Traditionally, childlessness was considered a women’s problem. But, it turns out, men are equally responsible if her partner fails to conceive naturally. A couple is said to be infertile when they aren’t able to conceive a child, even after having frequent unprotected sex for more than one year.

One out of three infertility cases occurs due to men. Fortunately, at Saishree IVF, our fertility centre in Pune offers the best treatment and solutions for couples to conceive a child and experience the joy of parenthood.

The diagnosis of male infertility is one of the hardest challenges a man can face. It affects their relationship, mental and emotional health. The good news is, our advanced male infertility treatment can offer real help.

In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about male infertility, sperm formation, causes of infertility, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Let’s get started.

How are sperms formed?

Sperms are formed in the testicles (the two oval organs enclosed in the scrotum of the penis). Once formed, the sperms are stored inside the yards called the epididymis, which lies on top of each testicle. The sperms are nourished by semen, which is made by glands along the way. When a man ejaculates, he releases around 150 million sperms in a half-teaspoon of semen through their penis.

The whole procedure predicts if there is a proper level of testosterone, hormones, and proper functioning of the nervous system in men.

A woman starts ovulating 14 days after her menstruation. Sex any time within the five days before ovulation can turn into a pregnancy. Even a one day delay in having sex after ovulation will not cause pregnancy.

At Saishree IVF, we advise couples to seek fertility evaluations when they are unable to conceive after trying unprotected sex for more than 12 months. In case the couples are above age 30, they should seek fertility evaluation after six months.

What causes male infertility?

The “male factor” contributes to infertility in about half the cases. Around one-third of the time, male infertility is the main reason behind couples failing to conceive. Male infertility often occurs due to low sperm count or abnormal sperm which happens due to the following reasons:

• Testicular infection
• Testicular surgery
• Varicocele, or varicose veins in the scrotum
• Infection in any part of the body that causes fever
• Chemotherapy for cancer
• Hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency
• Cystic fibrosis
• Genetic abnormalities
• Hormonal problems
• Medications such as anabolic steroids or anti-seizure medicines

In many cases, the sperms are produced healthily, but the problem arises when the sperms cannot reach where they need to. It happens due to the following reasons:

• Retrograde Ejaculation: In this condition, the semen ejaculates backwards into the bladder and not in the penis. It usually occurs due to any previous surgery.
• Absence of the Vas Deferens: The Vas Deferens refers to the main sperm pipeline, and its absence is a genetic problem.
• Obstruction: It occurs anywhere between the testicles and the penis.
• Anti-sperm antibodies: The antibodies abnormally attack the man’s sperm on their way to the female’s egg during intercourse.

What is the Male Infertility Treatment Options?

Male infertility treatments are designed to reverse the effects so that couples can conceive from natural sex. Some of the common male infertility treatments are:

• Varicocele surgery: The surgery blocks the abnormal veins and can result in a significant improvement in ejaculation.
• Hormonal treatments: The hormonal abnormalities can be cured with medicines, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
• Obstruction Treatment: The obstruction in sperm transport plumbing can sometimes get corrected by surgery.

Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)

Today, ARTs have made conception possible for women and even men with low or abnormal sperm count. In the ART procedures, sperm is collected either from ejaculation or by a needle from the testicles. They are then processed and introduced to the female partner’s eggs by the following methods:

1. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): During the ovulation period, the sperm are injected directly in the woman’s uterus. The woman is given certain medicines to stimulate the number of healthy eggs she releases to enhance the results.
2. In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): In this procedure, the sperm are mixed with multiple eggs collected from the female partner in a test tube. Once the eggs get fertilized in a laboratory setup and forms into an embryo, it is placed inside the woman’s uterus to carry on her pregnancy.
3. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: In this procedure, a single healthy sperm is injected through a tiny needle inside the egg, outside in a laboratory. Once the egg gets fertilized, it is implanted inside the woman’s uterus. ICSI is recommended when the male partner has extremely low or abnormal sperm count.

At Saishree IVF, your doctor will recommend a few tests which might include:

1. Sperm analysis: The male partner will be asked to provide a fresh sample of semen, which will be evaluated by the experts to determine the sperm count, their shape, movement, and other crucial variables.
2. Physical examination to check hormone problems, diet, lifestyle changes, and previous record of any accident, trauma, or surgery that might contribute to infertility.
3. Testicular biopsy: Men with low or no sperm count are recommended testicular biopsy in which a needle biopsy can show whether the man is making healthy sperm. If good quality sperm are found inside the testicles, the patient is more likely to have a blockage somewhere.
4. Genetic Testing: It helps to identify specific factors that are causing infertility in male patients. Your doctor will decide whether or not to perform genetic testing.

Additional factors that cause male infertility

• Smoking and Tobacco consumption
• Alcohol and drugs consumption
• Obesity
• Depression or excess stress
• Exposure to toxins
• Overheating the testicles
• Had a prior vasectomy or pelvic surgery
• History of undescended testicles

How to prevent Male Infertility?

• Quit smoking
• Limit or abstain alcohol
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain your body weight
• Stay active. Quit laziness
• Eat healthily. Stay away from junk and carbonated drinks
• Avoid exposure to harmful pesticides, toxins, and heavy metal

Final Thoughts

Infertility affects both male and female – physically, emotionally, and socially. However, you are not alone, and there is a wide range of treatments/solutions to become parents with a child that inherits your genes. Visit Saishree IVF, and our doctors will guide you through restoring your health and enjoying parenthood.