- Surgery. For example, a varicocele can often be surgically corrected or an obstructed vas deferens repaired. ...
- Treating infections. ...
- Treatments for sexual intercourse problems. ...
- Hormone treatments and medications. ...
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Explore
Which Infertility Treatment Options are Best for Women & Men?
- 3 Different Types of Artificial Insemination. When you’ve tried taking fertility drugs on their own and you’re still not pregnant, your doctor might suggest moving on to different options, such ...
- Infertility Treatment for Male Patients. ...
- Finding the Right Way to Build a Family. ...
What treatment options are available for male infertility?
best food for male fertility. 1. Tomatoes. It doesn’t really matter whether a tomato is a fruit or vegetable, it has tremendous ability to improve male fertility by increasing sperm count. Tomato owes its fertility-boosting properties to lycopene, a potent antioxidant.
What are the Best Foods for male fertility?
Risk factors for infertility in men
- Alcoholism: Chronic alcoholism in men leads to impotence. ...
- Smoking more than permissible amounts: Nicotine in cigarettes causes stimulation of the adrenaline hormone. ...
- Taking Drugs or Drug Abuse: Drugs like mari-juana and cocaine lead to infertility in men. ...
What are some possible causes of male infertility?
Treatment for male infertility
- Medicines. If you have low testosterone levels (hypogonadism), your doctor may suggest gonadotrophin injections to improve your fertility.
- Medical devices. ...
- Surgery. ...
- Assisted reproduction. ...
How to treat male infertility?
Is there fertility medication for men?
Clomid is the brand name for clomiphene and is currently FDA-approved for female infertility, but doctors can also prescribe clomid for men for off-label use. It's usually given to men who have a low sperm count caused by low testosterone levels.
How does fertility treatment work for men?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) for male infertility involves injecting washed and prepared sperm into the female partner's uterus using a catheter (a thin tube). This treatment concentrates the viable sperm. Then, it gives the sperm a head start, getting them closer to the egg around the time of ovulation.
What is the success rate of male infertility treatment?
Fertilization rates of 70 percent to 80 percent of all eggs injected are currently being achieved, and pregnancy rates are comparable to those seen with IVF in couples with no male factor infertility. Please read FAQ: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection for more information about this procedure.
Can a man's infertility be fixed?
Treatments for male infertility include: Surgery. For example, a varicocele can often be surgically corrected or an obstructed vas deferens repaired. Prior vasectomies can be reversed.
How can a man increase his fertility?
Here are 8 additional tips to boost fertility and sperm count/quality:Lead a healthy lifestyle. ... Lose excess weight. ... Limit your alcohol intake. ... Get enough folate. ... Get adequate sleep. ... Snack on walnuts. ... Consider supplements. ... Avoid eating too much soy.
What are 4 causes of male infertility?
Risk factors linked to male infertility include:Smoking tobacco.Using alcohol.Using certain illicit drugs.Being overweight.Having certain past or present infections.Being exposed to toxins.Overheating the testicles.Having experienced trauma to the testicles.More items...•
How can a man tell if he infertile?
Signs and Symptoms of Infertility in MenProblems obtaining and maintaining an erection.Trouble ejaculating – either no ejaculation or reduced volume of semen.Loss of libido or sexual desire / arousal.Pain or discomfort in the testicles or area surrounding the testicles.Growth of breast tissue in men (gynecomastia)More items...•
Why would a man take Clomid?
Clomid is typically used as an infertility treatment in females. It's not approved by the FDA for use in males, but it's often prescribed off-label for treatment of male infertility. Taking Clomid can lead to an increase in testosterone and sperm count. Studies on its efficacy in males have had mixed results.
How to improve fertility?
Treatments for sexual intercourse problems. Medication or counseling can help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. Hormone treatments and medications.
How to diagnose infertility in males?
Diagnosing male infertility problems usually involves: General physical examination and medical history. This includes examining your genitals and asking questions about any inherited conditions, chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries or surgeries that could affect fertility. Your doctor might also ask about your sexual habits ...
What tests are done to determine if sperm is normal?
Your doctor might recommend additional tests to help identify the cause of your infertility. These can include: Scrotal ultrasound.
What is the role of the pituitary gland in sperm production?
Hormone testing. Hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and testicles play a key role in sexual development and sperm production. Abnormalities in other hormonal or organ systems might also contribute to infertility. A blood test measures the level of testosterone and other hormones.
What products can impair sperm movement?
Products such as Astroglide or K-Y jelly, lotions, and saliva might impair sperm movement and function. Ask your doctor about sperm-safe lubricants. Live a healthy lifestyle. Eat a variety of healthy foods, maintain a healthy weight, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
What happens when sperm concentration is low?
