Following are the common questions about Male Infertility:
A. Male infertility is when a man cannot impregnate his female partner due to decreased quality and quantity of sperm. Research suggests that nearly 1 in 7 couples is infertile. Multiple factors such as low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, or blockages of sperm are the reasons for male infertility. In addition, factors including illness, injuries, chronic health conditions, lifestyle choices, etc., can significantly contribute to male infertility.
A. While the causes of male infertility vary from case to case, the following are considered the major causes of male infertility:-
Apart from all the above, stress, medication, surgical treatment, its side effects can also interfere with sperm quality and quantity.
A. One of the main symptoms of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. There may not be other apparent signs or symptoms of this problem. However, in some cases, underlying conditions such as hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle, inherited disorder, or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm causes symptoms. This may include the following:-
A. We suggest you visit a doctor if you cannot conceive a child after one year of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. However, see a doctor immediately in case of the following:-
A. There are a variety of doctors who specialize in the treatment of fertility. These are commonly known as infertility specialists. However, doctors specializing particularly in male infertility are mostly urologists and reproductive endocrinologists.
A. The urologist first recommends specific tests to confirm infertility and other underlying conditions. The following tests are done to diagnose male infertility:-
A. In most infertility cases, around 80-90 percent are treated with conventional; therapies such as drug treatment and surgical repair of the reproductive organs. However, treatment can range depending on the findings of the tests.
Low sperm count is treated by placing semen through a sperm wash and completing an Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). When IUI fails to result in pregnancy, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is used to provide a high chance of success.
When anatomical abnormalities such as retrograde ejaculation decrease sperm quality and quantity, the doctor uses surgical procedures to correct it. If ejaculation doesn’t happen, the doctor takes sperm from the testes and uses it in IVF treatment.
Also, donor sperm is available for those who have undergone cancer treatment and no longer have viable sperm.
A. The following factors are linked to male infertility:-
A. The most common complications of male infertility are stress and relationship difficulties related to the inability to conceive a child.
A. Male infertility is not always preventable. However, you can do the following to avoid known causes of male infertility:-
A. The degree of services covered depends on where you live, the type of insurance plan you have, the type of treatment you need, and your healthcare service provider.
A. Study shows that male reproductive issues cause one-third of infertility cases. However, one-third of fertility cases are caused by male and female reproductive issues or unknown factors.
A. The best and easiest way to evaluate possible male infertility is through semen analysis. This test examines the concentration, motility, and shape of the sperm.
A. Age plays a factor when it comes to male infertility. However, it's different from the age factor in females. Research suggests that male fertility may begin to decline around the age of 40 even though men are still capable of fathering child well into their 70's or later. Smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and eating processed foods are habits that may increase the effect of aging on infertility. Avoiding these habits may improve your fertility.
A. Yes, you can try certain supplements to increase the quality of your sperm. For example, you can try antioxidants such as vitamin C, fish oil, or vitamin B complex under the guidance of a urologist or fertility specialist. However, there is no conclusive evidence that taking these supplements will improve semen quality.
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