Treatment of infertility in men

Every 5 or 6 Ukrainian couples have problems with conception. In approximately 30% of cases, the cause is the male factor, and in the same number of cases, various diseases in both partners.

Thanks to effective treatment and the use of assisted reproductive technologies (IVF, ICSI, etc.), half of the patients manage to become parents.

The medical center “Oxford Medical” employs experienced reproduktologists, urologists, andrologists, and other specialists. Thanks to this, as well as the availability of expert-class equipment, the clinic conducts  accurate infertility tests and uses all modern treatment methods.

Male infertility — is a condition in which a man loses the ability to conceive a child due to disorders in the reproductive system. The diagnosis is made if a couple has been having regular sex for a year without using contraception, but pregnancy does not occur. It is important to understand that male infertility is not a separate disease, but rather a consequence of various pathologies that affect the quality or quantity of sperm, their mobility or patency of the vas deferens.

According to statistics, male infertility is the cause of about a third of all cases of infertility in married couples. The problem may be associated with anatomical features, hormonal disorders, infectious or inflammatory diseases, as well as genetic factors. Therefore, timely diagnosis and an individual approach to treatment give a chance to overcome the problem and become parents.

A diagnosis of "infertility" is made when a couple has regular unprotected sexual intercourse for 12 months without achieving conception. The diagnosis can also be made in the presence of male disorders that prevent fertilization.

Infertility is not a disease in itself, but a complication that may develop against the background of various conditions. Therefore, effective treatment requires thorough diagnostics and identification of the underlying cause.

Male infertility often has no specific external manifestations, which is why it can remain unnoticed for a long time. The main symptom is the lack of pregnancy in the partner during a year of active sexual life without contraception. However, in some cases, signs may be observed that indicate a violation of reproductive function:

• decreased libido or erectile dysfunction;

• scrotal pain or swelling, discomfort in the groin area;

• change in the volume or consistency of ejaculate;

• appearance of discharge from the urethra, frequent or painful urination;

• general symptoms of chronic infections: increased fatigue, low-grade fever, decreased performance.

If any of the listed symptoms are present, as well as in case of long-term unsuccessful attempts to become pregnant, it is recommended to consult an andrologist or urologist for undergoing a comprehensive examination.

The causes of male infertility can be diverse. The most common of them include:

• Abnormalities of the reproductive organs. Congenital or acquired defects that disrupt the normal structure or function of the reproductive system.

• Injuries to the groin area, including those suffered in childhood. Mechanical damage can affect the ability to produce or transport sperm.

• Varicocele. Dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord, which leads to an increase in testicular temperature and negatively affects spermatogenesis.

• Hormonal disorders. Changes in testosterone levels or other hormones responsible for reproductive function can lead to reduced fertility.

• Infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. Infections (for example, chlamydia, gonorrhea) can cause inflammatory processes that disrupt the functioning of the testicles and the ejaculatory ducts.

• Inflammatory diseases - prostatitis, urethritis. Chronic or acute inflammation negatively affects sperm quality and duct patency.

• Chromosomal, autoimmune and other disorders. Genetic abnormalities or autoimmune reactions of the body can interfere with the normal functioning of the reproductive system.

In addition to the main medical causes, there are additional risk factors that affect the development of male infertility:

• exposure to radiation;

• chronic somatic diseases;

• unbalanced nutrition, vitamin and microelement deficiencies;

• bad habits, including smoking and alcohol consumption;

• prolonged stress and excessive physical exertion.

Timely identification of the causes of male infertility allows you to choose effective treatment tactics, significantly increasing the couple's chances of successful conception and the birth of a healthy child. child.

Men's reproductive health is closely related to lifestyle. Modern studies confirm that negative external factors often become one of the main causes of male infertility.

• Nutrition. An unbalanced diet, deficiency of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants can lead to a deterioration in sperm quality, reduced motility and sperm count.

• Physical activity. Moderate physical activity has a positive effect on hormonal levels, heart and blood vessel function, and helps maintain a healthy body weight. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle or excessive physical activity negatively affects reproductive function.

• Bad habits. Smoking, alcohol use, and drug use directly affect sperm quality, causing mutations and impaired spermatogenesis.

Avoiding bad habits, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity are important components of preventing male infertility and preserving reproductive potential.

Depending on the possibility of conception, male infertility is classified as:

• absolute – fertilization is impossible due to anatomical defects, trauma, or irreversible changes in the body caused by disease;

• relative – conception is possible after treatment or through ART methods.

Absolute infertility is much less common than relative infertility. In most cases, modern treatment methods and assisted reproductive technologies can overcome the issue.

Depending on the cause, infertility can also be:

• secretory – associated with decreased quantity and motility of sperm;

• excretory – caused by blockage in the spermatic ducts;

• immunological – antisperm antibodies form in seminal plasma, preventing sperm activity and motility;

• mixed – multiple causes are present at the same time;

• of unclear etiology – clinical findings show the man is healthy, but conception does not occur.

As a rule, the examination begins with a spermogram - a laboratory analysis of sperm. It allows you to assess the volume of seminal fluid, the presence and number of sperm, their morphological structure and motility. If all indicators are normal, the man is most likely healthy. If 2 or more indicators deviate from the norm, additional diagnostics are required to determine the cause of the disorders.

Considering the results of the spermogram and the man's medical history, the doctor may prescribe:

• Analysis of urethral discharge. The study allows you to detect the presence of inflammatory processes, bacterial or viral infections, which can negatively affect spermatogenesis and the general condition of the genitourinary system.

