When a couple can't get pregnant, the focus is often on the prospective mom, but that needs to change, a Houston urologist says.

"Both partners need evaluation," said Dr. Larry Lipschultz, a professor of urology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "With fertility, you can't finger point. It's not a male or female problem as much as it needs to be considered a couple's problem."

Men who are infertile have no way to know unless they've had specific surgeries or an accident involving their testicles. The only sign is being unable to get a woman pregnant. A fertility test can confirm this.

Once a man hits his 50s, his fertility drops. It's not as dramatic a decline as that which a woman experiences during menopause -- rather, it happens little by little. 

Guys who are obese or who put on weight may also have trouble producing enough sperm. A doctor might recommend losing weight, to boost the production of male hormones. A diet rich in foods containing antioxidants may also be suggested.

Keep in mind that the testosterone should not come from an outside source. Men who take outside testosterone in any form are turning off the hormones that promote sperm production. Men who need testosterone should be under a specialist's care. 

Men looking to become fathers should avoid direct heat to the testicles, including a cell phone in a pocket, hot tubs or heating pads. 

They should also be aware that chemotherapy, radiotherapy and drugs called biologics can tamp down sperm production. 

Men who have fertility issues are also at higher risk for other conditions, including cancer and premature death.

"If you're in the reproductive age group and you have some type of problem that requires medication, check with your physician that this is not going to hurt your sperm production," Lipschultz advised. "If you are in a situation that this is going to be permanent, make sure you bank your sperm."

SOURCE: Baylor College of Medicine, June 20, 2024, news release