While infertility is typically considered a “female issue”

Research is proving that one in every three occurrences of infertility is found in men.

This can be a blow to a man’s ego, especially if he thinks it’s linked to his virility. However, these are two separate issues, and fertility in men can be helped by going to a sperm bank and receiving fertility treatment.

Male Fertility and Fertility Treatment - Sperm Fertility In Men

How It’s Supposed to Work

If you find yourself scratch your head, wondering how male infertility works, here are the basics.

The testicles make sperm is stored in the epididymis, located on top of each testicle. Semen, made by glands, bring nourishment to the sperm and at the point of climax, approximately 50 million sperm are ejaculated from the penis in the semen.

If the man’s testosterone levels are normal, and the woman is ovulating during her monthly cycle when the ejaculation occurs within her, she will become pregnant.

Causes of Male Infertility

If a couple has been trying to conceive for one year, without any protection or success, then doctors often recommend a fertility evaluation. If the couple is over 30 years of age, they are encouraged to receive an evaluation after six months.

If the man is found to be infertile, it’s usually because of a low sperm count, abnormal sperm, or a problem in the making of sperm.

  • Anabolic steroids or anti-seizure medicines
  • Anti-sperm antibodies – these antibodies attack a man’s sperm
  • Chemotherapy
  • Genetic abnormalities
  • Hormone problems
  • Lack of the vas deferens
  • Obstruction
  • Orchitis – testicle infections
  • Prostatitis – prostate infections
  • Retrograde ejaculation – the semen ejaculates into the bladder instead of the penis
  • A testicle that hasn’t descended
  • Varicocele – the abnormal bulging of veins above the testicle (This is the most common cause of correctable male infertility.)

Depending on the cause and the patient, some of these causes can be reversed. If you suspect one of these causes may be affecting your fertility, consult a physician that specializes in male infertility.

While many doctors have their own testing methods, here are some of the standard tests:

  • Genetic testing
  • Hormone evaluation
  • Physical examination – A urologist can determine if varicocele or hormone issues are a problem in the office.
  • Sperm and semen analysis – A fresh semen sample is taken in the doctor’s office and tested to determine sperm count, shape, and movement. Normally, a higher number of sperm is equated to higher fertility, but there have been some instances of men with low sperm counts or abnormal semen still able to impregnate a woman. If a man has azoospermia (lack of sperm in semen), then surgery can correct the internal blockage.
  • Testicular biopsy – This is performed when men have a little to no sperm count. A testicle biopsy can determine if healthy sperm is being made and if so, a blockage is suspected.

Fertility Treatment Options

Since pregnancy is the mission, doctors offer several fertility treatment options to increase fertility in men. Surgical options can help with varicoceles or obstructions while medicine can help with hormonal abnormalities.

Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) are high-tech fertility treatments that “kick start” the sperm moving into the egg of the woman. ARTs are expensive but have proved to be effective for men with abnormal sperm or a low count.

  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) – One single sperm is injected into an egg, and the egg is then implanted in the uterus.
  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI) – During ovulation, women are given medication to increase the number of released eggs. Then, sperm are injected into the uterus
  • In-vitro fertilization (IVF)

Of course, if you are fertile now, but think you may not be in the future, a sperm bank may be an option. A sperm bank stores semen in cold storage to be sued for artificial insemination. This is especially helpful when a woman is infertile and the male is fertile.

What You Can Do at Home

If you are concerned about your male infertility, there are several things that you can do to ensure a higher sperm count.

  • Avoid hot baths and whirlpools
  • Do not smoke cigarettes or marijuana
  • Limit your daily alcohol intake to two drinks per day
  • Refrain from taking drugs, especially cocaine
  • Steer clear of taking testosterone or any over-the-counter androgen
Male Fertility and Fertility Treatment – Sperm Fertility In Men

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