MALE INFERTILITY

RESOLVING AND REVERSING MALE FERTILITY CONDITIONS IN THE BLUE RIDGE AREA

MALE INFERTILITY

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after a year of trying. This can be a stressful time for couples and one of the first steps in determining the underlying cause of infertility is to make an appointment with a urologist. A urology specialist can perform tests to help identify what may be the cause of a couples’ infertility. Male infertility plays a role in approximately 50% of cases of couples’ infertility.

MALE INFERTILITY

CAUSES OF MALE INFERTILITY

There are several factors that can contribute to male infertility that can range from medical to environmental and lifestyle causes. A problem with the sperm itself, blocked sperm ducts and several chronic diseases can play a role in reduced fertility.

COMMON MEDICAL CAUSES:

Some common medical causes of male infertility include:

Also known as oligospermia is diagnosed when the semen contains fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter. This may be caused by a genetic problem or may be indicative of a problem with the testicles or hormones.

Various health conditions can cause retrograde ejaculation which causes the semen to empty into the bladder instead of coming out the normal way. This can occur with spinal injuries, bladder, prostate or urethra surgeries and diabetes.

Occurs when there is swelling in the veins that drain the testicles. This condition may be reversible and might be related to temperature regulation of the testicles. Varicoceles can cause a reduced quality of sperm.

Some sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause inflammation and scarring that blocks the passage of sperm.

Immune system cells known as anti-sperm antibodies can attack sperm and destroy them.

During fetal development, the testicles are formed and then descend from the abdomen into the scrotum. If one of the testicles does not descend, it can impact a man’s fertility.

Long-term steroid use, ulcer medications, antifungal or antibiotics are known to impair sperm production and decrease male fertility.

Certain surgeries can affect male fertility. For example, a vasectomy, inguinal hernia repair, scrotal and testicular surgery, prostate surgery, rectal cancer surgery can have side effects that impair or eliminate the delivery of sperm. Sometimes, surgeries can be performed to reverse these blockages or retrieve sperm directly from the testicles.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Some environmental factors that may contribute to male infertility include:

  • Exposure to caustic chemicals extended periods of time like pesticides, solvents, paint, benzenes and toluene
  • Exposure to heavy metals can impact fertility
  • Exposure to x-rays or radiation can reduce the amount of sperm as well as the quality of sperm produced. It can take several years for sperm production to return after exposure to radiation or x-rays.
  • Overheating testicles can temporarily impact sperm production as in the frequent use of hot tubs or saunas.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS:

Lifestyle factors that can play a role in male fertility include:

  • Excessive alcohol intake can lower testosterone which can reduce the production of sperm
  • Studies have shown that men who smoke tobacco products have a lower sperm count than men who do not smoke
  • Steroids for muscle growth may cause testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease
  • Substance use like cocaine or marijuana may affect the quality of sperm as well as the production
  • Emotional stress including mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can affect testosterone which is needed in the production of sperm
  • Obesity can have an impact on male fertility as it affects the hormones related to sperm production

SYMPTOMS OF MALE INFERTILITY

Most men will not know they have fertility issues until it is time to start trying to conceive a child. The main symptom of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child after a year of actively trying. There are some indicators that may be signs of future infertility problems such as:

  • Hormone imbalance

  • History of prostate problems

  • A lump in the testicles associated with pain or discomfort

  • Congenital condition that affects the flow of sperm from the testicles

  • Abnormal breast growth in men is a condition known as gynecomastia

  • Reduced amounts of facial and body hair

  • Sexual function problems such as erectile dysfunction or low sex drive

DIAGNOSING MALE INFERTILITY

Blue Ridge Urological specializes in a comprehensive range of urological disorders that affect both men and women. If you have been actively trying to conceive a child for 6 months to a year without success, Blue Ridge Urological offers testing to determine if male infertility may be the cause.

Testing for male infertility is noninvasive, simple and painless, therefore; the first step in an infertility analysis is usually with the male patient. The evaluation will include a complete history and physical examination to rule out any underlying diseases or causes that may be unknown. Some tests used to help diagnose male infertility include:

Examining the urine will help identify the presence of proteins or sugars which may indicative of diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Evaluating the sperm is a vital data point in determining male infertility. The semen analysis tests the quality of the sperm or morphology (normal shape and size of sperm), the amount of sperm released or concentration and the motility of the sperm which indicates how well they move and how active they are.

A blood tests can be administered to measure the hormone levels if the results of the semen analysis are abnormal.

TREATMENT FOR MALE INFERTILITY

Some causes of male infertility can be treated. If there is an obvious blockage detected on a scrotal ultrasound, surgery may be used to help open the blockage. Vasectomies can also be reversed. Treatments for sexual health problems such as erectile dysfunction can be offered to help improve fertility. If testing shows that hormone levels are inadequate for the production of sperm, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended. If pregnancy is not achieved naturally, couples can pursue assisted reproductive technology such as artificial insemination or IVF to become pregnant.

Blue Ridge Urological offers highly trained, board certified urologists and a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology to help diagnose and treat male infertility issues. We approach male infertility with great compassion and we will offer the best and most effective treatment options when possible.

If you are a couple struggling with fertility, Blue Ridge Urological can help. We will provide a thorough examination and evaluation to determine if male infertility is the cause. If treatment is not an option, as with some patients, we will assist you in finding a reproductive specialist to help you explore other options for achieving pregnancy. Call (540) 932-5926 or schedule your consultation online.

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