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Posts Tagged ‘Diseases’

Know the Facts about Male Infertility

Monday, October 31st, 2011

As we’ve noted here before, up to a third of all cases of infertility between couples can be attributed to male infertility factors. But how much do you really know about this condition?

To help you understand male infertility a little better, we’ve amassed a series of statistics and facts:

• In the United States, around 6 percent of men aged teen to midlife have fertility difficulties. Outside of the United States, especially in developing countries, that figure can be significantly higher.

• Up to 71 percent of males who are diagnosed as infertile have infections, many of which are caused by untreated sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like chlamydia.

• Up to 90 percent of male infertility causes can be traced back to low sperm count. (Again, that low sperm count can be the result of many different issues, including an undiagnosed STD.)

• One in 25 males has a low sperm count. (This may or may not lead to male infertility, as the determining factor is whether or not the sperm are healthy and viable.)

• Blood tests and semen analysis are the most popular ways to determine the cause of male infertility.

• Some sources suggest that male infertility may be more prevalent than female infertility, although this hypothesis is heavily debated in the fertility specialist community.

If you’re interested in learning more about male infertility and you’re in the Philadelphia or Wyomissing, PA areas, please contact the Reproductive Science Institute today for an appointment. We’d be happy to discuss and evaluate your unique situation.

 

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When Missteps Made in Younger Years Affect Fertility

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Could the decisions you make as a teen or young adult affect your fertility in later years?  Absolutely, especially if you contract one of the many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that are rampant in the United States and abroad.

STDs may not be discussed in everyday circles; in fact, they are often relegated to a health education class or two.  However, they can be (often silent) contributing factors to fertility difficulties in both men and women.

“I’d know if I had an STD!” people regularly say, affronted by the notion that they could possibly be carrying a condition that causes them to be unable to conceive a child.  Yet many STDs do not carry any (or many) symptoms.  In plenty of cases, men and women have no idea that they’ve had an STD for years until they come to a fertility specialist (like those at the Philadelphia area’s RSI clinic) and are tested as a part of routine examination.

This is why it’s so important for you to face facts.  If you OR your sexual partner have ever engaged in any type of sexual activity (oral sex included) with another individual, you owe it to yourselves to get tested for STDs.  Even if you’ve been together for many years, it’s critical for you to know.  After all, many STDs can be either controlled or eliminated, but if you don’t know you have the problem, you cannot solve it.

Certainly, it’s a difficult topic to bring up, but if you’re having fertility issues, it’s worth knowing the answer to the question.

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