Choosing infertility clinics and a reproductive urologist is an overwhelming task for most men. Couples may become discouraged when there are difficulties conceiving a child. An infertility clinic and reproductive urologist offers help and answers for many couples who may have otherwise given up all hope of having a child.
Role of the Reproductive Urologist
The role of the reproductive urologist is to help a man find the cause of infertility, if any, with thorough testing, and assist to correct the infertility issue.
It is important to choose a reproductive urologist and clinic wisely, with preference for one who also has specialized training with male reproductive disorders and knowledge of urinary tract diseases. Find out how many years of practice the specialist has acquired. Learn if the doctor has hospital privileges, and the location of the hospital. Surgical training is optimal in case there are fertility issues that need to be resolved. It is also advisable for the physician to be involved in continuous learning, and to be actively participating and aware of any new methods of treatment for infertility. Inquire about the various services offered at the clinic, and whether the specialist in question does accept the planned type of insurance, if an insurance plan is being utilized.
Inability to Conceive
The main reason why couples seek a fertility specialist is because of an inability to conceive. It is often recommended to wait approximately one year to seek medical assistance for infertility, if the attempts were unsuccessful with unprotected sexual activity. If couples are unable to conceive, and are feeling increased anxiety and depression, any time is a good time to seek help from a reproductive urologist or fertility specialist. The inability to conceive can interfere with daily life within the couple's relationship or can affect a career and friendships at work or at home.
Most reproductive urologists suggest both the female and the male be assessed at the same time. Medical statistics indicate that the issue is solely a female issue only 50 percent of the time. There is a 30 percent likelihood that the problem is a male issue, and a 20 percent possibility that the fertility problem is both a female and male difficulty. Testing of the male, and male fertility corrective surgeries, are less invasive than using fertility drugs with the associated side effects and risks, and often complicated and costly fertility treatments.
Low Sperm Count or Poor Quality of Sperm
Usually after a few days of abstinence, the semen is tested. If there is an abnormal semen test, then frequently the male will be referred to a reproductive urologist, especially if there is a low sperm count or poor quality of sperm such as a motility of less than 40 percent. The abnormal semen test could be caused by an underlying medical condition, or an infection. The morphology (shape of the sperm) is also tested, with the normal shaping expected to be at approximately 30 percent. The infertility clinics can assist with any of these and other fertility issues.
