Male Fertility Concerns: Early Infertility & Potential Solutions

Question
I'm 25, no children, married now almost 3 years and we are trying to have children. My cycle is pretty normal. My concern is my husband. We have been trying now for a little over 10 months. I know we should wait for the 12 month mark but I just have a quick question. His mother and father had a hard time getting pregnant and it was due to the fact that his father basical ran HOT and the sperm couldn't really live inside of him b/c of this. Now back then(early 70's) he had surgery and 8 years later my husband was born. Could this run in the family? What are the chances he has the same problem? Despite my normal cycles could it still be me?

Answer
There is no way to know, at this time, where the problem lies. Once you have been trying to conceive for 12 months, you should see your gynecolgist and start a work-up. Even though you are having regular periods, you may or may not be ovulating each month. A basal body temperature chart will be started in order to pinpoint when, exactly, you ovulate. Tests will be done to determine if your tubes are patent or blocked. A semenalysis will be done to see if your husband has enough sperm and if they are alive and motile, or he has any cystocoeles. Once all the tests are done, very often you will conceive. You may be started on Clomid to increase your chances of conception. For now, if you have a normal 28 day cycle (from the first day of your period until the first day of your next period) you can assume that ovulation occurs on cycle day #14. Try concentrating on having intercourse on cycle day #13, 14, 15, and 16, each month. We CANNOT assume that, because your father-in-law had a problem with his sperm,your husband will also have a problem. Good Luck to you.