lifeplus

Book Doctor Appointment

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility is a condition where a man is unable to conceive a child with his partner despite having regular, unprotected sex for a year or more. It occurs when there are issues with the production, quality, or delivery of sperm. Male infertility can result from a variety of factors, and it is important to remember that it’s a medical condition that can often be treated.

At LifePlus Hospital, we understand how distressing and emotionally challenging infertility can be for men and couples. Our experienced specialists are here to help you understand the causes, explore diagnostic options, and find the best treatment plan to help you achieve your dream of having a child.

Symptoms of Male Infertility

In most cases, there are no obvious symptoms of male infertility. However, some signs may indicate an issue with fertility, including:

  • Difficulty with Erection or Ejaculation: Trouble achieving or maintaining an erection, or difficulty with ejaculation.
  • Low Sex Drive: A decrease in sexual desire or drive.
  • Pain or Swelling in the Testicles: Pain, lumps, or swelling in the testicles can be a sign of a problem.
  • Abnormalities in Sperm: If there are signs of abnormal sperm such as low count or motility, infertility might be a concern.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Symptoms such as reduced facial or body hair, or changes in the size of the testicles, may indicate a hormonal issue.

If you or your partner are concerned about infertility, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the chances of successful conception.

Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility can be caused by several factors, and often, there’s no single reason for the condition. Common causes include:

Diagnosis of Male Infertility

If you’re having trouble conceiving, a doctor will likely begin by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical exam. The following tests may be used to diagnose male infertility:
  1. Semen Analysis – This is the most common test for male infertility. A sample of semen is tested for sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). It also checks for any infection or abnormalities in the semen.
  2. Blood Tests – Blood tests can check for hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone or elevated levels of other hormones that can affect sperm production.
  3. Ultrasound – A scrotal ultrasound may be used to check for issues like varicocele or other blockages in the reproductive system.
  4. Genetic Testing – If there is a suspected genetic cause for infertility, genetic tests can identify chromosomal abnormalities, like Klinefelter syndrome or Y chromosome deletions, which can affect sperm production.
  5. Testicular Biopsy – If sperm production issues are suspected, a small tissue sample from the testicles may be taken to look for sperm production problems.
  6. Post-Ejaculation Urinalysis – This test can check for retrograde ejaculation, where sperm enters the bladder instead of being expelled during ejaculation.
At LifePlus Hospital, our urologists and fertility specialists work together to identify the root cause of male infertility and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
  • Low Sperm Production: If a man produces fewer sperm than normal, it can make fertilization less likely.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Imbalances in hormones like testosterone can impact sperm production.
  • Genetic Factors: Certain genetic conditions can affect sperm production, such as Klinefelter syndrome, which leads to an extra X chromosome in men.

Treatment Options for Male Infertility

Treatment for male infertility varies depending on the underlying cause. At LifePlus Hospital, we offer several treatment options, from medications to advanced assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

1. Lifestyle Changes

  • Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake and quitting smoking can improve sperm quality.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing excess weight can improve hormone levels and sperm production.
  • Manage Stress: Stress can affect sperm production, so stress management techniques may be recommended.

2. Medications

  • Hormonal Treatments: If the infertility is due to hormonal imbalances, medications such as Clomiphene or gonadotropins can help stimulate sperm production.
  • Antibiotics: If an infection is identified, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear up the infection and improve fertility.

3. Surgical Treatments

  • Varicocele Repair: Surgery can be performed to repair varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) to improve sperm quality.
  • Vasectomy Reversal: If infertility is caused by a previous vasectomy, a vasectomy reversal may allow sperm to flow normally again.
  • Sperm Retrieval: If sperm is not present in the ejaculate, surgical procedures like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) can be used to retrieve sperm directly from the testicle or epididymis.

4. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Healthy sperm are directly injected into the woman’s uterus to increase the chances of fertilization.
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is a process where sperm is used to fertilize the egg outside the body, and the embryo is then implanted into the woman’s uterus.
  • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): This advanced IVF technique involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, which can be helpful for severe male infertility.

5. Sperm Donor or Adoption

  • In cases where male infertility is severe or cannot be treated, sperm donation or adoption may be an option for couples who want to have a child.

Why Choose LifePlus Hospital for Male Infertility Treatment?

At LifePlus Hospital, we offer compassionate, cutting-edge care for male infertility. Our team of experts includes urologists, fertility specialists, endocrinologists, and counsellors who work together to provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. We are committed to helping you understand the causes of your infertility and finding the right solution for you and your partner.

If you or your partner are struggling with infertility, don’t hesitate to reach out. Early intervention and personalized treatment can significantly increase the chances of success.

Have Questions? We're Here-Reach out to us!

Male infertility affects approximately 7-12% of men of reproductive age globally.

wpChatIcon
wpChatIcon