Male infertility is often the first thing that fertility specialists look at when a couple is having difficulty with their attempt to have a child. Frequently, a low sperm count is to blame for the troubles that might be encountered while trying to get pregnant. What some people might not know, is that there are other factors regarding male fertility other than just the actual sperm count in the seminal fluid.

First, a brief description of male fertility would be helpful to give some background for this article. There are a number of different factors pertaining to male infertility, but for the purpose of this article we will simplify it down to a few points.

Most importantly, sperm count is measured by the number of sperm cells per milliliter of semen. Beyond that, the volume of semen per ejaculation is also important, because if a man has insufficient semen volume he can effectively be rendered infertile. Finally, the composition of the seminal fluid is important. For instance, semen needs to have a specific pH range, so that it can combat the strong fluids found in a women's vagina.

Male infertility is a fairly common problem in today's world, which is why fertility doctors tend to examine the male partner before the female of the relationship. Usually, a fertility specialist might suspect a women as the weak link if when she has a prior history of health problems. Men seem to have the burden of fertility problems more often than women, as a general rule of thumb.

Maintaining healthy semen production is not something men usually think about, until it's a problem. Good overall health is important for healthy sperm, including frequent light exercise, proper nutrition for sperm production, and plenty of water for hydration.

The things that most frequently cause low male fertility are often avoidable or repairable. Certain things are well known to slow down sperm production. Poor nutrition, excess alcohol, smoking, strenuous exercise (overexertion), and heat can all put a serious damper on sperm cell production and male fertility.

Heat can be a sneaky cause of poor sperm count, because testicles (where sperm are produced) are supposed to be a few degrees cooler than regular body temperature. Laptops on men's laps can raise testis temperature a few degrees, which is enough to impair and slow sperm production. Hot showers, hot tubs, baths, and even brief-style underwear can raise the temperature around your gonads and reduce men's fertility. Men experiencing fertility problems should try to have cooler showers, and wear boxer-style underwear instead of tight briefs.

While male fertility is a common problem these days, there are many causes, and just as many solutions to having a low sperm count. Men suspecting they might be infertile should speak to a fertility specialist or their family doctor. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in preventing a low sperm count and male infertility. If you've tried to conceive a baby for more than 6 months without success, it might be time to start thinking about visiting your family doctor to discuss your male fertility and sperm production.