A common confusion is that subfertility reflects you as less of a man or a woman. This is not true. Please do not confuse virility with infertility.



HOW SEXUALLY HEALTHY ARE YOU? Some sexually transmitted diseases can be responsible for you not conceiving. It is possible for them to remain in the body undetected for many years. Therefore it is important for you to get checked out by having regular smear tests. Smear tests are not just to detect the presence of cancer. This test can also detect the presence of Chlamydia.

Chlamydia affects both the man and the woman. In the woman it can be responsible for blocked fallopian tubes. Often there are no symptoms. Occasionally however, the woman can experience abdominal pains, cystitis or an increase in vaginal discharge - but again these can be confused as symptoms experienced in menstruation. Chlamydia in men can be responsible for swollen or inflamed testicles and tubes.

Aside from a smear test you can be tested for Chlamydia at your GP surgery, some high street pharmacies or via a GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic (often attached to a local hospital). If you think you may have been infected in any way please get it checked out straight away - it may be the problem preventing you from getting pregnant.

GENTLEMAN - TIME PLEASE Fertility issues can lie with both the man and the woman. If the man is experiencing problems with ejaculation, impotence or a decreased sex drive then it is important to make an appointment with a health or fertility expert as soon as possible to discuss these issues.

Occasionally men can have low sperm counts, abnormally shaped sperm or no sperm at all. This can only be established through testing.

Sometimes the cause may be due to psychological issues such as anxiety and stress. Rarely however, there may be situations regarding sexual boredom or even confusion over sexual orientation. This may require some counselling or sex therapy - extremely useful if any of the above is suspected.

Alcohol in excess can affect both the man and the woman. In the man it can interfere with sperm production and the tubes of the male reproductive system. So if you are trying to conceive and are having problems then it may be best to cut out the alcohol all together