Treatments for male infertility

One of the happiest moments of adult life is when one steps into parenthood. When one speaks about parenting, the thought of motherhood, the excitement, the joy, and the celebration related to this magnificent feeling comes to mind. Whether a couple is successful or has faced failure, the merit or demerit are usually attributed to women. It is a known fact that emotional support goes unsaid to women. Nevertheless, very little is known or spoken of about men can cause infertility; they could also be affected physically and emotionally if one fails to be blessed with the joy of being a “Father.” Commonly, men do not speak up or express the mental trauma one goes through when facing issues due to male infertility.

This refers to a condition where a woman cannot conceive despite being fertile due to infertility problems in the partner. Infertility in men is usually caused due to certain deficiencies in semen. The reproductive system in males includes both internal and external organs. These include the penis, scrotum, testicles, prostate gland, and duct system. The primary functions of these organs are:

• Production and transportation of semen that contains sperm.

• Release of sperm into the female reproductive organs.

• Production of testosterone (male sex hormone).

If there is an abnormality in any of the above organs, it could lead to infertility. If one has failed to conceive a child despite continued efforts, it is essential to be apprised about the causes leading to such a condition. There is a multitude of reasons that are responsible for male infertility.

• Non-obstructive azoospermia – Absence of sperm due to impaired or abnormal sperm production

• Obstructive azoospermia – Absence of sperm as a result of obstruction or blockage.

• Oligospermia – decreased sperm count in the semen.

• Teratospermia – Abnormality in sperm morphology.

• Abnormal functions of the sperm due to undescended testicles.

• Injury to genitalia

• Environmental conditions that directly or indirectly affect sperm production such as constant exposure to heat or toxins.

• Ejaculatory problems – premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or retrograde ejaculation.

• Poor sperm motility.

• Varicocele – a condition caused by distention of veins within the scrotum.

• Infections.

• Obesity.

• Stress.

• Genetic disorders.

No matter the amplitude and intensity of the problem, there is a treatment for male infertility. One needs to seek medical advice and might have to go through a series of infertility tests to determine the underlying cause to help find the exact treatment. The early, the better. The first step towards diagnosing the problems with infertility in men involves a general physical examination, studying the medical history, and semen analysis.

• Surgery – if any underlying condition such as varicocele warrants surgery.

• Treating any infections that could be leading to infertility.

• Treatment for sexual intercourse.

• Hormone replacement therapy if either high or low levels of hormones are observed, which could also be one of the major causes accounting for infertility.

• IVF if the sperm motility is poor.