Is Erectile Dysfunction a Sign of Infertility?
Erectile dysfunction and infertility are both serious sexual health concerns. Learn how they are connected and what can be done to help.
Erectile Dysfunction and Infertility
Both erectile dysfunction (ED) and infertility will affect a man’s sexual health and the ability to have children. However, each one will affect that ability in different ways.
Sustained ED at any age isn’t normal and should be evaluated by a board-certified urologist, such as one of the experts at Urology of Greater Atlanta. Our offices throughout Georgia offer many different treatment options to treat erectile dysfunction. Call or book an ED consultation online today!
What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), otherwise known as impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
What Causes ED?
Sexual function depends on the blood vessels opening sufficiently, allowing the penis to fill with blood. ED may occur when health problems prevent that from happening. These may include:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Spinal cord injury
Other external factors may also be causing ED, including:
- Lifestyle choices
- Drug use
- Side effects of certain medications
- Lack of exercise
- Performance anxiety
- Sexual dysfunction
- Psychological factors
- Dehydration
What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility is typically due to insufficient sperm quality or quantity. Both a low sperm count and low-quality sperm reduce the chances of a sperm cell joining with an egg and a viable pregnancy.
Many factors can contribute to abnormal sperm production. Some people produce low volumes of sperm, and some people have sperm that do not move normally.
In some cases, your sperm might be either abnormal in shape or otherwise unable to perform its function in pregnancy. You could also have anatomy or blockages that interfere with the delivery of sperm during ejaculation.
What Are the Signs of Infertility in Males?
The most obvious sign of male infertility that men notice is the inability to conceive a child.
Other signs that men may notice if they have infertility are:
- Difficulty ejaculating
- Premature ejaculation
- Pain and/or swelling in the testicles
- Abnormal male breast growth (gynecomastia)
- Decreased facial or body hair (signs of a male hormone imbalance)
Can Erectile Dysfunction Cause Low Sperm Count?
A low sperm count can be caused by underlying conditions such as a hormone imbalance, chromosomal abnormality, a testicular issue, or a blockage. At the same time, you may experience other related symptoms to that condition.
This does not mean that the other symptoms are causing the low sperm count but that they are both the result of the underlying condition. In other words, erectile dysfunction could be another symptom of the condition that is causing male fertility problems.
When to See a Doctor About Male Infertility
If you have been trying to conceive for a year without success, you should visit a urologist. Also, you should know that erectile dysfunction is not part and parcel with aging. So if you have a problem with ED, it is very likely that with the right treatment, you can regain your sexual function.
If you would like to get an evaluation by a board-certified urologist, book an appointment with one of the experts at Urology of Greater Atlanta. We have offices located throughout Georgia.
Our specialists can offer you several different treatment options. Call or book an ED consultation online today!