In general, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex. Because fertility in women is known to decline steadily with age, some providers evaluate and treat women aged 35 years or older after 6 months of unprotected sex.

Nearly 1 in 7 couples is infertile, which means they haven’t been able to conceive a child even though they’ve had frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. In up to half of these couples, male infertility plays at least a partial role.

Male infertility can be caused by low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices, and other factors may contribute to male infertility.

The inability to conceive a child can be stressful and frustrating, but several treatments are available for male infertility.

The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. There may be no other obvious signs or symptoms.

In some cases, however, an underlying problem such as an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm causes signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms you may notice include:

Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)

Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area

Recurrent respiratory infections

Inability to smell

Abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia)

Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal abnormality

A lower than normal sperm count (fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or a total sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculate)

See a doctor if you have been unable to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse or sooner if you have any of the following:

Erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive, or other problems with sexual function

Pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicle area

A history of testicle, prostate or sexual problems

A groin, testicle, penis or scrotum surgery

A partner over age 35

Infertility is a condition where you cannot get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive. In women, the cause of infertility can include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and thyroid disease. Men with fertility problems may have a low sperm count or low testosterone. The risk of infertility increases as you age

The main symptom of infertility is the inability to get pregnant. A menstrual cycle that’s too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular or absent can mean that you’re not ovulating. There might be no other signs or symptoms

Signs and symptoms you may notice include: Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area. Recurrent respiratory infections

In rare cases, male fertility problems can’t be treated, and a man can’t father a child. Your doctor might suggest that you and your partner consider using sperm from a donor or adopting a child. Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your health concerns.

The solution that you need will be based on the condition of your partner is. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is one of the very common ways of achieving a pregnancy in which the male partner’s sperms are at least 10 million. The man’s semen is taken and washed by some special procedures in a laboratory

Your doctor will give you a pelvic exam. They may also use an ultrasound to look at your ovaries and uterus, and give you a blood test to check your hormones. Sometimes you’ll need to start tracking your ovulation patterns by checking your cervical mucus, taking your temperature, or using home ovulation tests

8 Suggestions for Coping with the Stress of Infertility

Give yourself a mental health check-up. Look for the three “D” s. …

Focus on the present. …

Practice self-care. …

Talk to yourself. …

Talk to others. …

Focus on your work. …

Try cognitive restructuring. …

Check for Depression