Infertility refers to a condition where there is no pregnancy,
even after one year of regular sexual intercourse. It covers a broad spectrum
of conditions which can be minor or serious. Infertility related to men is initially
investigated usually with a physical examination along with a discussion about
past and present medical history. A physical exam determines the general health
of both partners. The doctor will pay special attention to the outer sex organs
as well as characteristics such as breast development and body hair in both partners
to check for structural abnormalities or signs of possible hormone problems. The
medical history gathers information that may suggest causes for infertility in
each of the partners. Issues that will be discussed during the medical history
apply to both the man and the woman.
The most common cause of male infertility
is low sperm count or absence of sperm in the semen.
Causes of low sperm count
may include
• Hormonal problems in the testicles or pituitary
gland.
• Genetic factors.
• Testicular injury, infection
or failure.
• Drug use.
Environmental factors including
chemical pollution and exposure to radiation. Medical conditions such as a
varicocele in the testicles, blocked ejaculation due to a surgical vasectomy,
absence or blockage of a vas deferens due to birth defect or infections (The vas
deferens is a narrow, muscular tube that connects the testicles to the prostate
gland), retrograde ejaculation (the ejaculation of semen into the bladder rather
than out through the penis), Chromosomal problems. Problem caused by the immune
system after an infection, vasectomy or injury to the testicles. The man may develop,
an auto-immune response in which his immune system treats his sperm as 'foreign'
and produce antibodies against them.
Testing to determine the cause of infertility in men There are number
of test to establish the cause of infertility. The first tests are done to check
the man's semen (Semen Analysis).
A sample of semen may be analyzed to know the sperm count and quality of sperm. The Sperm mucus Penetration Test and the Sperm Penetration Assay
(SPA) are used to test the sperm's function. Scanning of the reproductive
organs to see if there is a physical abnormalities and blood or urine test to
check the hormone levels are also done.
Treatments
The treatments include drug therapy or possibly surgery to improve the situation.
There is no effective treatment for lack of sperm. Low sperm count can be treated
with artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization with partner or donor sperm.
A testicular biopsy is done for men who have no sperm in the ejaculate to find
out whether they have immature sperm in the testes. In vitro fertilization, intrauterine
insemination, or gamete intra_fallopian transfer are done for reproduction in such
cases. For retrograde ejaculation (the ejaculation of semen into the bladder rather
than out through the penis), sperm may be recovered from the bladder, washed,
and used for insemination. Surgery can be done to reverse a vasectomy or to repair
enlarged veins in the scrotum (varicocele repair). Surgery also may be done to
correct blockages or absence of the vas deferens.
Prevention
• Tobacco usage reduces sperm count so avoid
smoking.
• Avoid exposure to chemicals and drugs.
• Excessive alcohol
use may damage eggs or sperm, so keep it to the limit.
• Limit sexual partners and use condoms to reduce the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
STDs that go undetected and untreated can damage the reproductive system and cause infertility.
• Maintain a body weight close to the ideal for your height to reduce the possibility of hormone imbalances.
I'm male 32 old, married since 4 years. Now we have no childs.I have left side of the penis two vericosae veins.
I have a doubt is vericos veins make any problems for preganancy .Is it cause Impotency.And I heard that in my place one injection provides in a prestigeos medical; centre at kerala.After the elimination of vericose vein is there any improvement cases from your past experiences or not...
I'm male 27 old, married since a year. Now I'm unable to do the intercourse with my wife due to inefficiency of penis erection - This happened for the first time in my life, how do I reslove this issue, which type of doctors should I consult - We don't have any childern and work load is there, we meet each other weekly.
3.
Posted on :
22.1.2012 By : jatinder safayaa , jammu
i have a nil sperm problem and are doing many test in many labs.but the test nil sperm.is there any medicine or treatment for this problem.please suggest me i am in tension for child.
Ans:
You should be under the care of a reproductive specialist. If you cannot father a child of your own there are other options like artificial insemination or adoption. You can discuss these options with your partner and your physician.
Note : All statements given are only for information purpose. We are not responsible or liable for any problems related to the utilization of information on this site. We suggest that you consult a qualified doctor before trying any alternative health care remedies.
