Infertility is a condition that prevents a couple from being able to become parents. Infertility can affect both male and female partners mentally and emotionally. A common traditional misconception about infertility is that it affects only women. But in almost half of these couples, male infertility might be the sole factor. In every one in three cases, it is male infertility that affects the couple’s inability to become pregnant and start a family. Male infertility can be caused by sperm function problems, low sperm production, or blockages that keep sperm from entering the uterus. It can result from a variety of conditions, including trauma, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices, and other factors. Although there are a number of treatments for male infertility, it can still be frustrating and upsetting.
To provide our readers with a better understanding of the causes of male infertility and their treatment options, we have drafted this blog by taking expert insights from Dr. Niren Rao, the leading urologist at Delhi Urology Hospital. The expert urologist is well-known for offering the best male infertility treatment in Delhi and has nearly three decades of experience. Continue reading to learn more.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
- Supplements and Steroids
Due to their potential effects on health and fertility, some dietary supplements should not be used without consulting a physician. Injections of testosterone can also harm sperm production. Overindulgence in coffee consumption may also impact, mainly if there is an underlying fertility issue.
- Obesity
A BMI over 30 can have an impact on sperm quality because fat deposits can overload and alter the metabolism of androgens, particularly testosterone, which is a hormone involved in male characteristics and reproductive activity. This substantially impacts sperm growth and sperm DNA in the nucleus.
- Hormonal Factors
The hypothalamus and pituitary regulate hormones that are in charge of regulating the testes and ensuring normal sperm production. Hormone imbalances have the potential to impact both sperm production and testosterone synthesis. Furthermore, extremely high blood levels of FS and LH could mean that the testicles have stopped functioning.
- Smoking
Testicular tissue contains nicotine and cannabinoid receptors, which cause inhaled substances to have a notable and detrimental impact on sperm quality. Due to its tendency to induce oxidative stress, nicotine has a negative effect on the body. This has an impact on sperm quality and fertilization potential. Cocaine similarly alters the development of sperm. The majority of the spermatic damage can be reversed by quitting smoking and drugs, but this takes several months.
- Certain Surgeries and Medications
Certain medications, such as anabolic steroids, chemotherapy, testosterone replacement therapy, and some antifungal and ulcer medications, can decrease sperm production. Surgery or sperm extraction from the testicles and epididymis are the two treatment options. Procedures that can reduce sperm counts include vasectomy, repairs for inguinal hernias, scrotal or testicular surgery, prostate surgery, and major abdominal surgery.
- Varicocele
Varicocele, or scrotal sack vein enlargement, raises the temperature of the testes and has an impact on the quantity and quality of sperm.
- Infections and Diseases
Several infections could result in the atrophy of the testes. These comprise typhoid, syphilis, brucellosis, influenza, gonorrhea, mumps, smallpox, and syphilis. Hormone replacement therapy is used to treat low sperm counts, poor sperm motility, and an increase in FSH and LH levels.
- High Testicular Temperature
The scrotal sac, which houses the male genital organs, is located outside the body and is frequently colder than the other organs. Even a 2 or 3-degree Celsius increase in testicular temperature can have a detrimental effect on sperm quantity and functionality. Some risk factors include working in jobs where temperatures are high, spending a lot of time sitting down, wearing tight underwear, and using a laptop on one's lap for extended periods of time.
- Radiation
Male infertility can be impacted by mobile radiation, so men are strongly advised not to store their phones near their testicles or scrotum in order to lower their risk. Chemotherapy for cancer is one less preventable source of radiation exposure. In this case, the fertility preservation process involves a testicular biopsy and the extraction and freezing of spermatogonial stem cells.
Treatment Options for Male Infertility
Expert urologists like Dr. Niren Rao, a specialist male infertility doctor in Delhi, have suggested the following treatment options for male infertility:
- Azoospermia
The testicles must produce several million sperm before any of them make it to the semen stage. Assisted reproduction and sperm retrieval surgery can be used to treat men who have low sperm production as the underlying cause of no sperm in the ejaculate.
- Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)
This technique is widely applied to determine azoospermia's origin. It is possible to use testicular sperm that is either fresh or frozen. A more sophisticated version of this technique called microTESE finds tiny areas of spermatogenesis in the testicles of men who produce so few sperm that none of them make semen.
- Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
The urologist uses a syringe with a needle attached to puncture the epididymis. After that, carefully drain the liquid to extract the sperm. It is possible that this technique will not always produce sperm. In such cases, open surgery might still be required.
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
The process of obtaining sperm for ART treatments can involve routine ejaculation, surgical extraction, or donor sperm, depending on the patient's circumstances and preferences. After that, the sperm are either injected intracytoplasmically, used for in vitro fertilization, or inserted into the female vaginal canal.
Conclusion
Male infertility is a condition that can be very disturbing for a man. Several factors can cause this condition, like hormonal imbalance, smoking, certain medications, infections, and a few others. But the good part is that several treatment options are available to treat this condition, enabling the couple to become parents and start their family.
If one is experiencing male infertility and wants to get the treatment done, one can visit Delhi Urology Hospital and consult with the top urology doctor in Delhi, Dr. Niren Rao. He first examines a patient’s medical history and reproductive tract and determines the major cause of their infertility. The doctor will then suggest the most appropriate infertility treatment based on the patient's fertility issue. Visit the hospital today to learn more by consulting Dr. Niren Rao.
Read More:
Comments
Post a Comment