Common Causes of Male Infertility?

Infertility affects us all, even men! Most likely, after or during the process that the woman is examined and diagnosed, her partner will be looked at by a male fertility doctor. Just like reproductive doctors for women, male fertility doctors try to improve fertility by either correcting a known or diagnosed problem, or suggest treatments that may be helpful. Often, an exact problem or reason cannot be identified. Even if the cause isn’t clear, your doctor may be able to recommend treatments. There are a variety of treatment options for male infertility. Listed below are some that are most common.

Surgery
For example, a varicocele, which is a mass of varicose veins in the spermatic cord, can either be surgically corrected or a blocked duct can be repaired. Vasectomies can be surgically reversed. In cases where little to no sperm are present in the ejaculate, sperm may often be retrieved from the testicles or epididymis, an elongated, cordlike structure along the posterior border of the testis, whose coiled duct provides for the storage, transport, and maturation of sperm.

Treatment of infections
The use of antibiotics may cure an infection of the reproductive tract and improve sperm production or sperm health. This does not always restore fertility, but there is still a possibility sperm may still be retrieved.

Hormone treatments and medications
Hormone replacement therapy may be recommended or medications prescribed, in cases where infertility is caused by high or low levels of certain hormones or problems with the way the body uses hormones.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
ART treatments involve obtaining sperm through different methods. Depending on your specific case, prior infertility treatments and wishes, the sperm is then inserted into the female genital tract, or used to perform in vitro fertilization.

In the event that a couple cannot conceive on there own, your doctor may suggest that you and your partner consider either adoption or surrogacy and may even refer you to an agency such as Shared Conception. We are here to assist you.

*references: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sperm-count/basics/treatment/con-20033441