How to Tell If a Man Can't Have Babies

Written by Lillian Downey

18 December, 2018

You can't tell if a man's infertile just by looking at him, but it happens more frequently than you might think. Male infertility accounts for about half of the total infertility cases, reports the American Pregnancy Association, and yet people still think of infertility as a woman's problem 1 2. In order to tell if your man can't have babies, he'll need to submit to a few simple medical tests and be honest with you about factors in his life that may affect his fertility.

Ask him if he's had a vasectomy. A vasectomy is a male sterilization procedure that is sometimes reversible. If he's had a vasectomy, it will need to be reversed before he can have children naturally.

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Ask him to make an appointment with a urologist for a full fertility and medical history review and a physical exam, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center 3. An initial physical exam can provide clues as to why he may be infertile.

Ask him to schedule a semen analysis. A semen analysis entails checking his semen for amount, number of sperm and the sperm's ability to move and swim. The specialist may also test his sperm's ability to penetrate your egg, according to Planned Parenthood 2.

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Have his hormone levels tested. If the urologist or fertility specialist finds problems with his semen, he might want to see if hormone levels are the culprit. The doctor will take blood samples and check levels of testosterone and other necessary hormones.

Ask him to have his urinary and reproductive tract checked for conditions such as retrograde ejaculation and tubal infections or abnormalities. The doctor may order a testicular biopsy, ultrasound or X-ray if he feels a mass or suspects a "plumbing problem," according to the American Pregnancy Association 1.

Talk with the doctor after all the evaluations have been completed to determine if your man is infertile or if he has a condition that can be treated with medication or surgery.