The Essential Guide to Men's Health and Fertility Terms

Let's be honest - when trying to conceive, most of the focus is on the ladies' side of the equation. From AMH levels to basal body temperature to cycles, moms-to-be have a long list of ABCs to learn as they go through treatment. But men's health plays an equally critical role.

In this article:

• Raising Awareness for Men's Health
• What is Movember?
• Men's Health & Fertility Glossary
• Male Fertility
• General Wellness
• Mental Health
• Other Health Risks for Men
• Men's Health Matters Too

Raising Awareness for Men's Health

When it comes to discussions about health and fertility, much of the focus tends to spotlight women, leaving men’s health and reproductive concerns underrepresented. Yet, men play an equally critical role in family building, and their overall well-being significantly impacts fertility and long-term health outcomes.

From common conditions like low testosterone to complex topics such as azoospermia, understanding the terminology associated with male health and fertility is essential. These terms not only help men navigate their reproductive health but also encourage informed conversations with healthcare providers.

In this easy-to-understand guide, you'll learn about key aspects of male fertility, physical and mental health, and how to proactively take care of your mind and body. 

What is Movember?

Every November – or should we say, Movember – we work to highlight common health concerns that impact the male population before, during, and after family building. Because we know that maintaining your health isn’t just about fertility – it starts long before trying to conceive and continues throughout your life.

Movember is one of the leading charities geared towards men’s health, working to increase awareness, foster open dialogue, and fund initiatives to address these challenges effectively. 

The organization focuses on these three major men's health risks:

1. Prostate cancer: This is the second most common cancer among men worldwide, affecting around 1 in 8 men during their lifetime. Early detection through regular screenings is critical for better outcomes.

2. Testicular cancer: Predominantly impacting younger men (ages 15-35), testicular cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Regular self-exams can help identify abnormalities promptly.

3. Mental health: Mental health challenges and suicide rates among men are alarmingly high. Globally, men account for 69% of all suicides, with one man dying by suicide every minute. The stigma around discussing mental health often prevents men from seeking help, exacerbating these issues​.

Want to get involved? Visit Movember's website to learn more and join the movement!

Men's Health & Fertility Glossary

There are some key terms every man should know, whether they're starting a family, managing health challenges, or simply aiming to stay informed. Bridging the knowledge gap can help men feel more empowered to take charge of their health and build a foundation for lifelong wellness.

Male Fertility

Male fertility involves a range of specialized terms that can feel overwhelming without proper guidance. This section breaks down these critical concepts to help you better understand your reproductive health and navigate fertility-related discussions with confidence.

Azoospermia

This medical condition is characterized by the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate. It is a significant cause of male infertility and affects approximately 1% of all men and 10-15% of infertile men.

There are two types of azoospermia:

1. Obstructive Azoospermia (OA)

• Caused by a physical blockage or obstruction in the male reproductive tract, such as the vas deferens or epididymis.
• Can result from congenital issues (e.g., cystic fibrosis mutations), previous surgeries, infections, or trauma.

2. Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA)

• Occurs due to issues with sperm production in the testes.
• Causes can include genetic abnormalities (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome), hormonal imbalances, testicular damage, or exposure to toxins.

How is azoospermia treated? Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA) and Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) are advanced medical procedures used to retrieve sperm in men experiencing severe male factor infertility.

Both MESA and TESA are typically performed in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies like IVF or ICSI. The choice between the two depends on the underlying cause of infertility and the recommendation of the fertility specialist.

Fertility Preservation

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy or surgery can affect future sperm production in a significant way. If you have been recently diagnosed with cancer or are planning a hormonal or surgical transition, you may want to consider fertility preservation (in this case, freezing sperm) prior to starting treatment.

Frozen sperm can be thawed and used in the IVF laboratory even after years of being cryopreserved. If you're interested in exploring this option, ask your oncologist to refer you to a fertility practice they trust.

Note: Fertility preservation can be completed within days for men and within weeks for women. This is always done in conjunction with the patient’s cancer treatment schedule and with the clearance and collaboration of their oncologist.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI is a specialized fertilization technique used in assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). It involves injecting a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of an egg using a very fine needle.

