Infertility is a common problem that affects both men and women. In fact, about 1 in 8 couples struggle with infertility, and in about one-third of cases, male infertility is the sole cause or a contributing factor.

Understanding male infertility, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options available can help couples facing this issue to make informed decisions and choose the best course of action for them.

Diagnosing male infertility

When a couple is having trouble getting pregnant, the first step is to see a doctor or fertility specialist for a comprehensive evaluation.

For the man, a physical examination will be conducted to look for any abnormalities of the genitalia or signs of inflammation or infection. Blood tests may also be performed to measure hormone levels such as testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).

In addition to blood tests, a semen analysis is usually recommended to evaluate the quantity and quality of sperm. In a semen analysis, a sample of semen is collected and analyzed to determine various factors, including:.

Sperm count
Sperm motility (how well they swim)
Sperm morphology (shape and size)
Semen volume

If the results of the semen analysis or hormone tests are abnormal, further testing may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of the infertility.

Common causes of male infertility

There are many potential causes of male infertility, including:.

Varicocele: a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle, which can cause low sperm count and poor sperm quality
Undescended testicles: when one or both testicles fail to descend properly from the abdomen into the scrotum, which can affect sperm production and quality
Infections: sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as other infections like prostatitis, can cause inflammation and damage to the male reproductive system
Hormone imbalances: low testosterone levels or high levels of FSH and LH can affect sperm production
Genetic abnormalities: certain genetic conditions can cause sperm abnormalities or even absence of sperm
Obstruction: blockages in the ducts that carry sperm from the testes to the penis can prevent sperm from being ejaculated properly

Treatment options for male infertility

The treatment for male infertility depends on the underlying cause and severity of the problem. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or losing weight may be recommended to improve fertility.

In other cases, medication or surgery may be necessary.

One common medication used to treat male infertility is clomiphene citrate, which can increase testosterone levels and improve sperm count and motility.

Other medications that may be used to treat male infertility include gonadotropins, which stimulate the testicles to produce more sperm, and aromatase inhibitors, which decrease estrogen levels and increase testosterone levels.

In cases where surgery is needed, the goal is often to remove any blockages or correct other abnormalities that are preventing sperm from being ejaculated properly.

For example, a varicocele can be surgically repaired, or scar tissue can be removed from the reproductive tract.

In some cases, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be recommended.

With IVF, eggs are harvested from the woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus. With ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to fertilize it.

Conclusion

Male infertility can be a challenging and stressful issue for couples who are trying to conceive. However, with proper evaluation and treatment, many couples can achieve a successful pregnancy.

If you are experiencing fertility problems, it’s important to see a doctor or fertility specialist for a thorough evaluation and discussion of your treatment options.