According to the World Health Organization guidelines, when a male cannot impregnate his partner after a year of trying, the condition can be termed male infertility. It means the inability to fertilize an egg or to conceive. 20–30% of infertility cases are shown to be completely dependent on males, who also account for 50% of all instances. A significant portion of male infertility cases is caused by inadequate or defective sperm production. However, other cases are related to anatomical defects and ejaculatory problems. Infertility in men can also result from obstructions that limit sperm delivery, certain illnesses, accidents, chronic health issues, lifestyle choices, and other circumstances.
There is a stigma associated with male infertility that should be eradicated in today's time. An awareness around male infertility should be there so that people take the disorder seriously and know that fertility treatment for men is readily available. Many men get depressed after being diagnosed with infertility. However, this common health condition happens to many due to poor lifestyle choices. One must understand infertility can be treated and cured which the right medications, an improved lifestyle, and a nutritious diet
The good news for males is that since we continue to create sperm every 72 days, we may frequently improve the quality of sperm by making lifestyle changes.
Smoking is, without a doubt, the most harmful factor that affects sperm health since it decreases sperm production, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). Being overweight, alcohol consumption, recreational drug usage, and steroid use are additional risk factors.
Aging has a direct effect on infertility in men. Older men, especially the ones above 45, have a higher risk of infertility as there is a significant decrease in sperm volume after a certain age. If you have any doubt related to the issue of fertility and pregnancy, you must consult a male infertility doctor at the earliest.
Exams and fertility test for men are part of an infertility assessment to determine why you and your partner haven't been successful in conceiving a child. If a reason is identified, a cure might be available. Even if no cause is identified, infertility can be successfully treated. After one year of regular sexual activity without birth control, experts advise getting checked to rule out infertility if you haven't conceived. After six months of attempting, an assessment is advised if you are above 35. If you are over 40, schedule an assessment session at a male fertility clinic.
Typically, an expert doctor specializing in male infertility will conduct an infertility assessment in men. Patients are allowed to ask if they have any queries. The doctor may ask you the following questions during an infertility assessment:
There is no single specific reason for a male to be infertile. Several factors affect natural male reproduction. The reasons could be physical, psychological, and genetic. The reason for infertility can be different for every individual. It is unnecessary for a person with a healthy physique to not be fit for reproduction.
To be able to reproduce, you should be capable of the following:
Male infertility issues are typically diagnosed by taking the following measures:
Examining your genitals and questioning you about anyongoing health issues, hereditary disorders, injuries, operations, orailmentsthat can impact your fertility is included in this process.
The semen of an adult male is put under several investigations to see if there is any abnormality in the quality and quantity of the sperm. For that, your healthcare provider must collect your semen sample.
Here are some fertility tests for men one must undergo to check the functionality of their reproductive system-
The Male Fertility Treatments completely depends on the factors causing your infertility.
Medication is a great way to increase sperm count in an adult male. These medications include estrogen receptor blockers, follicle-stimulating hormones, etc. Our male infertility doctor typically recommends regular human chorionic gonadotropin to improve low testosterone levels. This medication is injected into the patient at regular intervals. Our doctors also consider regular blood tests to see if the testosterone levels are regularized.
Your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to fix issues that prevents sperm from being made, ejaculated, or matured. Surgery to eliminateenlarged veins in the scrotum (varicocele) sometimes can improve the quality of the sperm. You may need to undergo a surgery to re-join or open blocked tubes that helps in the ejaculation. Surgery is the last resort when no other treatment method works on an individual. Usually, doctors use non-invasive methods to treat infertility in men. However, some cases involve surgical procedures.
At our male fertility clinic, we are always there to answer your questions or concerns about your condition.
Male infertility is extremely common. About one-third of males contribute to infertility or inability to get pregnant after trying for years. About 9% of men face infertility for different reasons, including genetics.
There are quite a few symptoms of male infertility. The most alarming sign is the issues with ejaculation, such as difficulty in ejaculating or less amount of fluid ejaculated. Other symptoms include swelling or pain in the testicular region, lower sperm count, respiratory issues, abnormal growth of the breast, etc.
Poor lifestyle, chronic disease, certain medications, excessive consumption of alcohol, and limitless smoking can be the main cause of a reduced sperm count.
i) Abnormal function or production of sperm
ii) health issues like diabetes
iii) genetic reasons
iv) infections like mumps, HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhoea.