Male Infertility

Best Male Infertility Treatment in Hyderabad, India

Male infertility can be caused by poor sperm production, defective sperm function, or sperm delivery obstructions. It can also occur because of illnesses, injuries, persistent health issues, lifestyle choices, and other causes. Inability to conceive a child can be stressful and distressing, but there are a variety of male infertility therapies available.

Symptoms

The inability to conceive a child is the most obvious indicator of male infertility. Other visible indications or symptoms may not exist.

However, in other circumstances, an underlying problem such as a hereditary illness, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle, or a condition that restricts sperm passage creates signs and symptoms. 

• Problems with sexual function, such as difficulties ejaculating or ejaculating little amounts of fluid, decreased sexual desire, or problems keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction)

• In the testicular region, you may experience pain, swelling, or a lump.

• Respiratory illnesses that recur

• unable to smell

• Breast enlargement that is abnormal (gynecomastia)

• Reduced face or body hair, as well as other symptoms indicating a chromosomal or hormonal anomaly

A sperm count that is lower than usual (fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen or a total sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculate)

Consult a doctor at CARE Hospitals if you have not been able to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse, or if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Erection or ejaculation issues, poor sex drive, or other sexual function issues

• Testicular pain, discomfort, a bulge, or swelling

• Surgery on the groin, testicle, penis, or scrotum

• A partner above the age of 35

Causes

Male fertility is a difficult procedure. The following events must occur in order for your spouse to get pregnant:

• You must be able to create healthy sperm. Initially, this includes the development of male reproductive organs throughout puberty. At least one of your testicles must be working properly, and your body must create testosterone and other hormones to initiate and sustain sperm production.

• Sperm must be transported into the semen. Once sperm is created in the testicles, it is transported through delicate tubes until it combines with semen and is ejaculated out of the penis.

• There must be enough sperm in the semen. If the amount of sperm in your semen (sperm count) is low, the chances of one of your sperm fertilising your partner's egg are reduced. A low sperm count is defined as less than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen or less than 39 million per ejaculate.

• Sperm must be functional and mobile. If your sperm's motility or function is faulty, the sperm may not be able to reach or pierce your partner's egg.

Diagnosis at CARE Hospitals

Typically, diagnosing male infertility problems entails:

• A general physical examination and a medical history are performed. Examining your genitals and inquiring about any genetic disorders, chronic health issues, illnesses, injuries, or operations that may influence fertility are all part of this process. Your doctor may also inquire about your sexual behaviours and sexual development during adolescence.

• Analyse the sperm- You can offer a sample at the doctor's office by masturbating and ejaculating into a designated container. 

• Your sperm is then submitted to a laboratory to be counted and examined for abnormalities in the shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm. The lab will also look for indicators of abnormalities, such as infections, in your sperm.

To achieve reliable findings, many semen analysis tests are usually performed over a period of time. If your sperm analysis is normal, your doctor will most likely advise you to test your female companion thoroughly before proceeding with any more male infertility tests.

Your doctor may suggest more tests to assist in determining the reason for your infertility. These are some examples:

• Ultrasound of the scrotum- This test generates pictures within your body by using high-frequency sound waves. A scrotal ultrasound can help your doctor determine whether you have a varicocele or other issues with your testicles and supporting tissues.

• Ultrasound through the cervix- In your rectum, a tiny, lubricated wand is inserted. It enables your doctor to examine your prostate and look for obstructions in the channels that transport sperm.

• Hormone analysis- The pituitary gland, brain, and testicles all create hormones that are important for sexual development and sperm generation. Other hormonal or organ system abnormalities may also lead to infertility. A blood test determines the amount of testosterone and other hormones in the body.

• Urinalysis after ejaculation- Sperm in your urine may suggest that your sperm are migrating backwards into your bladder rather than out your penis after ejaculation (retrograde ejaculation).

• Genetic examinations- When sperm concentration is exceptionally low, a hereditary reason may exist. A blood test can detect tiny alterations in the Y chromosome, which indicate a genetic problem. To identify numerous congenital or hereditary disorders, genetic testing may be conducted.

• Biopsy of the testicles- If the testicular biopsy findings reveal that sperm production is normal, your problem is most likely caused by a blockage or another issue with sperm transport.

