• the right doctor
• basal fertility testing
• female symptoms
• additional tests for women
• female diagnosis
• male symptoms
  • infections
  • other physical symptoms
• additional tests for men
• male diagnosis
• unexplained subfertility

other physical symptoms

Certain other physical symptoms may sometimes indicate an underlying infertility condition.

• painful testicles
• undescended testicles
• varicose veins (varicocele)
• sterlisation and reversal surgery
• hereditary factors

painful testicles

The normal size of the testicles varies tremendously from individual to individual. As a result, a doctor has no way of knowing what size an individual man’s testicles should be - and hence whether they are “normal” or not. If one or both testicles are larger or smaller than they used to be, it can be a sign something is wrong.

In addition, painful or swollen testicles can be an indication of epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis). In this disease, the epididymis (where the sperm are stored) is inflamed. The disease requires adequate treatment.

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undescended testicles

Under normal circumstances, young boys are examined to see whether or not the testicles have descended. Undescended testicles are generally corrected surgically at a very young age, but occasionally this may not have occurred. If no correction has been carried out, the scrotum feels empty. This can indicate an infertility condition called cryptoorchidism. Even if a correction was carried out, it is still important to inform your doctor about this as it can have an effect on fertility.

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varicose veins (varicocele)

A varicose vein (varicocele) can occur when a vein is unable to drain the blood properly out of the scrotum. It is not clear precisely how this impacts fertility, but one general theory is that the veins increase the temperature of the testicles impairing sperm production. Varicose veins can be surgically fused, but there is no general agreement regarding the value of this surgical intervention in relation to its impact on fertility.

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sterlisation and reversal surgery

Even if a man has undergone reversal of sterilisation (vasectomy) some time previously, it is essential to tell your doctor about this. Reversal of a vasectomy is not always successful and may cause a man to have later problems such as blockages, reduced sperm quality  or azoospermia. Moreover, the greater the length of time between sterilisation and reversal, then the greater the chance that antibodies against the sperm cells will be produced, causing sperm clotting. These antibodies occur in approximately 70% of sterilised men. If present, the quantity of antibodies may be a deciding factor in the effect on fertility.

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hereditary factors

Hereditary factors may play a role in a man's fertility. If fertility problems are present in a man’s family (father or brother), there is a greater chance that he will experience such problems himself.

In some cases, information about faults in the hereditary material can be obtained via a blood test. In such cases, it makes sense to consult a heredity expert.

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