Dr. Desiree McCarthy-Keith from Georgia Reproductive Specialists answers a reader’s question about fertility testing.
Q: Why is my doctor recommending fertility testing for my husband and me at the same time? Isn’t infertility usually a female problem?
A: Male infertility factors exist in 25 to 30 percent of couples who are unable to conceive, so an initial evaluation should focus on both members of the couple. Checking a semen analysis early can provide direction for further testing or treatment. If sperm counts are low, treatments like insemination or in vitro fertilization can give you a better chance of pregnancy. If sperm testing is normal, you and your husband can be reassured early on that this is not a factor in your infertility.
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