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Some illnesses affect your chances of having a baby.^{1 2}

In some newborn baby boys, their testicles have not descended from inside the abdomen. If this happens to both testicles and it isn't treated, it may later make the man infertile. If only one testicle is affected, he may still produce sperm but he may have a low sperm count. There is an operation to bring down undescended testicles. Having this operation in childhood probably improves a man's chances of having children later in life.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease. Some men with cystic fibrosis can't release sperm from their testicles. But they do still make sperm, which can be used with a treatment called ICSI. Cystic fibrosis sometimes affects a woman's chances of getting pregnant.

Mumps is an infection that can damage a man's testicles. Make sure you're vaccinated against mumps.

Diabetes can cause fertility problems in men.

There are some rare genetic problems that can affect your chances of getting pregnant.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.