You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with male infertility. By talking openly and regularly with your healthcare provider, you can take an active role in your care.
General Tips for Gathering Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your healthcare provider: Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.
Specific Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
About Infertility in Men Can my infertility be cured?I am not impotent. Can I still be infertile?How can you determine if I'm infertile?
About Your Risk of Developing Male Infertility Does my occupation affect my risk of infertility?Is my tobacco or alcohol use affecting my fertility?Does my past sexual history play a role in my fertility today?Is my physical activity affecting my fertility?Are the prescription or over-the-counter medications I take affecting my fertility?
About Treatment Options Can the causes of my infertility be treated with medications?Will I need surgery if I’m infertile?Can any of the new reproductive technologies be used to treat the causes of my infertility?Are there any alternative or complementary therapies I should consider?What is the success rate of the above treatments?
About Lifestyle Changes Will I need to quit smoking and drinking alcohol?Do I need vitamin or mineral supplements?Can I still play sports?Are there foods I should eat to improve my fertility?
About Outlook What are our chances of getting pregnant after we are treated?Will we need to undergo treatment again if we want more children?Can any of these treatments cause long-term problems? Are they reversible?
Infertility. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated June 4, 2013. Accessed December 2, 2013.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine website. Available at:
http://www.asrm.org/topics/detail.aspx?id=1331. Accessed December 2, 2013.
Last reviewed December 2014 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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