Male Infertility

First things first, Fertility is not synonymous with virility. Libido, erection, ejaculation may all be existent and in proper functioning order, but this does not automatically translate to the capability of instituting pregnancy. On the other hand, the inability to achieve erection is not a necessary precondition for infertility, although of course it is a prerequisite to penetration.

Infertility is not a sexual disorder, nor a sexual dysfunction. It is a medical condition that could benefit from medical treatment, as long as it is diagnosed early on, and diagnosed correctly.

Generally, the inability to achieve conception after a year of working towards that goal is considered primary infertility, which affects an estimated 15% of couples wanting to have a child. Then there is secondary infertility - the inability to conceive after having delivered the first child involving the same partners. This is usually medical in nature and due to age and stress.

It is very common for Filipino childless couples to wait for years before seeking professional help, mainly because of the fear of finding out that infertility is involved, and thus feel the stigmatic judgment of society. However, according to Dr. Stephen Shaban of the Department of Surgery of the University of Carolina School of Medicine, the earlier that infertility is diagnosed, the better chance for successful treatment, if needed. As such, the wait should not take longer than one year.

Normal Semen Parameters as determined by the World Health Organization

• Volume: 1.5 - 5ml (1 teaspoon)


• Sperm Density: more than 20million sperm per ml


• Motility: more than 60%


• Morphology: more than 60% normal forms

Factors affecting Sperm Production, Transport and Ejaculation

• Hormonal/ Endocrine Diseases - diabetes, hypo/hyperthyroidism (goiter)


• Genetic disorders - cryptorchidism (absence of one or both testes)


• Medications being taken - tranquilizers, hypertension medication (spironolactone), meds for treatment of thyroid problems, steroids, meds for the treatment of ulcers (cimetidine), meds taken for bowel irritation syndrome, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, rheumatoid arthritis (sulfasalazine), antibiotic for UTI (nitrofurantoin)


• Obstruction in the vas deferens - retrogade ejaculation (dry ejaculation - the ejaculation goes into the bladder instead of through the penis); hypospadias (penile opening is not at the tip, nasa gilid or nasa ilalim ang butas)


• Previous Surgeries


• Past Diseases - Mumps after puberty


• Lifestyle - Drug abuse, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption


• Occupational hazards - excessive heat and radiation, especially those working or who have worked in military air stations and other places with installed aircraft tracking radar or cellular site, as well as aircraft flights (high and certain risk of developing infertility)

Treatment: There is treatment. You just have to be impatient enough and not wait for a year.

From Health Care Magazine July 2006 Issue