Some couples experience infertility despite engaging in regular sexual activity without using contraception. Dr. Niren Rao, who is a well-known urologist for male infertility treatment in Delhi, says that male infertility is quite common nowadays. Hormonal imbalances are a major contributing factor to male infertility. Proper hormone levels contribute to the health and quality of the sperm. The male hormonal machinery is made up of a variety of hormones, each of which serves a specific function. Let’s continue reading to understand it better and know the treatment options available.
Symptoms and Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Men
- Low sexual drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced sperm count, motility, and morphology
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Thinning hair or hair loss
- Weight gain or loss
Hormone Imbalances That Affect Fertility in Men
Dr. Niren Rao, a renowned urology doctor in Delhi, explains the following hormonal imbalances that affect the fertility in men:
- Testosterone
While testosterone is known to regulate men's sexual drives, it also stimulates sperm production and erection ability. Low levels of this hormone prevent the production of sufficient sperm and have been linked to sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and low libido. Higher testosterone levels can also result in a low sperm count and, in some cases, no sperm production.
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
In men, FSH and LH work together in the testes to produce sperm. FSH is required for the proper function and maturation of Sertoli cells, which are essential for sperm production. Low levels can reduce the quantity and quality of sperm produced. High levels of FSH can impair the function of the testicles. This can be caused by alcoholism or medical treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH works closely with FSH to produce sperm. This hormone stimulates testosterone production in order to produce high-quality and abundant sperm. Low LH levels have an impact on a male's libido and, ultimately, fertility. High levels can damage the testes and reduce sperm production.
Sperm Issues that Cause Male Infertility
Genetic factors are thought to contribute to sperm quantity and quality issues. Some men with sperm problems may have missing chromosomal fragments. This may cause:
- Absent sperm (azoospermia): The sperm is not present in the semen. This could be due to a blockage in the tubes or the testicles not producing sperm.
- Low sperm count (oligospermia): The ejaculate contains insufficient sperm to cause conception.
- Abnormal shape: A healthy sperm resembles a streamlined tadpole. Abnormally shaped sperm may have difficulty penetrating the surface of the woman's egg.
- Poor motility: A healthy sperm has a lashing tail that allows it to swim through the woman's reproductive system. Sperm with low motility may swim slowly or not at all.
The Diagnosis of Male Infertility
An infertility investigation involves tests for both the man and his partner. Diagnosing male infertility may include:
- Physical examination: A proper examination is done with medical history.
- Semen analysis: It entails taking a sample of a man's sperm and examining it in a laboratory for abnormalities and antibodies.
- Blood tests: They are performed to determine hormone levels.
- Testicular biopsy: It involves using a fine needle and a microscope to examine the network of tubes within the testicles to see if they contain any sperm.
- Ultrasound scans: They are used to take pictures of reproductive organs such as the prostate gland.
Surgeries Performed for Correcting Infertility Issues in Men:
- Vasoepididymostomy
This procedure clears obstructions in the vas deferens. The blockage is surgically removed, the ends of the tube are rejoined, and the vas deferens are separated. The epididymis, the coiled tube next to the testicle where sperm cells grow, may have developed obstruction after the original vasectomy was carried out many years ago or by infection or damage to the epididymis. Whatever the source, the surgeon will resolve the issue by avoiding epididymis blockage.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Through technological advancements, it is now possible to physically inject one sperm into an egg. Even the most severe cases of male factor infertility can now be treated using the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) method.
- Vasectomy Reversal
The vas deferens, the scrotal tube through which the sperm travels, is reconnected by the urologist. The surgeon uses a powerful surgical microscope to carefully suture the ends of the vas deferens back together.
- Sperm Recovery
In some extreme situations, a testicular biopsy is necessary for sperm recovery. Then, with the help of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), it can be performed. During IVF, injectable fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries and promote the maturation of many eggs. When the eggs are ready, a quick operation is performed to gather them, further determining the pregnancy.
If one is experiencing infertility issues or wants to get erectile dysfunction treatment in Delhi, one can consult with Dr. Niren Rao at Delhi Urology Hospital. Following a thorough diagnosis, the expert urologist will advise on the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Niren Rao right away to learn more!
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