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Men's Reproductive Health
Reproductive health is an important component of men's overall health and well-being. Too often, males have been overlooked in discussions of reproductive health, especially when reproductive issues such as contraception and infertility have been perceived as female-related. Every day, men, their partners, and healthcare providers can protect their reproductive health by ensuring effective contraception, avoiding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and preserving fertility.
Common issues in male reproductive health include:
- Contraception
- Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases
- Infertility/fertility
General Information
It is important for men to protect their reproductive health and that of their partners by ensuring effective contraception, avoiding STDs, and preserving fertility.
Not all contraceptive methods are appropriate for all situations, and individuals should consult their healthcare providers to determine which method of birth control is best for them.
Men can take measures to avoid STDs by knowing a partner's STD and health history, speaking with a healthcare provider about risks and testing, practicing safe sex, and getting appropriate vaccines.
One-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues, one-third by female reproductive issues, and one-third by both male and female reproductive issues or by unknown factors.
Treatments for male infertility may be based on the underlying cause of the problem, or in the case of no identified problem, evidence-based treatments that improve fertility may be recommended.
Research
NICHD conducts and supports research on men’s reproductive health and on many disorders associated with men’s reproductive health.
Find a Study
NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to men’s reproductive health.
More Information
Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about men’s reproductive health.
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