Overview
Male infertility is defined as a man’s inability to conceive a child. Male infertility can be caused by sperm motility issues, sperm production issues, or sperm delivery bottlenecks. If a man has been trying to conceive for a year or longer without success, he should have his fertility examined. Male infertility can be treated in a variety of ways. Board-certified urologists at Urology Clinics of North Texas are experts in male fertility and will treat you using the least invasive methods possible.
Causes
The man must make healthy sperm, have sperm delivered into the sperm, and the sperm must be numerous and functional in order to create a kid. Sperm production is triggered by testosterone and other substances. Once sperm is created in the testicles, it must be carried to the ejaculatory tract where it will mingle with semen and be expelled.
Male infertility can be caused by many health issues, including:
- Varicocele is the swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. This can cause low sperm production and decreased sperm quality. Varicocele is the most common cause of male infertility and can be treated with surgery.
- Infections including inflammation of the testicles, gonorrhea, or HIV. Some infections can result in permanent damage, but often sperm can still be retrieved.
- Sperm DNA damage, which can be caused by infections, tobacco use, varicoceles, drugs and chemotherapy, and hormonal factors.
- Ejaculation issues may cause infertility in men when semen enters in the bladder instead of the emerging out of the penis. Retrograde ejaculation can be caused by diabetes, spinal injuries, pelvic area surgery, or medications.
- Sexual function can also contribute to male infertility, such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
- Environmental elements such as exposure to heat, chemicals, and toxins.
- Lifestyle factors such as drug use, alcohol use, tobacco use, excessive pornography use, stress, and obesity.
Diagnosis
In most circumstances, both the male and the woman will need to visit a doctor about their inability to conceive so that all probable causes can be ruled out. A medical history, a general physical examination, and a semen analysis are used to identify male infertility. A sperm test in the lab will determine the amount of sperm present as well as their motility. Because sperm counts fluctuate, multiple tests may be required to achieve reliable results. If the results of the lab tests are normal, the doctor may suggest that your female spouse be checked as well.
An ultrasound of the scrotum, hormone testing, urine analysis, genetic tests, a biopsy of the testicles, or an ultrasound of the prostate to look for blockages are all options for male infertility testing.
Treatment
Once your doctor has figured out what’s causing your infertility, he or she will devise a treatment plan. If you have risk factors for infertility, your doctor may advise you to make lifestyle adjustments.
Surgery
If an obstruction is preventing sperm from being ejaculated, surgery to repair may be an option. Some men are born with an obstruction in their vas deferens or have a varicocele.
Medication and hormone treatments
Antibiotics may be used to treat any infections in the semen. Hormone replacement may be prescribed when infertility is due to low levels of hormones.
Treating sexual conditions
Medication for erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation may improve fertility.
Testicular sperm extraction
Testicular sperm extraction is a surgical procedure to remove sperm from the testes when sperm counts or low or non-existent.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
ART includes in vitro fertilization, where the extracted sperm is combined with extracted eggs to form embryos and implanted into the woman’s uterus