Can unfulfilled desire to have children be related to urological problems?
July 7, 2023 | 80,00 EUR | answered by Ben Busse
Dear Doctor,
My name is Lorenzo Mühlberg and I am reaching out to you with an urgent concern. For some time now, my wife and I have been unsuccessfully trying to conceive a child. We have had several unsuccessful attempts and we are starting to worry if there is something wrong with us that is preventing us from getting pregnant.
I have heard that urological problems could be a possible cause for infertility. Lately, I have been experiencing increased difficulties with urination and occasional lower abdominal pain. Additionally, I have noticed a decrease in the volume of my ejaculate and have been having more trouble with erections. All these symptoms are worrying me and make me suspect that my fertility might be compromised.
Therefore, I would like to ask if it is possible that my urological issues could be related to our infertility. Are there any tests or examinations that I should undergo to assess my fertility? And if it turns out that there is indeed a urological problem, what treatment options are available to me to improve our chances of conception?
I thank you in advance for your time and support. I am truly concerned and hope that with your expertise, you can guide me in the right direction.
Sincerely,
Lorenzo Mühlberg
Dear Mr. Mühlberg,
Thank you for trusting in my expertise as a urologist. I am sorry to hear that you and your wife are having trouble conceiving a child, and that you are also dealing with urological issues. It is understandable that you are worried and seeking answers.
Urological problems can indeed play a role in infertility. The symptoms you described such as urinary problems, abdominal pain, decreased ejaculate, and erectile dysfunction could indicate various urological conditions that may affect fertility. Possible causes include urinary tract infection, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), or varicocele (swelling of the veins in the scrotum).
To assess your fertility and identify possible causes for your symptoms, I recommend undergoing a urological examination. This may involve various tests such as ultrasound of the testicles and prostate, urine analysis, and blood tests to determine hormone levels like testosterone. In some cases, a semen analysis may also be recommended to check the quality and quantity of your sperm.
If a urological cause for your problems is indeed found, there are various treatment options available. Depending on the diagnosis, medication therapy, physical measures such as shockwave therapy, or even minimally invasive surgery may be necessary. In some cases, assisted reproduction technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered to increase the chances of conception.
It is important that you promptly seek evaluation from a urologist to determine the cause of your symptoms and receive an individualized treatment recommendation. I am here to answer any questions you may have and support you on your journey towards fulfilling your desire for a child.
Best regards,
Ben Busse, Urologist