This method is commonly used for severe male factor infertility, such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. ICSI increases the chances of fertilization by bypassing natural barriers that sperm typically encounter when trying to enter an egg.

Male Factor Infertility

Infertility in men can be caused by a number of factors, including certain disorders, lifestyle choices, and cancer treatments. It affects up to 50% of couples facing infertility. A semen analysis can evaluate sperm count, motility, and morphology—key indicators of male fertility.

If fertility issues are detected, a reproductive endocrinologist (fertility specialist) can offer potential treatment pathways and discuss your options. In many cases, it's still possible to achieve pregnancy even with mild to moderate male factor challenges.

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)

Reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) is the chosen medical specialty of fertility doctors. REIs are highly-trained physicians specializing in diagnosing and treating infertility and other reproductive health issues. They have expertise in hormonal disorders, ovulation issues, male factor infertility, and advanced reproductive technologies like IVF and ICSI.

REIs complete additional years of training beyond standard obstetrics and gynecology, focusing on reproductive endocrinology and infertility. They work closely with both individuals and couples to create personalized treatment plans with the goal of achieving pregnancy or addressing other reproductive health concerns.

Semen Analysis (SA)

Semen analysis is an essential test for assessing male fertility. It looks at sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, providing a clearer picture of a man's reproductive potential.

Here's what a semen analysis measures:

• Semen volume (concentration)
• Semen thickness, acidity, and sugar content
• Resistance to flow (viscosity)
• Movement of the sperm (motility)
• Number and structure of the sperm (morphology)

Total Motile Sperm (TMS)

Total motile sperm (TMS) is a term you will likely hear referenced if undergoing a semen analysis. TMS is a measurement that indicates the total number of actively moving sperm present in the ejaculate.

This is calculated by combining the sperm concentration, motility percentage, and semen volume. Put simply, TMS tells us how many sperm are actually swimming and capable of fertilization in the entire semen sample.

Semen Analysis 101

Learn more about what this common test can tell us about male fertility and how its results may impact treatment.

Testosterone

As you likely already know, testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in male development and health.

Produced primarily in the testes (and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands), it is responsible for the development of male physical traits such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle mass. Testosterone also plays a crucial role in regulating libido, sperm production, and overall energy levels.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

TRT is sometimes prescribed to men with sub-optimal levels to help restore normal function. This treatment should always be carefully managed by a healthcare provider to avoid potential side effects like diminished fertility or an increased risk of heart disease and prostate issues.

TRT is also used by transgender men and transmasculine individuals as part of gender-affirming care. This therapy helps induce traditionally "masculine" physical changes that better align with one's gender identity.

General Wellness

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is a great way to maintain a healthy weight and keep your heart strong! Examples of this kind of cardiovascular conditioning include walking, jogging, biking, swimming, and playing sports like basketball and soccer.

Check-Ups

Staying on top of annual appointments with your doctor are a must to maintain a healthy lifestyle – even if you feel perfectly fine! Think of it as performing routine maintenance on a car so it doesn't break down. 

Don't know where to start? Look up providers online to read reviews and learn about their credentials, specialties, and patient satisfaction ratings. Websites like Healthgrades or Zocdoc can provide valuable insights.

Healthy Eating

It goes without saying that eating mindfully can decrease your chances of many disorders and diseases. Keep your diet balanced, eating as many whole foods as possible, and live by the mantra, "Everything in moderation."

Strength Training

In combination with aerobic exercise, strength training can have a great impact on your health. It helps regulate your metabolism, builds lean muscle, improves bone health, controls body fat, promotes blood flow, and can serve as a great stress reliever.

Note: While strength training and aerobic exercise are excellent for your mental and physical health, some high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts can raise the temperature of your testicles, impacting sperm concentration and motility. If you’re trying to conceive or planning to in the near future, chat with your fertility specialist before beginning a new exercise program.

Mental Health

Mental health influences a person's well-being in every way - including how they may think or act. There are various signs that you or someone you know may be struggling with mental health, and it’s important to be aware of them in order to get necessary help.

