Male infertility is the inability to make a woman pregnant after having unprotected sex for a long duration. Male infertility has many causes, which are often indicated by symptoms, including an inability to ejaculate. If you suspect infertility, visit an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) specialist for diagnosis and treatments. Here are some types of male infertility and their treatment options:
Low Sperm Count
Oligospermia is a form of male infertility associated with a low sperm concentration in a sexually mature man. Low sperm count also affects the general shape and size or morphology of the sperm. This abnormality reduces the sperm’s ability to swim through the cervix and uterus to the fallopian tube for fertilization. Males with genetic problems like cystic fibrosis tend to have low levels of testosterone hormones, increasing the risk of oligospermia.
Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition in which men have an extra X chromosome, hinders the proper development of testicles. This reduces testosterone and sperm production. Other potential causes of low sperm count include exposure to environmental toxins like heavy metals, cancer treatments, and lifestyles like excessive smoking. IVF can help address low sperm count by collecting and fertilizing healthy, motile sperm. During the procedure, an infertility doctor can apply the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedure, which involves injecting sperm with proper concentration directly into an egg for fertilization.
Azoospermia
Azoospermia causes the testicles to stop producing sperm. This condition may affect men with conditions like Kallmann syndrome, which makes it difficult for the body to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The lack of GnRH prevents the testicles from producing sperm to aid fertilization. Chemotherapy may interfere with GnHR release and sperm production. Testicles’ absence or testicles that have not dropped may also be a reason for this form of male infertility. Diabetes, tumors, dilated veins from testicles, and past surgical operations can also increase the risk of azoospermia.
Some symptoms of azoospermia include testicular swelling and discomfort, erectile dysfunction, and low libido. Hormonal replacement therapy can help restore GnRH, causing the testicles to start producing sperm. If the ejaculatory duct is blocked, a doctor may recommend a reverse vasectomy to correct this problem. After production is restored, doctors could advise testicular sperm extraction or aspiration to retrieve the sperm directly from the testicle for in vitro fertilization. This may increase the likelihood of conception.
Trouble Ejaculating
Ejaculation is the release of semen during orgasm. In some men, semen enters the bladder during ejaculation instead of through the penis. Health conditions like diabetes, spinal injuries, or bladder or prostate surgery may cause retrograde ejaculation. Blood pressure medicines often affect ejaculation as well. Some medications or a change in medication may decrease the likelihood of this issue. Collecting sperm directly from the testicles for infertility treatments like IVF can also bypass this complication.
Visit an IVF Specialist
An IVF specialist offers quality treatments to correct causes of male infertility, including low sperm count and azoospermia. Risk factors such as environmental toxins, surgeries, and cancer treatments can also damage the sperm’s DNA and morphology, causing infertility. An infertility doctor conducts thorough pre-cycle tests, such as semen analysis, a pelvic sonogram, and hysteroscopy. The tests help determine the cause of infertility and identify suitable treatments. Book a consultation with an infertility specialist for top-quality IVF procedures today.
