Research says, approx one in every six couples is having trouble conceiving, which is more common than you might think for young couples. Infertility can cause emotional stress or financial worries if the couple has been trying to have a baby without success for over a year.
While either one or both of the partners may contribute to the fertility challenges of the couple, over the years, it is seen that one-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues only. Male infertility, like female infertility, is a diagnosis that can only be determined after several clinical testing.
To conceive a baby, a man's sperm must combine with a woman's egg. But If you have not conceived within a year of having unprotected intercourse, your fertility doctor may recommend several tests to diagnose the cause and suggest a treatment plan.
But, what exactly causes the Infertility in Men?
Many different medical conditions and other factors can contribute to fertility problems in men. However, they aren't necessarily permanent and can be treated.
Here are the common causes of Male Infertility -
Low Sperm Count & Production
Varicocele (enlargement of veins in the scrotum)
Chronic health conditions like Diabetes, Hypertension, etc.
Unhealthy habits (high consumption of alcohol, smoking, drugs, etc.)
Malformed sperm
Genetic diseases
Hormonal disorders
Stress & Depression
Environmental causes (Excess heat, Toxicants, obesity), etc.
Infertility in men can generally be treated with proper medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes with the help of Assisted reproductive technology (ART). Several treatments of male infertility are available now with the growing advancement in medical technologies.
But before male factor infertility can be treated, testing must be performed to determine its underlying causes. Generally, it is initially done by doing semen analysis for any possible sperm-related issues, followed by a General physical examination and medical history.
Further, additional tests (Hormonal, Genetic Testing, etc.) can also be done to ensure accurate results.
Based on the tests, medical history, and Infertility Symptoms in Males fertility experts may recommend the best infertility treatment which may include -
Making necessary lifestyle changes (Quit Smoking and limit alcohol intake),
Surgeries include Vasectomy reversal (reconnects each tube (vas deferens) that carries sperm from a testicle into the semen) and Sperm retrieval,
Using medications, and
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) -
In vitro fertilization (IVF) - The most effective infertility treatment option for couples if there are multiple fertility factors like - low sperm count and fallopian tube blockage or ovulation disorder in a female partner. It starts with medication to stimulate eggs, the mature eggs are retrieved and fertilized with the sperm in a lab, and then the embryo is/are placed back in the uterus.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) - It is performed as part of IVF and is an effective treatment for a man with infertility. Here the quality sperm are extracted surgically and injected directly into the egg.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) - It is a simple but effective process to place several washed sperm directly into the uterus. IUI is a good option for couples facing mild to moderate male fertility issues as it bypasses hostile cervical mucus and assists in overcoming sperm count, disorders, and motility problems.
Male Infertility is not always permanent and can be treated; however, in a very few cases where it is more severe and complicated, the fertility doctor might suggest that you and your partner consider using sperm from a donor or adopting a child.
If you have trouble conceiving, talk with a fertility expert at the best IVF center in Pune. Crysta IVF center in Pune gives you the Gift of Life with India’s top-most fertility experts.