How is Male Infertility Treated?

Did you know that Hepatitis can cause male infertility? Hepatitis can affect the process of spermatogenesis, thereby significantly lowering the sperm count, free testosterone levels, motility, viability and morphology, according to an article published in India TV in July 2015. Infertility in men can be caused by any of four reasons: hormone disorder, gonad disorder, sperm transport issues and other unknown disorders. This problem may also occur when there are ejaculation related issues.

Male infertility can be diagnosed with the help of any of the four procedures: semen examination for quantity, quality, mobility; blood tests to check for infections hormone problems; culture fluid test from the penis for infection; and lastly physical examination of the gonad.

Causes of Sperm Related Infertility

Research shows that there has been a sharp decline in sperm count in Indian men from 60 million per ml to 20 million per ml during 1980 to 2010, says an article published in The Times of India in February 2013. Sperm related problems, such as low mobility, poor quality and low count, are some of the common reasons that couples fail to conceive. These problems may occur due to:

• Severe mumps infection post puberty
• Use of excessive alcohol, smoking or other drugs
• Exposure to radiation or poisonous chemicals
• Alterations in hypothalamus, pituitary and testicular hormones
• Tubular blockage
• Varicocele – swelling of the veins in the scrotum
• Retrograde Ejaculation or reverse ejaculation. The semen enters the bladder rather than coming out of the tip of the penis.
• Undescended Testicles – In such cases, the testes do not descend down to the scrotal sac during foetal development. This results in decreased fertility.
• Genetic Disorders – Chromosomal disorders may affect the production of sperms.
• Tumours – Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumours can affect the male reproductive systems directly.
• Certain medications can also affect sperm production.

Ways to Improve Sperm Health

• Several medications can help improve count and mobility
• Antibiotics can help treat infections
• Nutritional supplements containing Zinc and Vitamin C also help
• Hormone supplements can be taken in case of a hormonal imbalance
• Eliminate alcohol. It decreases the ability to produce testosterone
• Eliminating smoking and drug intake (like marijuana)
• Avoid hot baths and sauna
• Stay away from chemical exposure and synthetic products
• Wear loose boxers instead of tight underwear
• Eat foods such as kidney beans, yams, clams and oysters

If treatments do not help, you can go forward with clinical treatments that target the various cause of male infertility to help your partner conceive, such as Intrauterine Insemination, In-Vitro Fertilization and IVF with ICSI.