Understanding the Difference Between Female and Male Infertility

If you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for at least one year without success, you might be dealing with infertility. Infertility can impact both men and women. The main symptom of infertility is not being able to get pregnant, but you might experience other related symptoms, as well, depending on the root cause of your fertility problems.

The LGBT-friendly fertility doctors at New York Fertility Institute offer support to both men and women struggling with infertility from upper east side offices. Our team, led by Majid Fateh, MD and Khalid Sultan, MD, can diagnose the male or female infertility that’s been impeding your family’s reproductive plans, and help you explore reproductive medicine options from in vitro fertilization to surrogacy.

Here’s what we want our patients to understand about the differences between male and female infertility, and what you can do as a hopeful future parent. The team at New York Fertility Institute can help heterosexual and same-sex couples become parents, or become parents again with a welcome family expansion.

What you need to know about male infertility

Infertility in men tends to be related to issues in sperm production, delivery, and motility. You might have abnormal sperm production or function if you have a genetic problem, a condition like diabetes, or a sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV.

Signs that could indicate potential fertility problems in men include:

• Low sperm count
• Past testicular or prostate issues
• Small testicles or scrotal swelling
• Past treatment for cancer
• A family history of infertility

Infections like mumps and overexposure to harmful environments can also impact sperm quality, and men’s fertility does decline over the years due to age.

What you need to know about female infertility

Female infertility can arise from many causes. The female reproductive system includes multiple parts, and problems at any stage in the process of conception and implantation could limit the chances of a successful pregnancy. Female infertility may be related to issues with hormones, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, or uterus.

Signs that could indicate potential fertility problems in women include:

• Irregular or missing periods
• Very painful periods
• Multiple past miscarriages
• Past treatment for cancer
• Diagnosed endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease

Women’s fertility also begins to decrease with age, typically during your late 30s. Women in their 40s and beyond may be able to become pregnant, but infertility struggles become increasingly likely after 40. Women over the age of 35 should talk to a doctor after just six months of unsuccessfully trying to conceive.

Exploring your reproductive options

No matter whether you’re looking at male infertility or female infertility, Dr. Fateh, Dr. Sultan, and their experienced and same-sex friendly staff can help you determine the cause of your fertility problems, and recommend the best assisted reproduction techniques for your situation. 

You can book your initial consultation at the New York Fertility Institute by contacting our New York City, New York office over the phone today, or schedule with the online tool.