Male Infertility
If you and your partner have not conceived after 12 or more months of unprotected intercourse, you may suffer from male factor infertility. In couples with fertility issues, about half are related to a male factor. Causes of male infertility can be separated into three, broad categories.
Pre-testicular
Certain systemic conditions or hormone imbalances may impact the production of normal, healthy sperm. A man’s reproductive system cannot work properly if his overall health is compromised. Pre-testicular causes include the following:
- Obesity
- Low testosterone
- Aging
- Unhealthy diet
- Decrease in sperm-producing hormones
Testicular
Sperm are produced in the testes. Any conditions or disorders that affect the testes may cause problems with sperm production. Some common testicular causes of infertility include the following:
- Testicular trauma
- Excessive heat
- Testicular cancer (including treatment)
- Low sperm production
- Abnormal sperm shape
- Genetic disorders
- Infection
- Environmental exposure (chemicals, pesticides)
Post-testicular
In some cases, men produce sperm that are normal and healthy, but these cannot reach the tip of the penis for natural conception. Post-testicular causes include the following:
- Prior vasectomy
- Complications from hernia surgery
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Anejaculation
- Blockage of the epididymis
- Missing or blocked vas deferens
Diagnosis
During your initial consultation at South Florida Urology Institute, Dr. Celigoj will perform a comprehensive exam and discuss your medical history and concerns you may have. He may order specialized tests including a semen analysis, hormone testing, a genetic analysis, or ultrasound imaging. Based on this information, he will provide you with a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment
After identifying the cause or likely causes, Dr. Celigoj will recommend a treatment plan that may include the following:
- Lifestyle changes
- Oral medications
- Injections for hormone stimulation (HCG)
- Over-the-counter nutritional supplements
- Varicocele repair
- Vasectomy reversal
- Sperm retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF)
If you and your partner are unable to conceive, a male factor may be contributing to your fertility problems. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
Treatment for male infertility depends on the cause of the infertility problem. Microsurgery has quickly become a valuable tool that urologists can use to manage infertile male patients. The Microscopic techniques used in microsurgery procedures are beneficial to preserve testicular tissue.
Urologists can utilize a varicocelectomy, a minor outpatient surgery to repair Varicoceles. This helps patients achieve improved sperm movement, structure, as well as concentration. A microsurgical procedure is also ideal when urologists discover a blockage in the epididymis. By utilizing microsurgery techniques, urologists can remove obstructions due to prior infection, injury, or other condition.
The experienced, board-certified urology professionals are experts at assisting patients with their male infertility issues by utilizing a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. Once our team can determine the cause behind the infertility issues, we can employ methods like medication, lifestyle alterations, as well as microsurgery to ensure preeminent and optimal success.