Genetic tests. When sperm concentration is extremely low, there could be a genetic cause. A blood test can reveal whether there are subtle changes in the Y chromosome — signs of a genetic abnormality. Genetic testing might be ordered to diagnose various congenital or inherited syndromes.
How to increase chances of getting pregnant?
There are a few steps you can take at home to increase your chances of achieving pregnancy: Increase frequency of sex. Having sexual intercourse every day or every other day beginning at least five days before ovulation increases your chances of getting your partner pregnant.
Does medication affect fertility?
Medication can treat some issues that affect male fertility, including hormone imbalances and erectile dysfunction. 1.
Can surgery repair varicocele?
Surgery also can be used for repair of varicocele, or varicose veins, in the testicles. Current research suggests that surgical repair of varicocele can improve health of sperm, but it has not affected the chances for conception. 1. If surgery does not restore fertility, ART can be effective.
What is the best fertility pill for women who don't ovulate?
If there is a mild decrease in the sperm count or motility, we may prescribe clomiphene citrate , a fertility pill commonly used to treat women who fail to ovulate. Clomiphene (also called clomid or serophene) mildly stimulates the pituitary gland to make hormones that stimulate sperm production. Sperm counts should be re-analyzed 3-6 months after initiation of the medication to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment.
How to get sperm for infertility?
For example, sperm can be obtained through vibratory stimulation to the head and shaft of the penis if the level of injury is T-12 or above.
Can sperm be obtained from men?
Using today's minimally invasive techniques, sperm can be obtained from men in almost any instance. Retrieval can be performed on men with a vasectomy, a failed vasectomy reversal, an absence of the vas deferens, or uncorrectable blockages anywhere along the seminal tract (obstructive azoospermia).
Can sperm cryopreservation be done after retrieval?
Sperm cryopreservation is recommended after retrieval. Dr. Bastuba works with female fertility specialists to optimize a couple's reproductive efficiency, until a successful pregnancy is achieved for the couple. In addition to infertility, spinal cord injuries may also cause male sexual dysfunction.
Can hormone replacement therapy be done for male deficiency?
Hormone Deficiency Treatments. If a male has a hormonal deficiency, it may be treatable with medications. These cases are rare. Male hormone replacement therapy is available at our San Diego, California facility.
Does clomiphene citrate help with sperm?
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid, Serophene) Some men with relatively mild sperm abnormalities have been treated with clomiphene citrate (tablets) in an attempt to improve the semen quality. Research shows that Clomid can increase sperm count and also improve sperm motility for males.
What are the best treatments for men?
Fertility treatments for men can include: 1 Hormonal treatment 2 Surgery 3 Surgical sperm extraction 4 Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) treatment and using a donor
What to do if you have infertility?
If the infertility is due to obstruction or functional abnormalities, such as a previous vasectomy or varicose veins within your scrotum (varicoceles), 2 your doctor may recommend removing the obstruction via minor surgery. After the procedure, some men may still need an additional fertility treatment to help them to conceive. 2,3.
How long does it take for sperm to return after vasectomy?
Your doctor will aim to repair the section of the vas deferens that was removed during the vasectomy; however, it can take up to two years for fertility to return. 3 Once you’ve healed, you’ll have regular tests to monitor improvements in your sperm.
Can infertility be caused by a range of factors?
Infertility can be caused by a range of factors in both men and women. Here, learn more about which fertility treatments might be suitable for you.
Can a testicle be repeated?
They will extract sperm tissue, and then extract individual sperm from this. The procedure may be repeated a number of times in different parts of the testicles. Although it is quite simple to perform, it does not produce a very high yield of sperm.
What is the best treatment for male infertility?
The most successful medical therapy for male infertility involves reversing chemical, infectious or endocrine imbalances. This is called specific therapy , and it is usually successful because treatment is based on the correction of well-defined problems.
How many percent of infertility is due to unknown causes?
Treating specific illnesses may or may not treat the fertility problem. At least 10 percent of infertility problems are due to unknown causes and another 30 percent are due to problems in both the male and female partners.
What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility. The sperm requirement for egg fertilization has dropped from hundreds of thousands for in vitro fertilization (IVF), to one viable sperm required for ICSI when combined with IVF.
What is ICSI in sperm?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI, is a technique developed to help achieve fertilization for couples with severe male factor infertility or couples who have had failure to fertilize in a previous in vitro fertilization attempt. The procedure overcomes many of the barriers to fertilization and allows couples with little hope of achieving successful pregnancy to obtain fertilized embryos.
What is the procedure of in vitro fertilization?
