Male-Infertility

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What is Male Infertility?

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.

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Male Infertility Assessment

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:

  • Your choice of birth control
  • How long are you been trying to conceive
  • The frequency of intercourse between you and your partner
  • If you have difficulties in penetration or during ejaculation
  • The use of lubricants during an intercourse
  • Your overall mental state, if you are in a stressful situation, etc.

  • Male infertility causes

    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:

  • Creating healthy sperm that can fertilize an egg.
  • Ejaculate while having an erection to help the sperm reach the egg.

  • If you experience issues with one of these, you might be infertile. The main reasons for male infertility are listed below-

    1. Sperm abnormalities
    Male infertility is usually caused by problems in producing healthy sperm. Sperm may have an abnormal morphology, be unable to swim, or be immature. You could not have enough sperm in various situations. And you might not produce any sperm. There are numerous potential causes for this issue, including:

  • Inflammatory or infectious diseases.
  • Contracting the mumps virus following puberty.
  • Genetic diseases, like cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis.


  • 2. Issues with the immune system
    You can produce antibodies against your sperm because of lifestyle and environmental influences. These include using tobacco products, drinking excessively, using marijuana or steroids, or being exposed to pollutants.


    3. Structural difficulties
    Semen flow can be stopped by anything that constricts the vaginal tract. This can be a hereditary or congenital flaw. Semen can also be blocked by infection or inflammation brought on by an STD. There are two more explanations for scar tissue from surgery or twisted, bulging veins in the scrotum.


    4. Other elements
    Erectile dysfunction or early ejaculation could be other reasons. These include the management of seizure disorders and the therapy of liver or renal illness. No matter the reason for infertility, we offer exceptional guidance and successful male infertility treatment under expert physicians with years of experience in this sector.


    Male Infertility Tests

    Male infertility issues are typically diagnosed by taking the following measures:

    1. Medical History and a General Physical Examination

    Examining your genitals and questioning you about anyongoing health issues, hereditary disorders, injuries, operations, orailmentsthat can impact your fertility is included in this process.


    2. Semen Examination

    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-

  • Ultrasound of the Scrotum:
    High-frequency sound waves are used in this test to create images of your inside organs. Your doctor can use a scrotal ultrasound to check for varicocele or other issues in the testicles and supporting tissues.

  • Transrectal Ultrasound:
    In your rectum, a small, lubricated stick is inserted. It allows your doctor to examine your prostate and check for any barriers in the routes that transport sperm.

  • Hormone Testing:
    The brain, pituitary gland, and testicles create hormones essential for sexual development and sperm production. Other hormonal abnormalities could potentially be a reasonfor infertility. A blood test determines the quantity of testosterone and other hormones.

  • Urinalysis Following an Ejaculation:
    Sperm in the urine is a sign of retrograde ejaculation, which is when the sperm exit the penis and move back into the bladder.

  • DNA analysis:
    There may be a hereditary reason for unusually low sperm concentration. If the Y chromosome has undergone modest modifications, a blood test can detect these changes as indicators of a genetic anomaly. Genetic testing may be required to diagnose different congenital or inherited syndromes.

  • Biopsy of the Testicles:
    With a needle, samples are taken from the testicle for this test. If the testicular biopsy results reveal that sperm production is normal, a blockage or another issue with sperm transport is probably to blame for your difficulty.

  • Male Infertility Treatments

    The Male Fertility Treatments completely depends on the factors causing your infertility.


    1. Fertility help
    This treatment involves helping your partner get pregnant. It may use:
  • Artificial insemination: This procedure injects a large quantity of healthy sperm directly into the partner's uterus or at the cervix's opening. After that, the sperm can travel to the fallopian tubes.
  • In vitro fertilisation (IVF), gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT), and other techniques: These techniques function similarly to artificial insemination. Your sperm is obtained by your supplier. After that, your provider combines premium sperm with your partner's eggs. The eggs and sperm may be combined by your provider in a laboratory or in your partner's fallopian tube.
  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): In this, one sperm is injected into each egg. After that, fertilisation happens under a microscope. The fertilised egg is placed in the uterus of your partner by your provider.

  • 2. Medication

    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.

    3. Surgery

    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.

    FAQ

    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 infertility in men. 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.