When should men get a reproductive health check-up?
When a couple is slow to have children, finding the cause needs to be considered on both sides. According to Jivan Chaudhari, a reproductive medicine expert at Inamdar Hospital (India), the male factor accounts for a significant proportion in infertility cases. Therefore, fertility diagnosis should be performed simultaneously for both husband and wife to have a comprehensive view.
Usually, if the couple has regular sex, does not use contraception for a year and is not pregnant, both should go for an examination. In case the wife is 35 years old or older, they should proactively see a doctor after about six months instead of waiting for a full year.
In addition to the time factor, men with a history of diseases related to reproductive health should also proactively check early. People who have had problems in their genitals or have undergone medical intervention in this area may be affected by sperm quality. When abnormal manifestations appear such as pain, swelling or changes in the intimate area, men should go for examination to be evaluated and consulted promptly.
Men who have been treated for cancer with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or using anabolic steroids, testosterone for a long time may also have reduced reproductive function. In addition, chronic diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, severe obesity, chronic liver or kidney disease can also affect hormones and sperm production.
Sexual health issues are also signs to pay attention to. Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, difficulty ejaculating, or decreased libido may be related to endocrine disorders or sperm abnormalities. Early examination helps identify the cause and have appropriate treatment directions.
Lifestyle also plays an important role. Smoking a lot, drinking alcohol regularly, using drugs, exposure to toxic chemicals, frequent saunas or placing laptops on your lap for a long time can negatively affect sperm quality.
Inspection procedures and notes
Checking male fertility usually starts with medical history and clinical examination. The most important tests are semen analysis, assessing volume, density, mobility and sperm shape. If abnormalities are detected, the doctor may prescribe additional hormone tests or scrotal ultrasound.
Before taking semen samples, men are usually advised to abstain from ejaculation for two to five days. You should limit alcohol, beer, tobacco and notify your doctor about the medications or functional foods you are using. If you have just had a fever or have acute illness, you need to report it because it may temporarily affect the results.
Experts emphasize that an abnormal semen result does not mean infertility. Many causes can be improved by lifestyle changes or appropriate medical treatment. Proactive early check-ups help couples reduce pressure and choose treatment options at the right time.
