In males
About 10-15% of couples face problems with fertility. One-third of such couples have been diagnosed to have problems with male fertility.
Problems
- Reduction in the sperm count (oligozoospermia)
- Abnormality in the shape of the sperm
- Abnormality in the sperm motility
- Complete absence of sperm motility
- Improper delivery of sperms due to obstruction
- Hormonal imbalance
- Sexual problems
- Complete absence of sperms (azoospermia)
Causes– The underlying causes for fertility problems include:
- Genetic and birth defects like undescended testicles
- Varicocele
- Infections and injury
- Vasectomy
- Problems due to prostate
- Lack of ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation
- Problems in hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland result in impaired hormone levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Leutinizing Hormone, Testosterone
Treatment options
The treatment options depend on the underlying cause. It may include:
- Antibiotic medications for treatment of infections
- Surgery such as Vasectomy reversal, epididymal repair, varicocele repair
- Medications such as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is injected or clomiphene citrate tablets are given orally to improve sperm preoduction
- Sperm retrieval techniques such as Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA), Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) used for blockage in sperm transport
- Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI), In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are used to treat problems of sperm motility.
In females
About 10-15% of couples are facing problems with fertility. One-third of such couples have been diagnosed to have problems with female fertility.
Problems
- Problem in ovulation
- Problem in fallopian tube
- Problem in uterus
- Hormonal problem
Causes
There could be many causes of the fertility problems in the females.
- Infections such as gonorrhoea and Chlamydia
- Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Premature ovarian insufficiency
- Increase in prolactin levels
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endometriosis
- Dysfunction of hypothalamus and pituitary gland in secreting Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Leutinizing Hormoe (LH), Estrogens
Treatments options
The treatment options depend upon the underlying cause diagnosed.
- Antibiotic medications for treatment of infections
- Surgery such as hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, etc
- Medical therapy with injectable Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Leutinizing Hormone for ovulation induction
- Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI), In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best treatment for male infertility?
The treatment for male infertility depends on what’s causing it. If lifestyle factors are involved, changes like quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight can help. Medications, including hormone therapy, may also be necessary. In some cases, surgery is needed for conditions like varicocele or blocked ducts. For severe infertility, assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF or ICSI, might be the answer. Men with sperm motility problems often see improvements by combining lifestyle changes with medical treatments.
What are the signs of weak sperm?
Signs of weak sperm include a low sperm count, slow movement, or abnormal shape. These issues can seriously affect fertility. Other symptoms may include difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, low semen volume, or watery semen. A semen analysis is the most common test used to diagnose sperm problems.
Which fruit is best for sperm?
Fruits packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are great for sperm health. The best examples of berries include strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, which fight oxidative stress against sperm. Citrus fruits, bananas, and avocados are also helpful. They’re full of vitamin C, which improves sperm movement and protects sperm DNA. Pomegranates are particularly good for boosting sperm count and quality.
What color is healthy sperm?
Normally, healthy sperms are white or milky. This color is a result of the mixture of sperm with fluids from the prostate and seminal vesicles. Yellow or greenish semen might be indicative of an infection. If it is clear or watery, that might be an indication of low sperm count. Sperms are healthy if they are thick, and not runny.
What exercises increase sperm count?
Moderate exercise would increase sperm count by improving circulation and increasing testosterone. Good examples of moderate exercises include jogging, swimming, and weightlifting. On the other hand, too much intense exercise can actually damage sperm production by elevating stress hormones. A balanced exercise routine is important for fertility.
How to check male fertility?
Seamen analysis usually is a first check on male fertility with the aim of estimating sperm count, movement, and shape. Hormonal tests and genetic screening are also done to rule out other health issues. Apollo Fertility provides expert consultations and advanced diagnostic services for a comprehensive and individualized fertility assessment. Specialists here can help identify the causes of infertility and recommend the best treatments.
