What it is
Lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol, keeping a healthy weight and keeping the testicles cool, may help.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include medicines, surgery, or assisted conception such as IVF with ICSI.
Common signs
- Difficulty conceiving
- Usually no other symptoms
How it is usually diagnosed
- Semen analysis, usually repeated
- Hormone blood tests
- Scrotal ultrasound
- Genetic tests, sometimes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Semen analysis reports
- Hormone test results
- Ultrasound reports
- Fertility clinic letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is there a cause that can be treated?
- What lifestyle changes might help?
- What fertility treatments could we consider?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden severe pain or swelling in the testicles: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.