Male Infertility
Infertility and its treatment have always been women-centric since ages. however, infertility is a global problem that tends to affect around 15% of couples belonging to the reproductive age group, which makes up for 60-80 million couples worldwide. In India alone, 15-20 million couples are facing infertility and around 50% of these cases owes to male infertility. This is a serious consequence of the modern lifestyle that can be attributed to several factors. Male infertility needs as much attention as female infertility from the Best IVF Clinic in Gurgaon called India IVF. let us have a look at male infertility, its causes and the treatment provided by us
What causes male infertility?
Male infertility has various causes right from physical problems to hormonal imbalances to behavioral troubles. Let us have a look at what could be the possible causes of male infertility
- Hormonal issues: A small percentage of men who are suffering from male infertility face certain hormonal issues. The hypothalamus-pituitary endocrine system is responsible for the release of male hormones and the dissemination of sperms. Anything wrong with this system can result in male infertility. Some of the hormonal conditions attributed to this condition are
- Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated prolactin levels in males are thought to be a reason for infertility by reducing sperm production and reduction of libido and is found in around 10-20% of males.
- Hypothyroidism: A lower level of thyroid hormones has been linked to poor sperm quality and poorer testicular function. Starting a thyroid replacement therapy can greatly help in alleviating this condition. This condition affects only 1-2% of males.
- Hypogonadotropic hypopituitarism: The lower output of LH and FSH hormones arrests the development of sperms and leads to the deterioration of seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells. If not treated on time, a man can be permanently infertile.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: In this condition, the pituitary gland is suppressed by elevated levels of adrenal androgens. This is accompanied by a low sperm count and low motility of sperm. It can be very well treated with cortisone replacement therapy.
- Physical issues: There are various physical issues that are major contributors to male infertility. These problems can either disrupt the pathway of sperm production or interfere with the production of sperm. Following physical conditions can lead to infertility in males
- Varicocele: If any of the valves in the spermatic vein is damaged it leads to a condition called varicocele. This condition can lead to abnormal backflow of blood from the abdominal region into the scrotum. This causes an unfavorable environment for sperm resulting in a low sperm count. This condition can be treated with the help of corrective surgery.
- Damaged sperm ducts: Any damage to the sperm ducts can result in the failure of transport of sperm and their ejaculation. This pathway can be blocked due to several conditions such as Blocking of the epididymis from the scarring due to tuberculosis Voluntary or accidental vasectomy can also lead to the damage Congenital defects
- Klinefelter’s syndrome: This refers to a genetic condition, wherein a man has 2 X chromosomes and one Y chromosome. This genetic defect results in small testicles and enlarged breasts. Chromosomal analysis is necessary to detect this condition and initial treatment is given with HCG.
- Retrograde ejaculation: In this condition, the semen is ejaculated into the urinary bladder rather than ejaculating from the urethra. This occurs when the bladder sphincter fails to close during the ejaculation.
- Torsion: In this condition, the testes twist inside the scrotum, accompanied by extreme pain and swelling. This requires surgery, failing which can result in permanent damage to the testicular vessels and thus infertility.
- Behavioural/psychological problems: There are various sexual problems that could affect a man’s fertility and it does not necessarily have to be physical. Psychological and physical factors both go hand in hand when it comes to fertility in men. The following psychological condition can contribute to male infertility
- Ejaculatory incompetence: In this condition, a man fails to ejaculate during sexual intercourse, though he can perfectly ejaculate by other means. Psychotherapy can greatly help in overcoming this condition. If this too does not work then artificial insemination can be a great option.
- Erectile dysfunction: Also commonly known as impotence, this condition tends to affect a large number of men worldwide and is a major reason for infertility. There are various treatment options available for ED depending upon the cause.
- Premature ejaculation: In this condition, the man is unable to control the ejaculation for a maximum of 30 seconds after the penetration. Various treatment options such as desensitization are recommended for this condition.
What are the treatment options for male infertility?
We, at India IVF, is there to help you on your fertility journey. India IVF not only provides treatment options for female infertility but male infertility as well.
- Assisted reproductive technology: Assisted reproductive technology involves the use and obtaining of sperms through the normal ejaculation process, from donors or surgical extraction. after this, the sperms are inserted into the female genital tract via intracytoplasmic sperm injection or IVF.
- Medical and behavioural counselling: Medical treatment and behavioural counselling can be of great help when it comes to conditions like premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
- Hormonal treatment: You may be advised a hormonal replacement therapy in case your infertility is caused by a certain hormonal abnormality.
- Surgery: Certain conditions such as varicocele can be corrected surgically. Similarly, any defect in the vas deferens can be repaired and vasectomies can be reversed with the help of surgery.
Why choose us?
India IVF is the pioneer when it comes to the best IVF treatment in India. This clinic is led by Dr. Richika Sahay Shukla who is a proficient IVF consultant and infertility specialist having more than 6 years of experience in IVF and infertility. At India IVF not only female infertility but male fertility is taken into equal consideration and appropriate treatment is provided for us. Next time, if you are in a dilemma regarding your fertility treatment, India IVF is the name to bank upon.
About The Author
Dr. Richika Sahay
MBBS (Gold Medalist), DNB (Obst & Gyne), MNAMS, MRCOG (London-UK), Fellow IVF, Fellow MAS, Infertility (IVF) Specialist & Gynae Laparoscopic surgeon,[Ex AIIMS & Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi]. Read more
917353873538