What is Male Infertility?
Male infertility refers to a man’s inability to contribute to conception with his partner. It’s often caused by issues like low sperm count, poor sperm quality. While these challenges can seem insurmountable, they are more common than you might think and, in many cases, treatable.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
- Low Sperm Count: Producing fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
- Poor Sperm Motility: Difficulty in swimming to the egg.
- Abnormal Sperm Shape: Irregularly shaped sperm can affect their ability to fertilize an egg.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with testosterone or other hormone levels.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol use, stress, and unhealthy diets can contribute.
- Medical Conditions: Varicocele, infections, or untreated medical issues can play a role.
Signs to Look Out For
● Difficulty in conceiving with your partner after a year of regular unprotected intercourse.
● Changes in sexual desire or function.
● Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicle area.
● Low sperm count observed during a medical evaluation.
How is Male Infertility Diagnosed?
● Semen Analysis: Evaluates semen volume, sperm count, shape, and motility.
● Hormonal Testing: Assesses testosterone and other hormone levels.
● Imaging Tests: Checks for blockages or abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
● Genetic Testing: Identifies genetic conditions affecting fertility.
Treatment Options Available
With advancements in medical science, there is hope for overcoming male infertility. Treatment options include:
● Lifestyle Changes: Healthy eating, quitting smoking, and reducing stress.
● Medications: To treat infections or hormonal imbalances.
● Surgical Interventions: Correcting blockages or repairing varicoceles.
● Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Techniques like IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) can help