A Detailed Guide to Male Infertility
Traditionally, childlessness was considered a women’s problem. But, it turns out, men are equally responsible if her partner fails to conceive naturally.
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.
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.
