Diagnosing Male Infertility And The Available Tests And Treatments
Male infertility is any health condition of a man that reduces his female partner's likelihood of becoming pregnant. Male fertility issues include poor sperm quality, low sperm count, and obstructions in the reproductive canals. Approximately 30% of reproductive issues occur in men.
Author:Dexter CookeReviewer:Stefano MclaughlinJan 23, 202316.2K Shares509.2K Views
Male infertilityis any health condition of a man that reduces his female partner's likelihood of becoming pregnant. Male fertility issues include poor sperm quality, low sperm count, and obstructions in the reproductive canals. Approximately 30% of reproductive issues occur in men.
Male infertility may be caused by defects in sperm production, concentration, or transport. This broad classification enables a thorough investigation of the underlying causes of infertility and helps outline a treatment strategy.
Causes Of Male Infertility
These are the reasons for male infertility:
- It involves unhealthy, incorrect food consumption and a preference for fast food.
- Certain prescription medications may result in infertility.
- Smoking is an additional cause of your infertility.
- The aging of undescended testicles needs treatment since it might result in infertility.
- Even if you have a hormonal issue, it might lead to infertility.
Additionally, poor sperm motility, a low sperm count, and obesity might hinder fertility therapy.
Symptoms Of Male Infertility
These are the signs of male infertility:
- A poor sexual appetite
- Fewer sperm numbers
- Problems with erection
- Pain and swelling in the genital region
- Retrograde ejaculation
Male Infertility Test And Diagnosis
It all starts with a thorough physical exam to establish your current health status and detect any underlying issues that may be affecting your fertility. Both you and your partner may be asked to talk to the doctor about your sexual behavior. If the patient's medical history and physical findings rule out any potential causes of infertility, further testing may be recommended.
Examination of the scrotum using an ultrasound machine:High-frequency sound waves are used in this test to create images of the internal organs. The presence of a varicocele or any other issues with the testicles or their supporting structures can be detected by scrotal ultrasound.
Ultrasound transrectal:To do this, a small, lubricated wand is inserted into your rectum. It enables the medical professional to examine the prostate and search for obstructions in the tubes that transport sperm.
Diagnostics for hormones:The production of sperm and sexual maturity is dependent on hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testicles. Other hormonal or organ system abnormalities may also play a role in infertility. Male hormone levels, including testosterone, can be determined through a blood test.
Evaluation of the urine sample taken after ejaculation:If you find sperm in your urine, it may mean that your sperm are entering the bladder instead of the penis when you ejaculate (retrograde ejaculation).
Detecting ancestry:Extremely low sperm counts may have a genetic basis. Subtle changes in the Y chromosome can be indicators of a genetic disorder and can be detected by a blood test. To identify potential congenital or inherited syndromes, a doctor may recommend genetic testing.
Performing a biopsy on the testicles:In order to conduct this test, a needle will be used to collect samples from the testicle. If a testicular biopsy reveals normal sperm production, the issue is likely due to a disruption in sperm transport.
Expert diagnostics for sperm health:A number of diagnostic procedures can determine whether or not your sperm are healthy, viable, and able to successfully fertilize an egg after ejaculation. These tests are rarely performed and typically do not result in substantial changes to treatment plans.
Treatment Of Male Infertility
The root reason for infertility remains unknown. Your doctor may be able to suggest treatments or procedures that will result in conception even if the specific reason is unknown. It's suggested that the female spouse be examined as well when infertility is a concern.
Surgical Intervention
Varicocele, or an enlargement of veins inside the testicles, may have a negative impact on fertility. Surgical intervention is an option for treating this problem. Injury or a vasectomy may obstruct the spermatic canals in a man's reproductive system. Surgery may be an option for removing the obstruction and repairing the tubes.
Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration is a secondary surgical option in the event that the first operation fails (PESA). The epididymis is accessed with a thin needle under local anesthesia. After collection, sperm may be utilized immediately for ICSI or stored in a freezer for later use.
Hormone Therapy
In order to generate sperm, the testicles need to be stimulated by hormones called gonadotropins, which are secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. In a few men, low levels of these gonadotropins are the root reason for their inability to conceive. The medicinal use of these hormones has the potential to increase sperm count.
Artificial Insemination
Men's sperm is harvested, processed, and implanted into a woman's uterus through the vaginal canal.
Vitro Fertilization
Conceiving a child by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) occurs outside of the body. The man's sperm is taken and put in a special incubator. Eggs are harvested after the lady has undergone ovulation induction (the hormonal stimulation of her ovaries). This is done vaginally with the aid of ultrasound guidance.
Once the eggs and sperm have been harvested, they are combined in a special incubator. The embryos, formed from the fertilized eggs, are placed in the uterus through a tiny tube passed through the cervix.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Sometimes there aren't enough sperm in the semen (or they aren't structurally normal) to allow for IVF to be successful. These situations may be candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
A single sperm is injected into each egg that has been harvested from the woman's ovaries. When the timing is right, the fertilized egg is put into the uterus to begin developing into an embryo.
Male Infertility Causes and Treatments | Fertility Doctor Explains
People Also Ask
Can Male Infertility Be Fixed?
Among the treatments for male infertility is surgery. For instance, a varicocele may often be surgically treated, as can a vas deferens obstruction. Former vasectomies are reversible.
What Percentage Of Men Have Infertility?
It accounts for 40–50% of infertility in humans. Approximately 7% of males are affected. Semen deficits are a major cause of male infertility, and semen quality is utilized as a proxy for male fertility.
What Does The Male Infertility Center Do?
Male Infertility Center physicians are among the most experienced in the nation when it comes to conducting in-depth analysis to determine sperm counts, viability (the sperm's ability to survive), morphology (the sperm's quality and shape), and motility (the sperm's ability to move to the egg and fertilize it).
Final Thought
Nearly 1 in 7 couples are infertile, meaning they have not been able to produce a child despite engaging in regular, unprotected sexual activity for at least a year. In up to fifty percent of these couples, male infertility plays some role.
Male infertility may be caused by insufficient sperm production, defective sperm function, or obstructions preventing sperm delivery. Male infertility may be caused by diseases, injuries, chronic health issues, lifestyle choices, and other causes.
The inability to conceive may be stressful and discouraging, but there are a variety of therapies for male infertility.
Dexter Cooke
Author
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
Stefano Mclaughlin
Reviewer
Stefano Mclaughlin is a Psychologist focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and healthcare policy. He studied Psychology and Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, gaining a deep understanding of the intersection between mental health and public policy.
Stefano's mission is clear: he aims to destigmatize mental health discussions, improve access to mental healthcare, and promote emotional well-being for all. Drawing from personal experiences with anxiety and depression, Stefano shares real stories to make mental health topics more relatable and less intimidating.
In addition to his advocacy work, Stefano enjoys delving into books, experimenting in the kitchen, and embarking on new adventures. These hobbies fuel his creativity and inspire fresh perspectives for his advocacy work.
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