What is Male infertility?
A disorder of the reproductive system is infertility. It prevents a person from becoming a parent. Either a guy, a woman, or both may be impacted. When a man experiences male infertility, his reproductive system malfunctions. This means that you and your female partner cannot become pregnant.
Symptoms
The primary sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. There may be no other obvious symptoms or warning signs.
However, in some cases, the signs and symptoms are brought on by a deeper problem, like an inherited illness, a hormonal imbalance, dilated veins near the testicle, or a condition that prevents sperm from passing through. Observable symptoms and indications consist of:
- problems with sexual performance, such as inability to ejaculate or ejaculating just a small amount of fluid, a decline in sexual desire, or trouble maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- having pain, swelling, or a lump close to the testicles
- asthmatic conditions that recur
- the inability to smell
- aberrant breast growth (gynecomastia)
- Body or facial hair loss, as well as other chromosomal or hormonal abnormalities
- a lower-than-average sperm count
Diagnosis
Since many infertile couples suffer from multiple causes of infertility, you should both probably see a doctor. A number of tests may be required to determine the cause of infertility. Sometimes there is no underlying cause at all.
Male infertility issues are typically diagnosed by:
- Medical history and a general physical examination: As part of this procedure, your genitalia will be examined, and you will be questioned about any hereditary conditions, ongoing health problems, ailments, injuries, or operations that might affect your fertility.
- Semen examination: Semen samples can be collected using a variety of methods. You can provide a sample by masturbating and ejaculating into a designated container at the doctor's office. Due to cultural or religious beliefs, some males prefer a different method of semen collection.
To determine the root of your infertility, your doctor could suggest additional testing. These comprise:
- Scrotum Scans: This examination creates photographs of your internal organs using high-frequency sound waves. Your doctor can check for varicocele or other issues in the testicles and supporting tissues with the aid of a scrotal ultrasound.
- Transrectal Ultrasonography: Your rectum is probed with a tiny, lubricated wand. Your doctor can examine your prostate and check for obstructions in the tubes that deliver sperm.
- Hormone Analysis: Sperm production and sexual development are significantly influenced by hormones made by the pituitary gland, brain, and testicles. Infertility may also be impacted by abnormalities in other hormonal or organ systems. Testosterone and other hormone levels are determined through a blood test.
- Urinalysis following ejaculation: Sperm in your urine may be a sign that when you ejaculate, your sperm are moving back into your bladder rather than out through your penis (retrograde ejaculation).
- DNA analysis: There may be a hereditary reason for unusually low sperm concentration. If the Y chromosome has undergone modest modifications, a blood test can detect these changes as indicators of a genetic anomaly. For the diagnosis of different congenital or inherited syndromes, genetic testing may be required.
- Prostate biopsy: With a needle, samples are taken from the testicle for this test. If the testicular biopsy results reveal that sperm production is normal, a blockage or another issue with sperm transport is probably to blame for your difficulty.
- Specialized tests for sperm function: To determine how well your sperm survive after ejaculation, how well they can penetrate an egg, and whether there is any difficulty connecting to the egg, many tests can be used. These tests are rarely utilized and typically don't appreciably alter therapy recommendations.
Treatment
Infertility frequently has an unidentified cause. Even if the exact cause is unknown, your doctor may be able to recommend therapies or measures that will lead to conception.
In cases of infertility, it is recommended to also check the female spouse. Specific treatments might be advised for your companion. You might also come to the conclusion that your situation warrants the use of assisted reproductive techniques.
For more details, you can also visit your nearest Apollo Hospital in Kondapur.
The good news is that treating infertility is frequently possible. It is important to distinguish between male infertility and erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough for intercourse and is typically treatable.
Unhealthy habits including smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs, as well as being overweight, are associated with an increased risk of male infertility.
Male infertility is not always permanent or incurable; men frequently use one treatment option or a combination of treatments to overcome their infertility.
A urologist with expertise in the health of male reproductive organs is most qualified to assess the vast range of causes of male infertility. With appropriate surgery or medicine, certain causes of male infertility can be found and reversed (or improved), whereas other causes can be found but not treated.
Male infertility issues might also result from alcohol intake. Long-term, heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to reduced gonadotropin release, testicular shrinkage, and decreased testosterone and sperm production, according to certain research.
