Male infertility is known to affect 7% of all men, accounting for 40%-50% of all cases of infertility. The major causes of male infertility include difficulty in sperm delivery or sperm production. Lifestyle choices, recurring illnesses, and certain injuries can pose a threat to male fertility. Not being able to impregnate the female partner could be disheartening. However, multiple infertility treatments are available at Apollo Fertility to help couples fulfill their dream of conception.
But, before you see a doctor, here are things you should know about the diagnosis and treatment of this problem.
Diagnosing Male Infertility
Diagnosing the condition usually begins with semen and blood tests. Here are some of the most common methods of confirming infertility.
Semen analysis
This procedure is also known as the sperm count test. Through this, doctors check for the number of sperms, sperm motility, and the structure. This test also determines sperm volume and concentration. Doctors perform a semen analysis to figure out which factor is responsible for infertility. The semen is normal if it turns into liquid from its initial pearly gel structure within 20 minutes. If not, there could be issues with the male sex glands, the seminal vesicles. In case semen analysis shows minimal or no sperm at all, the individual might be permanently infertile.
Testicular biopsy
Testicular biopsy is performed with general or local anaesthesia. In this test, a small incision is made in the scrotum. Then, using a needle, a small tissue sample is removed from each testicle and examined. This test mainly helps figure out the cause of infertility. Also, a testicular biopsy is done to collect sperm for IVF or other assisted reproduction procedures.
Transrectal ultrasound
In this method, high energy sound waves are projected through the rectum. These sound waves bounce off the internal organs and produce pictures of body tissues. This is called a sonogram. Transrectal ultrasound is performed to check whether the seminal vesicles or ejaculatory ducts are malfunctioning.
Treatment Options for Male Infertility
After the tests have determined the existence of male infertility, there are various options for infertility treatment, such as:
Vasectomy reversal
Vasectomy is a small surgery that blocks the sperms from mixing with the semen. It is the way to ensure birth control for males. Vasectomy reversal basically undoes the vasectomy. This is a microsurgery, in which the pathway is reconnected so that the sperm can reach the semen. When the tubes are connected, the sperm is able to flow through the urethra again. Vasectomy reversal increases pregnancy rates by 30%-90%.
Testicular sperm aspiration
TESA is a procedure in which a needle is used to extract tissues and sperms from the testicles. This is done with local anaesthesia, while eggs are retrieved from the female partner.
Percutaneous sperm aspiration
PESA is a sperm retrieval procedure, performed when sperms are required for IVF or ICSI. This can be done at very short notice, with local anaesthesia. The process is mainly for those with obstructive azoospermia from any infections or prior vasectomy.
If you are facing difficulties in conceiving, consult the best fertility center in Chennai. Apollo Fertility offers the most suitable tests and treatments to maximize chances of pregnancy.
