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Male Infertility

Male Infertility Treatment - Procedure & Benefits at Curific Health Care

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    What Is Male Infertility?

    Male infertility is a growing problem and refers to a situation wherein a man cannot get his female partner pregnant naturally. While conceiving a baby is generally an uncomplicated process, men with infertility find it challenging to conceive. Contrary to common perception, male partners can contribute to a couple’s inability to conceive, even if the female partner is in optimal health.

    Male infertility has several causes, ranging from genetic factors to poor lifestyle habits. However, the availability of advanced infertility treatments offers hope by providing various options to address and potentially reverse the condition.

    What Happens In Male Infertility Treatment

    Diagnosis – Male Infertility

    When an individual decides to seek infertility treatment, a comprehensive diagnosis is essential. The specific tests recommended by the fertility specialist depend on findings from the physical examination. Common diagnostic tests for male infertility include:

    Semen Analysis

    A semen analysis is a standard test for diagnosing male infertility, helping identify the underlying cause. This process involves collecting a semen sample in a sterile cup for evaluation. The analysis examines the sperm count, concentration, movement, and structure. These factors combined help doctors assess whether natural conception is possible.

    Transrectal Ultrasound

    A transrectal ultrasound uses sound waves to produce detailed images of the reproductive organs. During this test, a probe is placed in the rectum to direct sound waves toward the surrounding ejaculatory ducts. This procedure helps identify abnormalities or blockages in the seminal vesicles or ejaculatory ducts that may contribute to infertility.

    Testicular Biopsy

    If a semen analysis indicates a very low or absent sperm count, a testicular biopsy may be recommended. Performed under general anesthesia, this procedure involves making a small incision in the scrotum to collect tissue samples from each testicle. The samples are examined under a microscope to determine the cause of infertility and to potentially aid in assisted reproduction methods.

    Hormonal Profile

    A hormonal profile test evaluates key hormones involved in sperm production. Doctors assess levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Testosterone, Prolactin, and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). This information helps detect hormonal imbalances or deficiencies that could be contributing to infertility.

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      Male Infertility Treatment at Curific Health Care

      Male Infertility – Types of Treatments

      Non-Surgical Treatments for Male Infertility

      The treatment for male infertility depends on its underlying cause. For non-surgical cases, the following options are available:

      Anejaculation
      Anejaculation is a condition where a man cannot produce semen. It can result from prior surgeries, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, congenital abnormalities, or psychological factors.

      • Treatment Options:
        • Medications
        • Psychotherapy
        • Sex therapy

      Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
      This condition arises from congenital enzyme deficiencies affecting the adrenal glands, leading to infertility.

      • Treatment Options:
        • Hormone replacement therapy

      Retrograde Ejaculation
      This condition occurs when semen flows backward into the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra. It may result from prostate or bladder surgeries, diabetes, antidepressant use, or spinal cord injuries.

      • Treatment Options:
        • Medications

      Surgical Treatments for Male Infertility

      Varicocele Treatment
      Varicocele, a leading cause of male infertility, involves enlarged veins in the scrotum. This condition affects sperm production and quality.

      • Surgical Procedure:
        • Varicocelectomy: A surgical procedure that repairs the enlarged veins in the scrotum. It can significantly improve fertility outcomes for men with varicocele.

      Azoospermia Treatment
      Azoospermia is a condition in which no sperm are present in the ejaculate, often due to blockages or other structural issues.

      • Surgical Procedures:
        • TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration): Extraction of sperm directly from the testicle using a fine needle.
        • PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration): Extraction of sperm from the epididymis.
        • MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration): A more advanced method involving microsurgery for sperm retrieval.

      These treatments are designed to restore fertility and increase the chances of conception for men dealing with infertility.

      Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)

      When non-surgical and surgical treatments for male infertility are not enough to achieve conception, Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) can provide a solution. These techniques involve handling eggs and sperm surgically, enabling conception without sexual intercourse. Fertility specialists first perform diagnostic tests to identify the cause and type of infertility before recommending the most suitable ART.

