Male Infertility: Causes and Treatments
Male infertility is defined as the biological inability of a male to make a fertile female pregnant. Around 40-50% cases of infertility happen due to this male factor.
Causes and Treatments
In order to result in a successful pregnancy, the male produced sperm is required to fertilize the female produced ovum. So, the sperm and egg are equally important and involved in the process. The count, the quality as well as the quantity of the sperm plays a crucial role in the fertility of men.
Male infertility is the main cause of infertility in almost 33% of the cases.
Causes of Male Infertility
There are three major types of causes
Pretesticular
In this type, the testes are usually normal but there are some conditions that block the testes from perform their normal functions. It may include;
- Inadequate hormonal support.
- Poor health.
- Drug usage and excessive alcohol intake.
- Activities like horse riding.
- Some seizure medications.
- Celiac disease.
- Smoking.
Testicular Factors
In this type, the problem lies in the testes themselves. It leads to the formation of decreased number and inferior quality sperms which fails to fertilize the ovum.
- Varicocele.
- Old age.
- Klinefelter syndrome.
- Hydrocele.
- Undescended testis.
- Testicular tumour.
- Radiation therapy to the testicles.
Post Testicular Factors
In this type, the hormones and the testicles have normal function. But the transport of the sperms from the testicular sac to the ejaculatory duct is hampered.
- Vas deferens obstruction.
- Absent vas deferens.
- Infection of prostate.
- Retrograde ejaculation.
- Impotence.
Male Infertility Diagnosis
Physical Examination
The male infertility specialist examines the patient thoroughly. A detailed history including the exposure to drugs, family history for any genetic disorder, history of radiation exposure, and such are taken. The presence of varicocele is also checked.
Sperm Analysis
Sperm sample is collected and checked for the quality and quantity. Their count, shape and size, and motility are checked. The problem in any of the factors may result in infertility.
Blood Tests
Various blood tests are conducted to check for the levels of sex hormones which are essential for the growth of sperms.
Sonography
Sonography of the scrotum is conducted. It is useful in diagnosing the presence of abnormal growth of the testis or any obstruction in the path of the sperms.
Biopsy of the Testis
A piece of the testis is removed and examined under a microspore to check for the presence of sperm.
Male Infertility Treatment Recommended by Infertility Specialists
Surgical
Varicocele is the most common surgically treatable cause of male infertility. Surgical reduction of varicocele may result in an increased probability of conception.
Infections
Successful treatment of infections that affect the scrotum will lead to an increase healthy sperm production.
Fertility Medications
Some medications are prescribed to increase the rate of formation of sperms in the testis. These are given to males who have decreased sperm count.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormones help to increase the sperm count as well as their quality.
Sperm Retrieval Techniques
Procedures such as TESA, MESA, and PESA are used to extract sperm from the testes. This will help if the problem is with the sperm transport.
IVF Treatment in IVF Centres
If all the other methods fail, procedures such as ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, can be used to fertilize the ovum and result in a conceptus.
Do you suffer from male infertility? If you have any of the above symptoms and difficulties contact our best Infertility Specialist at one of the best-known Infertility Clinics in Hyderabad. Visit the Hegde Fertility now!