In vitro fertilisation is the technique which would be the next step in assisted reproduction when artificial insemination has been unsuccessful, or frequently as a first step where it is more appropriate. IVF is the laboratory-based union of the egg and sperm – in vitro – to obtain fertilised embryos and transfer them to the uterus. The process starts with stimulating the ovaries to produce more than the single oocyte they would normally do each month and collecting them. They are then fertilised in vitro, the most viable of the embryos are selected and one of them is placed directly into the patient’s uterus. IVF is frequently the recommended fertility treatment for PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
What is PGD in IVF?
PGD is the diagnosis of genetic and chromosomal alterations in embryos before they are implanted, in order to screen them out and ensure that any babies subsequently born are free of hereditary diseases. This technique is carried out via IVF with sperm microinjection through ICSI. See the video on our IVI YouTube channel for more about PGD.
What is MACS in assisted reproduction?
MACS is a technique which allows the spermatozoa with the soundest characteristics to be selected for use in assisted reproduction treatments . This technique removes spermatozoa which are not viable and selects the most promising ones, thus increasing the chances of pregnancy.
What is the purpose of the Embryoscope?
The EmbryoScope is an incubator for the embryos which allows real-time viewing of the embryo’s cell division. This technique increases the likelihood of the IVF treatment resulting in a successful pregnancy since it bypasses the step of removing the embryos from the incubator to check on their progress.
Can I use donor sperm for IVF?
In certain cases of couples with severe male infertility or for single women who wish to start their own family, the use of carefully screened donor sperm can be the solution. It is used both for artificial insemination and IVF techniques.
What doctor can help with infertility?
Depending on your age and personal health history, your doctor may recommend a medical evaluation. A gynecologist, urologist or family doctor can help determine whether there's a problem that requires a specialist or clinic that treats infertility problems.
What to include in a medical list for infertility?
Make a list of any medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements you take. Include the doses and how often you take them. Make a list of questions to ask your doctor.
What is the reproductive tract?
The reproductive tract must allow an egg to pass into the fallopian tubes and join with sperm for fertilization. The fertilized egg must travel to the uterus and implant in the lining. Tests for female infertility try to find out if any of these processes are impaired.
What to do before infertility testing?
Before infertility testing, your doctor or clinic works to understand your sexual habits and may make recommendations to improve your chances of getting pregnant. In some infertile couples, no specific cause is found (unexplained infertility). Infertility evaluation can be expensive, and sometimes involves uncomfortable procedures.
What is the substance that is injected into the uterus called?
In HSG, a thin tube is threaded through the vagina and cervix. A substance known as contrast material is injected into the uterus. A series of X-rays, or fluoroscopy, follows the dye, which appears white on X-ray, as it moves into the uterus and then into the tubes.
How to increase sperm count?
Certain medications may improve sperm count and likelihood for achieving a successful pregnancy. These medicines may increase testicular function, including sperm production and quality. Surgery. For some conditions, surgery may be able to reverse a sperm blockage and restore fertility.
Where is the fertilized egg transferred?
The fertilized egg (embryo) is transferred into the uterus (C). In intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a single healthy sperm is injected directly into each mature egg. ICSI is often used when semen quality or number is a problem or if fertilization attempts during prior in vitro fertilization cycles failed.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Often, an exact cause of infertility can't be found. Even if an exact cause isn't clear, your doctor might be able to recommend treatments or procedures that will lead to conception. In cases of infertility, it's recommended that the female partner also be checked. There may be specific treatments recommended for your partner. Or, you may learn that proceeding with assisted repr…
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- There are a few steps you can take at home to increase your chances of achieving pregnancy: 1. Increase frequency of sex.Having sexual intercourse every day or every other day beginning at least five days before ovulation increases your chances of getting your partner pregnant. 2. Have sex when fertilization is possible.A woman is likely to become pregnant during ovulation — whic…
Alternative Medicine
- Evidence is limited on whether — or how much — herbs or supplements might help increase male fertility. None of these supplements treats a specific underlying cause of infertility, such as a sperm duct defect or chromosomal disorder. Supplements with studies showing possible benefits for improving sperm count or quality include: 1. Coenzyme Q10 2. ...
Coping and Support
- Coping with infertility can be difficult. It's an issue of the unknown — you can't predict how long it will last or what the outcome will be. Infertility isn't necessarily solved with hard work. The emotional burden on a couple is considerable, and plans for coping can help.
Preparing For Your Appointment
- If you have never been evaluated by a doctor, you might begin by seeing your family doctor. If, however, you have a known condition resulting in infertility or have any abnormalities on your testing by your primary care doctor, then you may be referred to a specialist. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.