Having a baby is a lifelong cherishable moment in a couple’s life. Thanks to modern treatments, they are mostly fixable, irrespective of whoever has an infertility issue. The couple and the family can also enjoy the bliss of a newborn. While there is a lot of content on the internet about female infertility issues, it is vital to remember that being unable to conceive a child can be because of either the male or the female partner. This blog will dig into male infertility and, more specifically,, what treatments are available. So let’s start!!!
How is male infertility diagnosed?
If the couple is unable to get to conceive even after trying for 6 months to one year, then it is advised that they consult our ZIVA Fertility clinic. We take a wholly comprehensive look at both partners. Below are the methods by which male infertility is diagnosed by the below methods:
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- Physical examination and reviewing of medical history: The doctor will examine your genitals and enquire about any inherited conditions, chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries or surgeries that could affect fertility. You must be open about your sexual habits and sexual development during puberty.
- Semen analysis: Semen samples are collected in a special container at the doctor’s office. If your religious or cultural beliefs conflict with masturbation, then semen can be collected via a special condom during intercourse. Sperm analysis mainly focuses on sperm count, motility rate, morphology, i.e. abnormalities in the shape and infections. Since the sperm count fluctuates from one specimen to the next, multiple analysis tests are done over some time to ensure accurate results.
- Ultrasound tests:
- Scrotum ultrasound will help your doctor to identify if you have varicocele or other testicular and supporting structure issues.
- Transrectal ultrasound will check your prostate and look for blockages of the tubes that carry semen.
- Hormone testing: Hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and testicles are key for the healthy sexual functioning of the body. A simple blood test measures the level of testosterone and other hormones, and the doctor will be able to use these results.
- Check for retrograde ejaculation: If there is sperm in your urine, it indicates that the sperm is travelling backwards into the bladder instead of out your penis during ejaculation.
- Genetic testing: Blood tests reveal whether there are subtle changes in the Y chromosome, which is a sign of a genetic abnormality. These tests are ordered to rule out any congenital or inherited abnormalities.
- Other diagnoses:
- A testicular biopsy is done to see if sperm production is normal. In that case, the problem is related to a blockage causing sperm transportation problems.
- Various other tests determine
- The sperm survival after ejaculation
- Is the egg penetration proper?
- Whether there’s an issue in the sperm attachment to the egg.
Treatment of Male Infertility
Before proceeding for treatment, it is good to get your female partner checked too, and she can take specific treatments for her. Or, you may learn that proceeding with assisted reproductive techniques is appropriate in your situation.
Treatments for male infertility include:
- Surgical treatments:
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- A varicocele can often be fixed surgically
- An obstructed vas deferens is repaired.
- Prior vasectomies are reversed.
- If there is no sperm in the ejaculate, it is retrieved from the testicles or epididymis using sperm retrieval techniques.
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- Medication and counselling:
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- Antibiotics can cure infections of the reproductive tract, but fertility restoration is not guaranteed.
- Medication can fix sexual intercourse problems and can help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. If high or low levels of certain hormones are causing infertility, then your doctor might recommend hormone replacement or medications.
- If there are psychological issues (past experiences), counselling can help resolve them.
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART): ART is the most popular and thorough practice in infertility cases. In ART, the sperm is obtained through normal ejaculation or surgical extraction. Donor sperm is also used. The extracted sperm is inserted into the female genital tract (IUI) or used to perform in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Using a donor sperm should be a mutual decision since it involves emotional issues.
- Adoption: In cases when none of the above is working, your doctor might suggest that you and your partner consider adopting a child. Adoption again is a major decision which should be considered carefully and take required legal assistance.
We at ZIVA Fertility Clinics always want to bring cheer to your face. Our well-equipped labs with a good-hearted medical team are ready to do everything to achieve that. There is no need to suffer in silence, and our team ensures your privacy. Reach us today at +91-9100002737, +91-9392834024, Info@zivafertility.com or visit us at https://zivafertility.com/.
