Infertility problems are no longer a rare phenomenon and reports suggest that out of 10 couples, 2 are suffering from problems with conceiving. It was not very long back that infertility was considered as a female factor; however, the recent developments show that in over 20% of the total cases of infertility, the problem is with the sperm and not the egg.
We all know that it takes an egg and a sperm to meet and create a baby. The failure of any of them can cause infertility. The recent development suggests that in most of the cases, it is the male sperm that is the root cause of the problem. Here are some details that you need to know about male infertility.
What causes male infertility?
There are various factors responsible for male infertility, including physical, hormonal, genetic, or immunologic problems. It can also be a result of some long-time chronic illness or a sexual condition that hinders the natural flow and disposal of semen in the vagina.
Sperm production is widely affected by chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and more. In fact, smoking and drinking a large amount of alcohol is a leading reason for male infertility in modern times.
Semen analysis
Semen analysis is a test that is used to diagnose the male infertility condition. It is a comprehensive test that analyses a range of factors including the number of sperm, the quantity of ejaculate, percentage of moving sperm, shape of individual sperm and more. The test is focused on assessing the amount of moving and living sperm, also known as total motile count, in an ejaculate sample.
Advance testing
While semen analysis is a very efficient tool to find the possible causes of male infertility, there are other advanced tests that must be performed. In case the brain does not signal the testes to make sperm, the body will have low production. This is a condition where hormones play a significant role. The advanced tests focus on measuring these hormones and finding out the possible cause.
Treatment for male infertility
The treatment that you get for your male infertility condition depends upon the count of your sperm. From “intrauterine insemination” or “IUI” to in vitro fertilization, the doctors may recommend the best treatment option based on your condition. Often, mild infertility is treated through medication or hormone therapy. In case the reason for infertility lies with some physical condition, the doctors also suggest surgery as a possible treatment option.
Male infertility cases are at a rise and there are plenty of reasons that contribute to it. It is best to contact a doctor as soon as the problem is experienced and seek treatment instantly. Any inhibition about opening up about the condition can cause a severe problem and hinder the chances to avail the best treatment.
This is a condition whereby someone is not being able to get pregnant, despite the fact that you try to get pregnant by having unprotected sex for about a year or above. In the United States alone, there is about 10 to 15 percent of infertile couples. The case of infertility may arise from your partner, yourself, or both parties involved. There is absolutely nothing to worry about as there are proven therapies that can improve your chances of getting pregnant, all you have to do is to get a reliable and professional healthcare provider and get your problem solved.
Symptoms
The only symptom of infertility is not able to get pregnant. Some obvious symptoms may not occur. Most times, in women, they will experience menstrual pains and irregular monthly periods. A man with infertility condition will experience hormonal problems like sexual function, change in the growth of hair.
When is the right time to see a doctor?
In most cases, you don’t have to see a doctor for not being able to give birth, until you have tried to for at least a year and see no positive result. Women should see a doctor when they are:
At the age of 35 and have tried to get pregnant for at least 6 months or more.
At the age of 40 and above.
Have a painful periods
Irregular/ absent periods
Have infertility problem
Have done cancer treatment before
If you had some miscarriages before
Diagnosed with pelvic inflammation.
Causes of infertility in men
Some major causes of infertility in men today are:
Low sperm production: For a woman to be able to get pregnant, the man must be able to produce quality sperm, the inability of the man to do so will result in infertility. Health problems can affect the quality of sperm that is needed to get a woman pregnant, such as gonorrhea, diabetes, varicocele, etc.
A problem in sperm delivery: This can cause infertility when there is a problem delivering the sperm, like early ejaculation, a blockage in the testicles, reproductive organ injury.
Certain environmental problems: The kind of environment that men expose themselves to can affect fertility, such as frequent heat exposure can affect sperm production, smoking, marijuana, drinking of alcohol, etc.
The danger caused by cancer: Some damages that are incurred in the treatment of cancer such as chemotherapy and radiation can lead to low sperm production.
Causes of infertility in women
Some things that can affect fertility in women are as follows:
Disorder in ovulation: This can affect the release of an egg from the ovary.
Blockage of the fallopian tube: This is caused by a medical condition known as salpingitis, which is the inflammation of the fallopian tube.
Uterine abnormality: This arises from abnormalities with the shape of the uterus, cervix, or polyps.
Cancer and treatment: The treatment from cancer can affect fertility in women.
Ovarian insufficiency: This is when a woman experiences early menopause before getting to the age of 40.