• Sperm function tests that are specialised- A variety of tests may be done to determine how well your sperm survive after ejaculation, how effectively they enter an egg, and whether or not they adhere to the egg. These tests are seldom utilised and typically do not affect treatment recommendations appreciably.

Treatment

In situations of infertility, it is suggested that the female spouse be examined as well. Your companion may be prescribed special therapies. Alternatively, you may discover that pursuing assisted reproductive procedures is suitable in your case.

Male infertility treatments include:

• Surgery- A varicocele, for example, can be surgically rectified. The same is possible for a blocked vas deferens as well. When there are no sperms in the ejaculated semen, the required quantity of sperm may be extracted straight from the testicles. Epididymis utilising sperm retrieval procedures can also be used for the same.

• Infection treatment- Antibiotic therapy may heal a reproductive tract infection, but it does not necessarily restore fertility.

• Treatments for issues in sexual intercourse- In disorders such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, medication or counselling can assist enhance fertility.

• Hormone therapy and medicine - In situations when infertility is caused by high or low levels of specific hormones or difficulties with the way the body processes hormones, your doctor may offer hormone replacement or drugs.

• ART (assisted reproduction technique) - Depending on your personal condition and needs, ART treatments may entail acquiring sperm by regular ejaculation, surgical extraction, or donor persons. The sperm is subsequently injected into the female vaginal tract or utilised in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Surgery:

• Varicocele Repair: Varicoceles, which are enlarged veins in the testicles, can be surgically corrected through a procedure called varicocelectomy, potentially improving sperm quality.
• Blocked Vas Deferens: Surgical intervention may be employed to address a blocked vas deferens, allowing for the proper flow of sperm.

Sperm Retrieval Procedures:

• Azoospermia Treatment: In cases where there are no sperm in the ejaculated semen, sperm retrieval procedures can be utilized to extract sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis.
• Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (TESA): This procedure involves extracting sperm directly from the epididymis for use in assisted reproductive techniques.

Infection Treatment:

• Antibiotic Therapy: Reproductive tract infections may be treated with antibiotic therapy; however, it's important to note that resolving the infection may not always restore fertility.

Treatments for Sexual Intercourse Issues:

• Erectile Dysfunction: Medications such as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors or counseling may be employed to address erectile dysfunction and improve fertility.
• Premature Ejaculation: Behavioral techniques, medications, or counseling can be utilized to manage premature ejaculation and enhance fertility.

Hormone Therapy and Medications:

• Hormone Replacement: In cases where infertility is linked to hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended to restore proper hormone levels.
• Medications: Certain drugs may be prescribed to address hormonal issues or assist in the regulation of reproductive hormones.

Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART):

• Sperm Acquisition: ART treatments may involve obtaining sperm through regular ejaculation, surgical extraction (such as testicular sperm extraction - TESE), or the use of donor sperm.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Sperm and eggs are combined outside the body, and the resulting embryos are implanted into the uterus.
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is directly injected into an egg, and the fertilized egg is implanted, particularly useful in severe male infertility cases.

How common is male infertility? and What are its causes?

Male infertility is a prevalent issue, and its prevalence can vary based on factors such as geographical location, age group, and underlying causes. According to various studies, approximately 7-10% of men worldwide experience infertility. It's important to note that infertility is a shared concern for both men and women, with both contributing factors in about 40-50% of cases.

Several factors can influence male infertility, and certain groups of males may be more likely to experience fertility challenges. Some of the factors and groups associated with a higher risk of male infertility include:

• Age: Fertility tends to decline with age in both men and women. While men can produce sperm throughout their lives, the quality and quantity of sperm may decrease with age.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and hormonal disorders, can impact male fertility.
• Genetic Factors: Genetic factors can play a role in infertility. Conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome and Y-chromosome microdeletions can affect sperm production.
• Lifestyle Factors: Habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and high levels of stress can negatively impact male fertility.
• Sexual Health: Conditions that affect sexual function or ejaculation, such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, may contribute to infertility.
• Occupational Exposures: Some occupational exposures to environmental toxins, radiation, or certain chemicals may affect male fertility.
• Varicocele: This is a condition where the veins in the testicles are enlarged, potentially leading to reduced sperm quality.

It's essential to approach infertility as a shared concern between partners, and both men and women may need to undergo testing and evaluation to identify potential contributing factors. Consulting with a healthcare professional or fertility specialist is crucial for couples facing fertility challenges.