Men's Fertility Health

The importance of men’s health during a couple’s fertility journey

It is never too early to think about your health history and lifestyle factors that might affect your fertility.  If you are actively trying to conceive or just curious about your health status, this framework can help you identify areas of concern to bring to your healthcare provider.

Below, Dr. Martin Owen has provided a men’s health checklist to be reviewed and assessed early in your fertility journey. If you identify concerns or have questions about your health and fertility, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider.

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Medical History

◻️ Testicles that did not descend properly (Ask your parents)

◻️ Trauma to your testicles

◻️ Hernias in the groin or swelling around the testicles

◻️ Certain infections (eg. mumps, chlamydia)

◻️ Previous vasectomy or other pelvic surgery

Lifestyle Factors

◻️ High temperature (sitting too much or tight fitting briefs)

◻️ Smoking, alcohol, illicit drugs or steroid use

◻️ Being overweight

◻️ Stress

Exposures

◻️ Environmental toxins

◻️ Cancer treatments (Chemotherapy or radiation)

How is male factor infertility treated?

We offer at-home sperm testing consistent with Catholic teaching. Our testing is private and confidential and includes a telehealth consult with a Catholic fertility expert.

Often in a couple’s fertility journey, male factor infertility can be quickly ruled out by completing a semen analysis. The most common method of collecting a semen sample is, unfortunately, for men to masturbate into a collecting cup at a doctor’s office.

However, there is a preferred, more respectful method taught in the Catholic Church that upholds the dignity of the man. The alternative, in which does not contradict our religious beliefs, includes collection a semen sample privately at home using a perforated seminal collection device (SCD). With this device the couple can still be open to life during intimacy. The SCD comes in a kit with everything you need for home semen sample collection. The kit includes everything you need to FedEx the sample to the specialized lab that will do your high quality semen analysis including sperm count.

You can order a home semen analysis collection kit and see a telehealth physician that specializes in male fertility care through MyCatholicDoctor. 

This seminal analysis is then analyzed to determine sperm count and quality. Your doctor will discuss the results with you through telehealth, privately and securely.

There are many options to treat male infertility, but just as female infertility, it can be complex and messy to understand. If you have a healthcare provider who dismisses the strong moral compass of the Catholic faith you live everyday, we encourage you to find a provider who will advocate for you, your health, and your family. You can find a list of fertility providers located in your state here.

What can men do to enhance their prenatal health?

▪️ Maintain a healthy weight

▪️ Eat a healthy diet that contains a good mix of fruits, vegetables, dairy, lean proteins, and grains. There is some evidence that vitamin supplimentation, especially vitamin D, may improve sperm count and mobility.

▪️ Engage in regular physical activity

▪️ Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake

Leading a healthy lifestyle can improve your chances of conceiving, and will likely have you feeling better with more energy overall!

Male Semen Analysis

We Offer Semen analysis that is Consistent with Catholic Church Teaching

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