Diagnosis and treatment
When you are facing this condition just to visit a doctor and make them understand your problem, they will recommend ways to improve your chance of getting pregnant. Treatment of infertility in men and women includes:
Medications
Surgery
Lifestyle changes
Retrieval of sperm
Ovulation stimulation with fertility drugs
Insemination
There are methods that are used medically to treat this condition, make sure you find a trusted and professional doctor to examine you when you have tried to get pregnant in six months and above.
Infertility diagnosis is advised to a couple who do not conceive over the period of one year despite having a physical relationship. The problem of infertility has now become very common and is reported in one out of 6 couples. In case it is the male partner responsible for the condition, it is male infertility.
It is a problem of sperm movement and the production of sperm termed as male infertility. Out of all the infertility cases, over 30% of the cases are because of male infertility conditions. Most of the conditions that contribute to male infertility are preventable or treatable. The diagnosis of male fertility is however very complicated. Also, infertility is primarily considered to be associated with women and hence men do not feel concerned about them being infertile. It is important for both men and women to consult a doctor in case couples unable to conceive. However, in the case of a male, it is important to understand male fertility and related facts in detail, before consulting the doctor.
What are the causes of male fertility?
Male infertility can be understood as a problem of sperm movement and the production of sperm. Some of the common reasons for less sperm count or abnormal sperm movement can be:
Varicocele: This is a condition wherein a bulge of veins develops above the testicles. 38% of the cases of male infertility are because of this reason. Luckily, it is a controllable factor. A physician can best advise as to when the condition is treatable and when not.
Retrograde ejaculation: As the name suggests, in this condition, the sperm is reversely ejaculated into the bladder.
Absence of vas deferens, the pipeline that carries sperms.
An obstruction in the pipeline between the testicles and the penis.
Antibodies act against the sperms and kill them on their way to the egg.
What is the diagnosis of male fertility?
Identifying the causes of male fertility is intimidating and only a qualified physician can help. The physician will advise some tests, which may include:
Sperm and semen analysis: A fresh sample of the semen is taken for the test of sperm count. The experts may also examine the sperm for their shape and movement. A higher number of normal sperms indicate that the male is fertile and vice versa. The condition when there are no sperms in the semen is known as azoospermia, which means that there is a plumbing problem and surgery is the treatment.
Physical examination: A urologist performs a physical examination to identify varicocele as well as any underlying hormonal problem.
Hormonal evaluation: There are many hormones responsible for sperm production and movement such as testosterone. A hormonal test is done but in most cases, it isn’t the cause.
Testicular biopsy: In case the sperm count is very low, a testicular biopsy is performed. A needle biopsy is performed to check the production level of sperms.
Genetic testing: Through a genetic test, it is identified if the problems are related to genetics.
What are the treatments of male infertility?
Male fertility is treatable in most of the cases and the ultimate goal is to help couples conceive the most common infertility treatments include:
In the case of varicocele, it can be treated through surgery to unblock the abnormal veins. In most cases, this is the most common reason and the treatment is effective.
In the case of hormonal abnormalities, medicines are effective for treatment.
In the case of obstructions, surgery is performed to correct the plumbing.
Lately, many innovative and advanced treatments have come in a light that has helped in a range of male infertility cases. Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs) are very powerful and result-oriented. Although a little expensive, this treatment has shown great results.
In the first step of ARTs, experts collect semen either with the help of a needle directly from the penis or through natural ejaculation. These eggs are then introduced to the eggs in one or many ways. These methods include:
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): The sperms are directly injected into the uterus when the ovulation happens. The woman is offered some medication that influences the higher number of egg production.
In-vitro fertilization (IVF): In this process, the sperms are fused with multiple eggs that are collected from the woman in a test tube. The eggs that fertilize are placed in the uterus for further process.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A needle is used to inject a single sperm into the egg. As soon as the egg is fertilized, it is transferred and implanted in the uterus. When the sperm count is extremely low, this procedure is performed.
Home remedies for male infertility treatment
There are a number of ways that can be used to increase the sperm count in the best possible way. One of the primary things is to avoid affecting the chances of sperm by avoiding marijuana, tobacco, and more than two alcoholic drinks in a day. Whirlpools and hot baths are also known to affect the chances of having viable sperm.
It is also recommended to avoid taking testosterone or any other androgen drug. Usually, these drugs are consumed for weight training.
How to prevent male infertility?
There isn’t much to be done to prevent male infertility that is caused by genetic disorders. But, there are certain ways to avoid the problem to some extent which includes:
Prevention from sexually transmitted diseases
No illicit drug usage
Avoid exposure to radiation
Limited use of alcohol
High personal hygiene practices
Loose-fitting undergarments
In case you experience the symptoms of male infertility or any discomfort while having sex, and not being able to conceive, you must consult the physician as soon as possible.
