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Infertility is a common problem experienced by many couples. About 15 to 20% of couples will not conceive after one year
of trying. After one year, couples should strongly consider obtaining a fertility evaluation. Infertility can be extremely frustrating and stressful to couples trying to conceive. It is important for couples to know that virtually all cases of male infertility can be overcome, using the basic to the more advanced treatment options available. Male Infertility Often Overlooked While much focus has been placed on causes of female infertility, we now know that anywhere from 25 to 35% of couples that experience problems conceiving do so because of a male factor. Thus, it is vital that the male partner be screened early on in the fertility evaluation process. Screening for male infertility is very straightforward. The initial evaluation consists of a semen analysis. The sample is collected either in your doctor's office or in the privacy of your home. The specimen is evaluated under a microscope by specially trained clinicians. The sperm are evaluated in terms of total number; movement, or motility; and how normal the sperm look (morphology). Based on this analysis, your doctor may suggest further testing or physician referral. Many Treatment Options Available Abnormal semen analyses can result from a variety of causes, including problems related to anatomical, hormonal, genetic, or infectious causes. In many cases, male infertility can be overcome with simple medical treatment. In other cases, a surgical approach to the problem can lead to the formation of normal sperm. Using advanced treatment options, even the most significant cases of male infertility can still be overcome. When the number of sperm is extremely low, an individual sperm can be injected into the egg by a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This revolutionary technique is now used quite frequently to help couples conceive who otherwise would not have been able to have their own genetic children. |
