The male partner is almost 50% as likely to be the contributor to the fertility issue as the female. A very easy test for the male is a sperm count test that will tell us quickly if they have a low or high count. Men can have a hormonal imbalance and signs of this can be low libido, erectile dysfunction, body fat in the mid-section, and irregular heartbeat.

Impotency/Erection Or Ejaculation Difficulties:  may be symptoms of other underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Normal Visual Appearance Of Semen: Should semen be ‘thick’ or ‘runny’? Why does it appear ‘watery’ sometimes? Is this one of the signs of infertility? Many men are concerned about what the normal consistency (appearance) of their semen should be, and if this has any relation to their sperm count?

Consistency of semen can vary greatly from one man to another. It is common for this to occasionally vary (either ‘thick’ in texture or sometimes becoming more ‘watery’ looking) depending on factors such as diet, dehydration, frequency of ejaculation etc. So for that reason there is no defined ‘normal appearance’. It is normal for semen to liquefy shortly after ejaculation. Semen is usually a semi translucent off white/gray coloring, and can sometimes have a slight yellow tinge.

You cannot tell how fertile you are by just the ‘look’ of your ejaculate alone. Only a sperm analysis can accurately determine your sperm concentration. However, if you notice any ‘substantial’ or ‘persistent’ changes to your regular semen appearance/color, or are just worried, we advise seeking advice from a doctor for clarification or for further investigation.

Low Sperm Count: There are all sorts of factors that can contribute to this sign of infertility including: Alcohol/smoking or drug abuse, Poor diet, Environmental toxins, Tight underwear (bad circulation/heat), Constantly sitting with legs crossed, Bike riding (cutting off circulation and overheating), Hot baths, Having had a high fever within the last three months, X-rays and radiation

It is recommended to make any lifestyle changes needed that may be contributing to this sign of infertility, but it is also advised to discuss your results with your doctor. They can investigate any other underlying reasons that may contribute to poor sperm count.

Hormones: Guys may not realize that they can suffer from hormone imbalances, and this can be a sign of infertility. Symptoms are varied, but it is still important to let your doctor know if you notice any of the following signs as they may be clues: Unexplained weight gain or loss, Loss of muscle tone, headaches, Anxiety/depression/mood swings, Fatigue, Low sex drive, Acne/skin problems, Breast enlargement, Hair loss, Puffiness/bloating, Prostate enlargement symptoms (urinary problems), Gallbladder problems – indigestion, pain under ribs on right hand side, light colored stools

Infections: Men can contract infections of the reproductive tract, these can be passed on through sexual contact, poor immunity, surgery complications and other medical factors. It is advised to be checked for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) regardless, as these often show no physical signs straight away. Bacterial or viral infections can also affect the sperm count for some time afterwards. Look out for these signs of infertility: Swelling, Pain, discomfort or itching in the genital area, A painful burning sensation when urinating or discolored urine, Discharge from the penis, Unusual smell,Blood in semen (may show as a brown/pink tinge) may also be a sign of a burst blood vessel but still should get checked for infection, Any other irregular changes in semen color, High temperature, Nausea and/or vomiting,Blisters, sores or bumps in genitals.

Varicocele:  varicose veins inside the scrotum may be a sign of infertility (a very common condition for men). These may cause discomfort or you may notice these physically. Treatment is available for this condition.

Medications: Certain signs of infertility may be due to some medications. Discuss any prescription medicines that you may be taking with your doctor as some may interfere with your reproductive system as a side effect. Your doctor may be able to change your medication or adjust your dosage. Monitoring will be required to achieve the desired results.

Health Related Issues: Other health related issues can affect our fertility. These include thyroid issues, being underweight or overweight, diabetes, autoimmune disease (lupus), smoking, hypertension, heavy exposure to environmental pollution, long-term use of over-the-counter medication and prescription medication.

You should see a doctor if any of these issues is ringing a bell for you. If you are under 35 and trying for a year, please see a doctor. If you are over 35, then you should see a doctor if you are trying over 6 months.