Male Infertility
Hope Healing Happiness
in Fertility Care
Male infertility is the inability of a sexually mature male to cause a pregnancy in a fertile female after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse.
Male Infertility
What is Male Infertility ?
Male infertility is the inability of a sexually mature male to cause a pregnancy in a fertile female after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. If the female partner is 35 years or older, evaluation may begin earlier—after six months—due to more limited fertility windows.
When Male Infertility Has to be Evaluated ?
Male infertility should be evaluated when:
- A couple has been trying to conceive for at least one year without success.
- The woman is 35 or older, where earlier evaluation (around six months) is often recommended.
Types/causes of Male Infertility
Sperm Production Disorders
- Azoospermia: No sperm present in the ejaculate (~15% of infertile men).
- Oligospermia : Low sperm count.
- Common causes include varicocele (enlarged scrotal veins), genetic issues (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome), infections (like mumps or STIs), hormonal imbalances, or cryptorchidism (undescended testes).
Sperm Transport & Ejaculation Problems
- Blockages in the reproductive ducts (e.g., vas deferens), which may be congenital (like in cystic fibrosis) or from surgery/trauma.
- Ejaculatory dysfunctions—like retrograde ejaculation (semen enters bladder), erectile dysfunction, or premature ejaculation.
Sperm Quality Defects
- Teratospermia: Abnormal sperm shape affecting fertilization.
- Problems with motility (swimming ability) or viability.
Immune Factors
- Production of antisperm antibodies that hinder sperm function—present in up to 30% of couples facing infertility.
Genetic and Chromosomal Defects
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Genetic causes account for about 10–15% of male infertility.
Example: Klinefelter syndrome (XXY chromosomes).
Lifestyle, Environmental & Hormonal Influences
- Risk factors include smoking, alcohol/drug use, obesity, heat exposure (like from tight clothing or hot baths), toxins, medications (e.g., chemotherapy), and aging (with sperm quality declining after age 40).
Step Process
Diagnostic Process
Step 1 : Medical History & Physical Exam
- Includes reviewing past infections, injuries, surgeries, meds, sexual health and lifestyle.
- Physical check of reproductive organs for abnormalities.
Step 2 : Semen Analysis (Spermiogram)
- Assesses sperm count, motility, shape, volume, and concentration.
Step 3 : Lab & Imaging Tests
- Hormone panels (testosterone, LH, FSH), genetic studies (karyotype), infection screens (like STIs), scrotal/testicular ultrasound, or testicular biopsy if needed.
Step 4 : Additional Testing
- Tests for antibodies or physiological issues, depending on initial findings.
Treatments and Procedures
Lifestyle Improvements
- Weight management, quitting smoking/alcohol, reducing stress, avoiding heat exposure, and environmental toxins.
Medical Therapies
- Hormone therapy can address endocrine-related infertility.
- Antibiotics for infections; cessation of harmful medications.
Surgical Treatments
- Varicocelectomy: corrects varicocele.
- Vasectomy reversal or surgery to correct duct blockages.
- TESE / Micro-TESE: microsurgical sperm retrieval from testis, especially for azoospermia cases.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): places sperm directly into the uterus.
- IVF/ICSI: ICSI injects a single sperm directly into an egg—especially for severe male factor infertility or poor sperm quality.
- Additional advanced sperm selection methods like PICSI and MACS may be used to improve outcomes.
Results & Consideration
- Many causes are treatable, especially with lifestyle changes, medical therapy, or surgical intervention.
- Advanced reproductive technologies like ICSI have made biological fatherhood possible even in severe cases.
- Some cases may be idiopathic, with no identifiable cause—approximately 10–15%.
- Psychological impact is significant—infertility can harm self-esteem and emotional health; counseling support should be offered.
