If a couple is unable to conceive naturally, one cannot fix a single reason for infertility. Experts at ZIVA Fertility specialists recommend that it is always good for both male and female partners to visit the health care professional. Due to the changes in modern lifestyle, unexplained infertility is on the rise in both men and women. The fertility issues in women are more outward, but male infertility is not so easily noticed. Only after failing to impregnate their female partner do most men think about their fertility.
Key factors of male infertility
Diagnosis of male infertility problems
Physical examination: The fertility specialists will check your genitals and enquire about your inherited conditions, chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries or surgeries that could affect fertility. Please be open about your sexual habits and your sexual development during puberty.
Lab analysis of semen: Men can collect the semen sample in the lab in various ways. One of the ways is to masturbate and ejaculate into a particular container at the doctor’s office. Some religious and cultural beliefs do not permit masturbation. Semen can be collected by using a special condom during intercourse. The analysis mainly focuses on the number of sperm present and also on any abnormalities in the shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm. Infections are also checked in the analysis.
However, the semen analysis tests are done over some time to ensure accurate results. If the analysis shows that everything is fine with your sperm, then your doctor might recommend additional tests to help identify the cause of your infertility, such as:
Scrotal ultrasound: Using high-frequency sound waves, images are taken inside your body. A scrotal ultrasound will give insight into seeing if there is a varicocele or other problems in the testicles and supporting structures.
Transrectal ultrasound: A small, lubricated wand is inserted into your rectum to check your prostate and look for blockages in the tubes that carry semen.
Hormone testing: The pituitary gland, hypothalamus and testicles play a crucial role in sexual development and sperm production. So, any abnormalities in other hormonal or organ systems might also contribute to infertility. A simple blood test measures the level of testosterone and other hormones.
Genetic tests: With a blood test, one can detect subtle changes in the Y chromosome and check for a genetic abnormality.
Testicular biopsy: Testicular biopsy can detect problems like blockages or other problems with sperm transport.
Key factors of male infertility: Treatment plans
Based on the diagnosis, treatments for male infertility include:
- Surgery: Varicocele or an obstructed vas deferens is also removed and repaired surgically. Any earlier vasectomies can be reversed. For some ART methods, if there is no sperm in the ejaculate, sperm can often be retrieved directly from the testicles using sperm retrieval techniques.
- Treating infections: Antibiotics are recommended to cure any infection of the reproductive tract, but not necessarily to restore fertility.
- Treating intercourse issues: In most couples, counselling can help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
- Hormone treatments and medications: Infertility is caused by high or low levels of certain hormones or problems with the way the body uses hormones.
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART): For an ART treatment, sperm is collected through normal ejaculation, surgical extraction or from donor individuals. The sperm are then inserted into the female genital tract via in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
- If none of the infertility treatments work, men can opt for donor sperm or adopt a child.
- Lifestyle modifications:Having sex every day or every other day beginning at least five days before ovulation increases your chances of getting your partner pregnant. The most fertile window is during ovulation — which occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, between periods. This ensures sperm survival and can live for several days. The sperm is readily available when the egg is released, which makes conception possible.
- Find a coping mechanism: Infertility is an emotional issue, too. The success rates are low, and one cannot predict they will have to wait. The emotional burden on a couple is considerable, and plans for coping can help.
- Please avoid the usage of any lubricants. Please consult your doctor about sperm-safe lubricants.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods, maintain a healthy weight, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
- Curtail your use of alcohol, quit smoking, and don’t use illicit drugs.
We at ZIVA Fertility Clinics have always provided both medical and emotional support for all our male patients. We understand that this is a physical and mental stress for the couple and their families, too. So we will do everything to make this as comfortable as possible. We also help the couple find donor sperm in case none of the ARTs are working. For more information, please visit our website https://zivafertility.com/ or contact us at +91-9100002737 or +91-9392834024.