      Here are the most common ART methods:

      1. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

      Overview:
      IVF is one of the most reliable and widely used ART techniques. It involves fertilizing an egg outside the woman’s body in a lab and then transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus.

      Procedure Steps:

      1. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman’s ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple mature eggs.
      2. Egg Retrieval: Mature eggs are collected from the ovaries.
      3. Fertilization: The eggs are combined with sperm (from the male partner or donor) in a petri dish.
      4. Embryo Transfer: A fertilized egg (embryo) is implanted in the woman’s uterus.

      Who Benefits From IVF?

      • Men with severe oligospermia (low sperm count).
      • Women with blocked fallopian tubes.

      2. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

      Overview:
      IUI increases the chances of conception by injecting a concentrated amount of healthy sperm directly into the uterus. This method bypasses many of the natural barriers to fertilization.

      Procedure Steps:

      1. Healthy sperm are collected and processed in the lab.
      2. The sperm is inserted into the uterus using a thin catheter during ovulation.

      Who Benefits From IUI?

      • Men with low sperm count.
      • Men experiencing retrograde ejaculation.
      • Men with sperm motility issues or mild infertility causes.

      3. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

      Overview:
      ICSI is a specialized IVF technique designed for severe male infertility. It involves the injection of a single sperm directly into an egg to achieve fertilization.

      Procedure Steps:

      1. A single sperm is extracted or selected from the male partner or donor.
      2. The sperm is injected into a mature egg using a fine needle under a microscope.
      3. The fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus.

      Who Benefits From ICSI?

      • Men with severe sperm quality issues.
      • Men with no sperm in the semen (requiring sperm retrieval techniques like TESA or PESA).
      • Men with irreversible testicular failure or blockages.

      Conclusion:
      Assisted Reproductive Techniques like IVF, IUI, and ICSI have revolutionized fertility treatment, offering hope to couples struggling with infertility. These methods address specific issues related to male infertility, enabling couples to achieve their dream of parenthood.

       

      How To Prepare for Male Infertility Treatment

      Preparing well for male infertility treatment ensures a smoother process and better outcomes. Whether your doctor recommends a surgical procedure or an Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART), following these preparation tips can help:

      1. Discuss Current Medications

      • Why It’s Important: Some medications may interfere with fertility treatments or cause complications during surgery.
      • Action Plan:
        • Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you’re taking.
        • If your doctor prescribes pre-treatment medications, follow the instructions and take them as advised.

      2. Address Your Concerns

      • Why It’s Important: Understanding the treatment process can alleviate anxiety and improve your mental readiness.
      • Action Plan:
        • Ask your doctor to explain the procedure, associated risks, and expected outcomes.
        • Share any fears or apprehensions you may have, and seek reassurance.

      3. Follow Pre-Surgery Fasting Instructions

      • Why It’s Important: For surgical treatments, fasting reduces the risk of complications related to anesthesia.
      • Action Plan:
        • Refrain from eating or drinking anything at least 8-12 hours before the procedure, as instructed by your doctor.
        • Follow all pre-operative guidelines provided by your healthcare team.

      4. Arrange for Transportation and Post-Treatment Care

      • Why It’s Important: Procedures involving anesthesia can impair your ability to drive or perform regular activities immediately afterward.
      • Action Plan:
        • Ensure someone is available to drive you home after the treatment.
        • Arrange for assistance at home if needed, particularly after surgical procedures.

      5. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

      • Why It’s Important: A healthy body enhances the success rate of infertility treatments.
      • Action Plan:
        • Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs before and during the treatment process.
        • Follow a nutritious diet and maintain a healthy weight.

      6. Stay Mentally Prepared

      • Why It’s Important: Mental well-being is just as crucial as physical readiness for a successful treatment experience.
      • Action Plan:
        • Practice stress management techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing.
        • Consider joining a support group or counseling sessions to share experiences and gain support.

      Proper preparation ensures that your body and mind are ready for the treatment, increasing the chances of a positive outcome. Always follow your doctor’s advice closely and communicate openly about any concerns.

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