Causes and Treatments for Male Infertility

Struggling with infertility?

It is a common misconception that all fertility problems are the result of the woman. This is false. You may be struggling with Male Infertility. This article from Male Reproductive Specialist and Men’s Health Urologist Dr. Anand Shridharani outlines the causes and treatments for Male Infertility. First, it’s important to understand that the only way to uncover the issue is to get checked out by a doctor who specializes in infertility, such as a Dr. Anand Shridharani, who will run several tests including a semen analysis.

The semen analysis will look at:

• Semen Volume (quantity of fluid you release with each ejaculate)
• Sperm Count (amount of sperm you produce)
• Sperm Motility (ability of sperm to move)
• Forward Progression (the quality of the sperm’s movement)
• Sperm Morphology (sperm’s size and shape)

Urologist Dr. Shridharani, will discuss your health history and lifestyle choices that may affect your fertility status, this would include:

• Your age
• Testicular infections, trauma or surgery
• Abdominal surgery
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Testosterone replacement or anabolic steroid use
• Treatments for cancer and other diseases you may have undergone
• History of vasectomy and vasectomy reversal
• Your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes
• Prescription medications and alternative medications you may be taking, such as antidepressants
• Your exposure to toxins in the environment such as lead or phthalates, and chemicals that may be found in well water
• Lifestyle factors, including your intake of alcohol, cigarette smoking and recreational drug use
• Your body mass index, eating and exercise habits
• Heat exposure you may be subjected to, such as from laptops or hot tubs
• Erectile dysfunction

Next up will be a physical exam

A number of things can cause infertility challenges in men, and many of these can be treated. Dr. Shridharani will be looking for signs of:

• Varicocele (a very common form of male factor infertility earmarked by varicose veins surrounding one or both testicles)
• Klinefelter’s Syndrome (a genetic condition whereby men have an extra X chromosome in most of their cells)
• Blockages in the male reproductive tract (obstructive azoospermia)
• Non-existent sperm production (non-obstructive azoospermia)
• Cancer (occasionally, various forms of cancer will manifest male factor infertility as a symptom)
• Testicular Atrophy or Absence(may indicate hormonal imbalances or genetic abnormalities)
• Undescended Testicles (testicles do not acquire their normal positioning) and other congenital anomalies

Further assessment of male infertility beyond semen analysis includes:

• Hormone Assessment
• Genetic Testing via bloodwork
• Testicular or Prostate Ultrasound

There is a wide range of treatment options for male factor infertility

• Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, or avoidance of high levels of toxic chemical exposure in the workplace
• Antibiotic treatment for existing infections, such as STIs
• Medical treatment to improve hormone levels and sperm production
• Surgical correction for varicocele
• Blockage reversal procedures
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• In Vitro Fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI (ICSI refers to a highly successful technique where one single sperm is injected into an egg for use with In Vitro Fertilization)
• Sperm Aspiration with ICSI (there are several different types of sperm aspiration procedures. Your doctor will determine which one will be most effective for your condition)
• IUI with Sperm donation
• Adoption

Ultimately, the treatment options will be based on your evaluation taking into account your specific needs, timeline, and values. The infertility testing and evaluation process will be customized to you and your loved one to provide the best care possible.

For more information please visit https://www.drshrid.com/services/male-infertility/

Dr. Anand Shridharani and the team at UT Erlanger Urology in Chattanooga, TN are here to help. Dr. Shrid will answer any questions you may have. If you are or someone you know may be struggling with male fertility issues please call our office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Shrid also works with several female infertility specialists in the region to optimize your ability to have children. Through our multidisciplinary approach, we find that couples get cost-effective care, less stress and increased satisfaction. Dr. Shrid makes educating his patients a top priority through one-on-one consultation, patient seminars, educational websites, our blog, and social media.