Infertility Evaluation (Male)

Can male infertility be treated?

Yes, it is treatable. A thorough medical history is a very important part of the workup of a male in infertility. The various aspects which may be relevant include fever, childhood diseases, undescended testicle, the timing of puberty, Infections, surgery, trauma, sexual history, exposure to chemicals/toxins, drug/tobacco/alcohol use, hot tub/sauna use, and respiratory illness. Once history is complete, a focused physical exam will be done. This includes checking for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, any signs of hormonal imbalance and examination of male genitalia.

Tests performed to identify the cause of infertility?

Semen Analysis

The next step is the semen analysis. This will tell us if there are enough sperm that move and are shaped normally. The morphology of the sperms will point towards its ability to fertilize the ovum. In some men, semen can flow back into the bladder. This can be seen by collecting a urine sample immediately after ejaculation for men with low semen volumes and low numbers or absence of sperm.

In case, of abnormal semen analysis, it may be helpful to check hormone levels, such as follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone. About 3% of infertile men have a hormone disorder. Approximately 15% of infertile men with no sperm or very low sperm counts have a genetic abnormality that can be found through genetic testing.

Male Infertility Treatment

Male infertility treatment will address the specific problem you have. Some fertility treatments require surgery such as Varicocelectomy, Microsurgical Reconstruction of Vas and other blockages, Surgical Sperm Retrieval from testis or epididymis or Transurethral Resection of the Ejaculatory Ducts (TURED). The other treatments involve assisted sperm collection and Assisted Ejaculation.

If problems with ejaculation are present, you may be advised to freeze a semen sample prior to the treatment cycle of the female partner. This sample can be thawed and used when required.

Medications are sometimes used to treat male infertility. Antioxidant therapy (i.e., Coenzyme Q10) may improve pregnancy and live birth rate in couples with male infertility. Depending on the cause of infertility, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or assisted reproductive techniques like Invitro-fertilisation (IVF) may be used to help achieve pregnancy.

Each of these treatments comes with its own cost and risks. It is necessary you discuss the most suitable course of treatment with your fertility experts.