their fertility.
When a man has healthy sexual function, consistent erections, and ejaculations with no visible alterations in semen, it can be considered a good starting point. The same is true if your overall health is stable, with adequate energy levels, good physical fitness, and no history of decompensated chronic diseases.
However, it is important to understand that these signs are orienting, not conclusive. To be certain, it will always be necessary to go a little further.
In reproductive medicine, the spermogram is the most common and effective study to begin assessing male fertility. This analysis allows us to know both the quantity and quality of spermatozoa, observing aspects such as:
- Sperm concentration (how many sperm are in the semen).
- Mobility (if they manage to move efficiently).
- Morphology (the shape of sperm and their structure).
- Other variables, such as the percentage of live sparmatozoa, the volume of the ejaculate or the pH.
When there are alterations in this first study, the doctor may order other complementary tests. The most common include hormonal profiling — such as testosterone, FSH, and LH — and, in some cases, testicular ultrasound or genetic studies.
All this in order to understand the origin of the problem and determine the best way forward.
What can affect a man’s fertility and how can he take care of himself?
This is where opportunities often open up. In most cases, male fertility is not affected by a single cause, but by a combination of factors, many of them related to lifestyle.
The consumption of tobacco, alcohol or psychoactive substances, frequent exposure to high temperatures in the genital area (such as saunas or prolonged use of computers on the legs), obesity, poor diet and sustained stress are some of the elements that can compromise the quality of semen.
The good news is that, as they are modifiable factors, they are also reversible to a large extent. Changing these habits isn’t always easy, but it can have a significant impact. With a diet rich in antioxidants, moderate exercise, stress reduction and specific supplements – if indicated by the specialist – sperm quality can improve within three to four months, which is the average time it takes for a new sperm population to regenerate.
When there are difficulties, assisted reproduction is also an option
There are cases in which, despite care, male fertility continues to be affected. For these situations, science offers safe and effective alternatives.
Assisted reproductive techniques are not reserved only for women with complex diagnoses. In men, they can make a difference when there are moderate or severe alterations in the semen.
Depending on the outcome of the studies, specialists may suggest options such as:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI), if sperm motility is low but viable.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF), especially when more factors are involved.
- ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), which allows a single healthy sperm to be selected and used in cases of very low count.
It is not about skipping steps, but about having paths available if the body requires it.
Male fertility is a dimension of health that also deserves attention, care and accompaniment. There is no weakness in asking, nor shame in seeking answers. On the contrary: dealing with this issue is a way of getting involved with awareness, with respect for one’s own times and with openness to the options that science offers today. At Fertivida, we know that every story has its nuances. And that accompanying men in these processes, with clear information and without judgment, is also part of the path to desired fatherhood.
