Men and Fertility

Male Factor Infertility and Treatment Options

A common myth related to infertility is that the woman is almost always to blame. When infertility becomes a problem, the female's reproductive ability is often the first to become suspect. However, problems in males are not uncommon. In fact, for infertile couples, male reproductive issues account for roughly 30 percent to 40 percent of problems. An issue with sperm can be the sole problem of infertility, or it can simply be one of many factors.

A doctor can determine whether “male factor infertility” is a reason for concern. During a screening, a doctor will consider a male's history and perform a semen analyses. During the examination, a doctor will ask about the man's medical history, as well as any issues that have become apparent during the previous three months.

During the semen analysis, the doctor could spot abnormalities and recommend a more thorough examination by a specialist. Problems include low sperm count or unhealthy sperm. While sperm count might be a factor, it is known that men with low sperm counts have conceived, and men with healthy sperm counts have been unable.

At a molecular level, sperm may have the inability to swim straight or fast, and they might be unable to detect an egg. In other situations, the sperm can locate an egg, but fertilization is not possible.

Both diagnoses and treatment techniques have come a long way when it comes to male factor infertility. In addition to in vitro fertilization, therapies are available to help a man boost his sperm count and overall sperm health. With in vitro fertilization, the sperm need not worry about the long trek to the egg, and a specialist can actually insert the sperm into the egg, making fertilization that much easier.

The lab at Chicago IVF is fully equipped and able to conduct a full evaluation. Please contact Chicago IVF to learn more about male infertility screenings and male factor infertility treatments.

Do I Need To See A Urologist?

Our Group is associated with several urologists specializing in Male Factor Infertility. Please Click Here for details regarding these physicians.

Male Factor Infertility is best evaluated and treated by seeing a competent fertility physician at an established fertility center. Complete evaluation includes a history, physical examination, semen analysis, and possibly blood tests for hormone or genetic conditions. If you need to see a urologist for a particular situation, your fertility physician will advise you of such.

Male Factor Infertility Options and Success Rates

Recent advances in treatment of male factor infertility have proven to be quite successful. Typically, the severity of the male factor infertility does not factor into the success rate. Often times, the age and the physical status of the woman are more important in determining ultimate pregnancy success. Treatment options for male factor infertility include the following:

• Washed semen intrauterine insemination (artificial insemination)
• Oral medications
• In Vitro Fertilization
• In Vitro Fertilization with ICSI

Please call us at 1-866-IVF-CHGO for details concerning our latest success rates.
Please feel free to discuss male factor infertility with our fully trained physicians.

Male Factor Fertility and Hormone Problems

Normal sperm production and sexual function are dependent upon normal hormone environment. A hormone evaluation should be performed if:

• A low sperm concentration is detected
• There is impaired sexual function
• There are other signs of hormone disease

Hormone evaluation includes measurement of FSH, testosterone, LH, prolactin, and/or thyroid hormone. Your physician may order a hormone blood test in the case of abnormal semen analysis.
(ASRM Fact Sheet – 08/01)

Male Factor Fertility and Hormone Problems

Normal sperm production and sexual function are dependent upon normal hormone environment. A hormone evaluation should be performed if:

• A low sperm concentration is detected
• There is impaired sexual function
• There are other signs of hormone disease

Hormone evaluation includes measurement of FSH, testosterone, LH, prolactin, and/or thyroid hormone. Your physician may order a hormone blood test in the case of abnormal semen analysis.
(ASRM Fact Sheet – 08/01)

Reversal of Vasectomy

As life circumstances change, many men choose to have children after undergoing a vasectomy. There are a couple options available for these couples. They are as follows:

• Reversal of Vasectomy
• Needle aspiration of sperm with In Vitro Fertilization

A competent, experienced Urological surgeon should perform reversal of vasectomy. This procedure should be performed with microsurgical technique only after evaluating the female partner. Please click here or ask our staff for additional information.

Many couples decide to proceed straight to In Vitro Fertilization. In the case of vasectomy, a fine needle is inserted into the testicle while the gentleman is under anesthesia. This fine needle sample is then used with In Vitro Fertilization for eggs withdrawn from the female partner. Success rates are high. These cases are typically rewarding for the staff. Please click here or feel free to discuss these issues with our staff.