Some common signs of poor mental health are:

• Extreme mood swings (very happy or very sad/depressed)
• Constant fear, worry or anxiety
• Altered sleep patterns and eating habits
• Changes in social life 

It is important to seek the help of a mental health professional if you notice any of the above signs - and keep an eye out for these symptoms in male friends or family members. Mental health professionals are trained to respect your privacy and provide tools and support.

Did you know? At Illume Fertility, we have a robust network of vetted mental health counselors we refer patients to who understand the complexities of infertility.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a condition that occurs when an event or thought triggers persistent nervousness, stress, and worry. While some anxiety is a normal part of life, chronic, unmanageable anxiety is not.

The good news? There are many ways to relieve anxiety, such as meditation, physical activity, breathing exercises, and stress-relieving hobbies. Medication can also be prescribed by a psychiatrist to help manage anxiety in some cases.

Depression

Depression in men is a significant mental health issue that often goes unrecognized or untreated due to stigma or differences in how symptoms manifest compared to women. Understanding its signs, causes, and treatment options is critical for early intervention and support.

Signs of Depression in Men

Men may exhibit both emotional and physical signs of depression, including:

• Emotional symptoms: Persistent sadness, irritability, feelings of hopelessness, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Physical symptoms: Fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, headaches, or digestive issues.
• Behavioral changes: Increased anger or aggression, risk-taking behavior, or substance abuse. Unlike women, men may express depression through externalizing behaviors (e.g., anger or irritability) rather than overt sadness, which can make it harder to diagnose.

Barriers to Seeking Help

Men often face stigma around discussing mental health or fear being perceived as weak. Raising awareness and normalizing conversations around mental well-being can help overcome these barriers.

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

Stress

Chronic stress affects both physical and reproductive health. It can also increase your likelihood of diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues. Incorporate relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or light exercise to maintain a balanced mind and body.

Other Health Risks for Men

In addition to higher rates of suicide, men also experience other health risks throughout their lives. Here are a few more key issues to be aware of:

Heart Disease

A leading health concern for men, heart disease can be prevented with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management. The most important actions to take to prevent heart disease are knowing your family history and getting regular screenings.

Prostate

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. Its primary function is to produce and secrete prostate fluid, a key component of semen. The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Getting tested regularly for prostate cancer is important, because some people can be asymptomatic - leading to late diagnosis and possible cancer spread. For men over the age of 40, discuss your personal risk of prostate cancer with your doctor, and ask about screening options.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

A PSA test is a simple blood test that measures your levels of prostate specific antigen (a protein produced by your prostate). If your PSA level seems high, your doctor will most likely advise you to get some additional testing done.

You're not alone.

Struggling to conceive? Meet real couples who overcame male factor infertility with the help of fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men (ages 15-35) in the United States. Thankfully, it is highly treatable when detected early. Regular self exams (see below) are an important factor for diagnosing and catching testicular cancer early.

Testicular Self-Exam

A startling statistic reveals that 70% of men have never performed a self-examination of their testicles, despite the importance of this practice for early detection of testicular cancer.

Regular self-exams can help identify abnormalities like lumps, swelling, or changes in size and shape that could indicate a serious issue. Performing monthly self-checks at home can be key to the prevention and early detection of testicular cancer.

As Movember says, know thy nuts.

How to get started:

In the shower under warm water, palpate each testicle between your second and third fingers to get a sense of their texture and size. If you notice a mass, lump, change in size, or experience any pain, contact your doctor ASAP.

Stroke

Men have a higher risk of having a stroke compared to women. This increased risk is partly due to factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity, which are more common in men.

For stroke prevention, manage lifestyle factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, as well as avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Regular health check-ups can help identify early warning signs and manage risks.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (sometimes referred to as adult-onset diabetes) is a chronic condition impacting the way your body deals with sugar through the production of naturally-occurring insulin. Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be managed - through diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and insulin treatment.

Men's Health Matters Too

Educating yourself and learning these terms isn’t just about fertility—it’s about fostering lifelong wellness. From your first steps into family building to maintaining vitality in later years, understanding and prioritizing your overall well-being is essential.

If you’re looking for personalized advice or resources, our team at Illume Fertility is here to guide you. Schedule a consultation today to take the next step in your wellness journey!