When Dad-To-Be Isn’t So Easy
For many men, infertility is a distant thought. Without having to worry about declining egg quality or quantity, men of all ages often assume the paternal role in pregnancy is straightforward. However, the reality is that male-factor infertility affects 10-15% of males in the United States. For men affected by infertility, there is still hope. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is an excellent avenue for achieving pregnancy when male-factor infertility is at play.
Reasons for male-factor infertility
There is no single cause for male-factor infertility. Rather, male fertility can be caused by a variety of health issues and medical treatments. Varicocele, a condition where the veins leading to the testicles swell, is a major cause of reduced sperm count. Some infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia, can also reduce fertility in men. Hormonal imbalances, physical defects, chromosomal problems, certain medications, previous surgeries, and tumors are other possible causes of male-factor infertility. Being overweight, having diabetes, smoking, and drinking alcohol can also negatively impact fertility.
Identifying the problem
Most couples are encouraged to try to get pregnant naturally for 6-12 months before seeking out medical assistance. However, some symptoms could necessitate an earlier assessment. Erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive, pain or discomfort in the testicles, previous surgery on the reproductive organs, or a history of trouble getting a partner pregnant are all valid reasons to schedule an appointment soon. Once at the doctor, a medical history, physical exam, blood test, and semen analysis will help provide a clearer picture of the situation.
Next steps
Once a diagnosis of male-factor infertility is made, there are a few different avenues couples can pursue to have a baby. Assisted reproductive technology, which is defined as any fertility treatment where eggs or embryos are handled outside of the body, is often considered the gold standard for treating male-factor infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a popular ART approach that can increase the chances of pregnancy. With IVF, the man provides a sperm sample that is processed by the lab and then combined with an egg retrieved from the woman partner to create an embryo. The embryo is then inserted into the uterus to implant and grow.
A single sperm
The reason IVF is so effective for men with infertility is because only a single healthy sperm is needed. Even if male-factor infertility is diagnosed, many men continue to produce some sperm. With IVF technology and meticulous attention to detail in the lab, a healthy sperm can be identified and used to create an embryo. If needed, IVF can be performed more than once to increase the chances of success. Even with a diagnosis of male-factor infertility, there is hope.
