Men's Health

Male Infertility

Nearly one in seven couples are infertile, meaning they haven't been successful in becoming pregnant despite engaging in unprotected sexual activity for one year or more. To some extent, up to half of these couples are affected by male infertility.

Low sperm production, poor sperm function, or obstructions that limit sperm delivery can all contribute to male infertility. Illnesses, accidents, chronic health issues, lifestyle choices, and other circumstances may bring on male infertility.

Male infertility is a condition that can be stressful and distressing, but there are several treatments available.

What are the signs of male infertility?

The incapability to conceive a child is the main symptom of male infertility. There might be no other observable symptoms or indicators.

However, in certain circumstances, signs and symptoms are caused by an underlying issue, such as an inherited ailment, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle, or a condition that prevents sperm from passing through. Identifiable symptoms and signs include:

• Issues with sexual function, such as problems ejaculating or ejaculating little amounts of fluid, decreased sexual desire, or problems keeping an erection

• Having uneasiness, edema, or a lump near the testicles

• Continual respiratory diseases 

• Being unable to smell

• Abnormal breast development (gynecomastia)

• Hair loss on the face or body or other chromosomal or hormonal anomalies

• A sperm count that is below average 

What are the causes of male infertility?

A variety of biological and environmental factors may impact your fertility. Among the possibilities are

• Azoospermia: Your failure to make sperm cells may cause your infertility.

• Oligospermia: The production of sperm that is of low or poor quality.

• Genetic issues: Klinefelter's syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, microdeletion, and other genetic illnesses are a few examples.

• Malformed sperm: Several medical problems, such as diabetes, a few autoimmune diseases, cystic fibrosis, and a few infections, are provided as examples.

• Some medicines and supplements.

• Varicoceles: This is a disorder where your testicles' veins are larger than usual. This causes them to overheat, which might alter the type or quantity of sperm you produce.

• Cancer therapies include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or testicular removal surgery (one or both).

• Unhealthy habits: Substance use, including alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

• A testicular trauma.

• Hormonal disorders: Issues with your hypothalamus or pituitary glands may impact your ability to conceive.

How is male infertility evaluated and diagnosed?

A thorough physical analysis is the most crucial step in the diagnosis to ascertain your general health and spot any medical issues that may impact your fertility. Your healthcare professional may ask you and your partner questions about your sexual preferences. The next course of action may be to undergo testing to determine the cause of infertility if the physical examination and medical history fail to reveal any causes for your failure to conceive.

Diagnosis of male treatment

Here are several ways you can diagnose male fertility.

1. History and physical exam

Your doctor will record your medical and surgical history. Any conditions or medications that affect your fertility should be disclosed to your doctor. Your reproductive system problems, low hormone levels, illness, or accidents may be among them. There will be an inquiry about any conditions you had as a kid, current health issues, or prescription drugs that can impair sperm production. Mumps, diabetes, and steroid use can all have an impact on fertility. Your usage of marijuana, cigarettes, alcohol, and other illegal substances is also considered. 

The GP will discover how your body functions during sex. They will be curious about your and your partner's attempts to become pregnant. For instance, your doctor might inquire if you've ever experienced erection problems. 

During the physical examination, your penis, epididymis, vas deferens, and testicles will be examined for any issues. Varicoceles will be checked.

2. Semen Analysis

A simple lab test is the examination of semen. It aids in determining the volume of sperm production and whether sperm are in good condition (e.g., are moving, measured as sperm motility). If the test results show abnormal sperm counts, it is often performed at least twice. You are required to masturbate into a sterile cup to collect sperm. A sample of semen is examined. It can be examined for elements that promote or inhibit conception (fertilization).

Your doctor will check the quantity, number, concentration, motility, and structure of your sperm. Semen analysis test results provide information about your capacity to conceive (start a pregnancy). 

Even if the semen test reveals low sperm counts or no sperm, it might not indicate that you are infertile indefinitely. It can simply indicate a difficulty with sperm development or delivery. Maybe more research is required. Treatment may be possible even if no sperm are discovered during a semen examination.

3. Transrectal Ultrasound

Your doctor may prescribe transrectal ultrasonography. An organ can be imaged with ultrasound by using sound waves that are reflected from the organ. In the rectus, a probe is inserted. The neighboring ejaculatory ducts receive sound waves from it. The medical professional can determine whether organs like the seminal vesicles or ejaculatory duct are malformed or clogged.

4. Testicular Biopsy

A testicular biopsy may be necessary if a semen test reveals little or no sperm. Both general and local anesthesia is acceptable for this test. The scrotum has a little cut made in it. A needle can be inserted through the numbed scrotal skin to perform the procedure in a clinic. In either scenario, a tiny tissue sample is taken from each testicle and examined under a microscope. The biopsy has two uses. It can also be used to gather sperm for assisted reproduction and aid in determining the cause of infertility (such as in vitro fertilization or IVF).

5. Hormonal Profile

The doctor could check your hormone levels. To find out how successfully your testicles produce sperm. Additionally, it can rule out serious health issues. For instance, the pituitary hormone follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) instructs the testicles to produce sperm. High levels could indicate that your testicles refuse to produce sperm despite your pituitary gland's best efforts.

What are the treatments for male infertility? 

The treatment for male infertility are;

• Holistic fertility adjustments can improve unhealthy behaviors, including obesity, poor food, and smoking, which impact fertility. 

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves gathering, washing (cleaning), and concentrating on healthy sperm before inserting them into the uterus.

• IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A single, healthy sperm is injected into an egg to form an embryo, which is then put into a woman's uterus during this process.

• Men are unable to ejaculate or make semen might still have their sperm removed by using a small needle to remove the semen from their testicles.

• A man can once more produce healthy sperm in his semen after having a vasectomy. 

• Using another man's sperm to fertilize a woman's egg is known as "sperm donation." 

• To change hormone levels that affect fertility, whether they are too high or too low, hormone treatment and medications may be advised.