How to Treat Male Infertility?

When a couple struggles to conceive, it is the woman who is doubted of infertility or complications. But did you know: In a little over half of all the infertility cases, the issue is partly/ entirely with the man in the picture. Yes, and therefore, knowing the causes of male infertility is the first step towards hope for a future family.

Since male infertility is misunderstood and rarely talked about, it can feel overwhelming. Many men are so out of knowledge of how their everyday habits, health, and genetics can add to their fertility challenges. Amongst several causes of male infertility, low sperm count, hormonal imbalance, smoking and drinking, lack of exercise, etc, are more common than you think.

Understanding Male Infertility

A lot of us see male infertility as a problem, but it is rather a result of several overlapping factors. Some of the most common causes of male infertility:

• Low Sperm Count

• Poor Semen Motility (how sperms moves)

• Abnormal Sperm Shape

• Hormonal Imbalance

• Lifestyle such as Smoking, Excessive Alcohol, etc

• Untreated Medical Condition

• Stress and Environmental Factor
  

Once the underlying causes of male infertility are identified, doctors recommend the next best steps. The causes are figured out in both male and female partners for a better approach to treatment. At times, only lifestyle changes with certain medications are enough.

However, in many cases, fertility doctors approach assisted reproductive techniques. While they are not male-specific but procedures like IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) or IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) offer higher chances of conception to couples. And if a female also shows signs of infertility, doctors combine ovulation induction with male-focused solutions.

Male Infertility: Diagnostic Tests and Evaluations

Before your doctor in Bliss Fertility can begin any fertility treatments, it is important to understand what's really happening behind the scenes. Since the causes of male infertility can be many, doctors rely on certain tests to pinpoint the exact problem:

Semen analysis is the first and most common test to diagnose male infertility. The doctor asks for a sperm sample to find its count, motility (movement), and shape. A semen analysis gives a clue to how healthy and capable the sperm are to reach and fertilize an egg.

Hormone testing is often recommended to suspect any hormonal imbalance in men. The male hormones like testosterone, FSH, and LH have a foundational role in sperm production, and their abnormal levels can directly affect fertility.

Genetic screening is also advised for a few. It often comes into the picture if the male sperm count is extremely low or completely absent. Certain genetic conditions can impact male fertility, and knowing them can help choose a safe and effective way forward.

Some doctors suggest an ultrasound to assess the condition of the male reproductive system (testicles, epididymis, and vas deferens). Blockages or structural abnormalities can cause infertility.

Male Infertility: Medical & Hormonal Treatments

If the cause of your male infertility is approachable through medicine and hormonal treatments, your doctor in Bliss Fertility will create a personalised plan.

For male hormonal imbalance, fertility experts genetically prescribe hormone-stimulating medicines. In cases where pills/ drugs don't work, you may have to undergo hormone replacement therapy such as gonadotropins. Both approaches are meant to improve sperm quality and production over a span of 1-3 months.

At times, the cause of your infertility can be an infection in the reproductive tract. To clear that, the doctor may advise antibiotics to restore healthy sperm function. Similarly, doctors also advise medicines to address ejaculation problems, erectile dysfunction, and similar conditions interfering with conception.

For some, fertility experts suggest anti-estrogen medications such as clomiphene. These drugs not only adjust the hormone levels but also encourage better sperm production.

“After ten years of trying to conceive and several failed treatments at different hospitals, we (Aneesh and Ramya) started to lose hope. Bliss Hospital was recommended by my close friend, and with his encouragement, we decided to give it one last try. The doctors at Bliss Hospital gave us a personalized and effective treatment plan, and a year later, we were extremely happy when we welcomed our beautiful twin boys into the world”.

Is Surgery Necessary to Address Male Infertility?

While surgery isn’t necessary to address male infertility, in some cases, it can be a last resort. An operative procedure in this category isn’t very invasive, but it repairs physical blockage or structural issues, if any of them are preventing sperm release.

Varicocele repair is the most common surgical option. The process treats enlarged veins around the testicles to improve blood flow and sperm production.

Another surgical treatment involves removing blockages. Basically, the doctors operate to remove blockage in tubes that carry sperm, which happens either due to infections or congenital issues.

Men producing little to no sperm may undergo sperm retrieval procedures. Processes like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) can collect viable sperm directly from the reproductive tract. Later, those sperm are used in ARTs like IUI and IVF.

How Does Lifestyle Improve the Chances of Fertility in Males?

It’s not always a medicine course, a hormonal therapy, or an operation that’s required to treat male infertility. So? Well, a simple but steady change in your lifestyle can open your doors towards parenthood.

• Watching weight and avoiding those access kilos on the scale is the first approach. Male obesity usually disrupts hormone levels and reduces sperm count.

• Limit your alcohol consumption and quit smoking, as both may negatively affect your sperm health.

• Exercise regularly to reduce stress.

• Avoid exposure to excessive heat, like saunas and hot tubs.

• Limit your contact with toxins and chemicals as they impair sperm production.

• Make sure your diet is balanced with antioxidants and protein.
  

Conclusion

Delays in parenthood are equally stressful for both males and females. The stress of multiple tests, treatment decisions, and, on top of all, the social expectations can be frustrating. Men facing similar struggles can always seek counselling or join support groups. Sharing experiences and talking openly reduces anxiety and eases the feeling of isolation.

Overall, the good news is that male infertility isn’t the end of your hopes, and the right doctor/ treatment can open your chances of conception. Call Now

+91 62 62 62 32 62 (Kottayam & Maldives) +91 88 22 55 66 33 (Tirur) +91 99 47 70 00 06 (Trivandrum)

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