• Blood tests for TORCH infections. They include the detection of pathogens such as toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, which can lead to infertility or negatively affect sperm quality.

• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs and scrotum. A non-invasive method that allows you to assess the anatomical structure, detect varicocele, neoplasms, cysts, structural disorders or other pathologies that may prevent conception.

• Blood tests for hormones. Testing the levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin helps identify endocrine disorders that affect fertility.

• Karyotype determination. Genetic testing that allows you to identify chromosomal abnormalities that may cause reproductive dysfunction or male infertility.

• Sperm oxidative stress analysis. Assessment of the balance between the level of free radicals and antioxidants in semen. Increased oxidative stress can lead to damage to sperm DNA and a decrease in their motility.

• Genetic and immunological testing. Allows you to detect autoimmune processes, the presence of antisperm antibodies or hereditary disorders that may be the cause of infertility.

A comprehensive test for infertility in men allows you to not only identify the true cause of fertility disorders, but also determine the most effective treatment tactics. It is an individual approach to diagnostics that helps to achieve high results even in difficult cases and increases the chances of having a healthy child. By contacting an experienced specialist, the patient receives a full range of modern diagnostic and treatment options.

Thanks to significant advancements in reproductive medicine, the success rate in treating infertility has increased by 50% over the last 10 years. Today, conception and the birth of a healthy child are possible even in complex cases involving both men and women.

Depending on the cause, a man may be recommended:

• conservative treatment – for inflammatory and infectious diseases, sexual or ejaculatory dysfunctions, sperm production disorders, hormonal imbalance, etc.;

• surgical treatment – may be required for varicocele, azoospermia (no sperm in ejaculate), anejaculatory syndrome, and other conditions;

• assisted reproductive technologies (ART) – such as IVF and others.

In some cases, infertility is caused by conditions that respond well to treatment, allowing natural conception afterward. In others, ART is recommended.

In male infertility, the following methods may be used:

• TESA, PESA, MESE – procedures that involve testicular biopsy or aspiration to obtain sperm in cases of impaired spermatogenesis, ejaculation disorders, or other indications;

• intrauterine insemination – injecting collected sperm directly into the woman’s uterus;

• in vitro fertilization (IVF) – fertilization of an egg by sperm in laboratory conditions with the subsequent transfer of the most viable embryos into the uterus;

• IVF with ICSI – the sperm is microinjected directly into the egg’s cytoplasm, improving the chances of conception and embryo quality.

In cases of absolute infertility, IVF using donor sperm may be recommended.

A diagnosis of "male infertility" often becomes a psychological challenge for both the man himself and the couple as a whole. It can lead to lower self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and tension in relationships. It is important to remember that overcoming emotional difficulties is an integral part of treatment.

Tips for supporting a man and maintaining harmony in a couple:

• openly talk about your feelings, avoid mutual accusations;

• do not leave your man alone with the problem, look for a solution together and contact specialists;

• if necessary, involve a psychologist or psychotherapist to overcome stress, work with self-esteem;

• support each other in daily activities, maintain a positive attitude, plan joint leisure activities;

• focus on mutual support and trust, remember that the problem concerns both partners.

Timely psychological help, participation in support groups, and open communication help maintain strong relationships and walk the path to parenthood together.

Reducing the risk of male infertility is possible by following simple preventive measures. The main recommendations include:

• timely treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system;

• avoidance of injuries, hypothermia, exposure to toxic substances and radiation;

• quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption;

• adherence to the principles of healthy nutrition, sufficient consumption of foods rich in vitamins, trace elements, antioxidants;

• regular physical activity;

• scheduled visits to a urologist or andrologist for a preventive examination and timely diagnosis of possible disorders.

It is also important to pay attention to your own health, not to ignore changes in well-being and Seek medical attention if any symptoms appear.

At the medical center "Oxford Medical" patients have the opportunity to undergo a full cycle of diagnostics and treatment of male infertility at a modern level. The clinic is equipped with the latest equipment, which allows for accurate laboratory and instrumental examinations, as well as high-tech surgical interventions using endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques.

In the case of male infertility, treatment is selected individually, taking into account all the results of the diagnosis and associated health factors. The medical center uses all modern methods of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including IVF, ICSI, TESA, PESA, intrauterine insemination, etc. Each procedure is performed by highly qualified reproductive physicians, andrologists and urologists with many years of experience.

Advantages of male infertility treatment at «Oxford Medical»:

• Experienced specialists. The center's doctors have many years of experience in the field of diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, and also possess modern methods of ART.

• Latest equipment. Equipment from American and European manufacturers is used, which guarantees high accuracy of all examinations and procedures.

• A comprehensive approach. All stages of diagnosis and treatment take place in one medical center, which provides convenience for the patient and saves time.

• Comfort and support. The clinic has created a friendly atmosphere, where patients receive not only medical, but also psychological support at every stage.

• Loyalty program. For regular patients, special loyalty programs and favorable conditions are available.

In case of male infertility, treatment at «Oxford Medical» — is an individual approach, the most modern medical technologies and constant support for the patient. If you are faced with the problem of infertility, contact our contact center or leave a request on the website — and our specialists will help you on the path to parenthood.

At the medical center «Oxford Medical» patients can count on an individual approach to solving the problem of infertility and a transparent pricing policy. The cost of male infertility treatment depends on the selected diagnostic program, the complexity of the clinical case, the volume of necessary procedures and the applied assisted reproductive technologies.

You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the prices here. The doctor will inform you in more detail about the possibilities, program and cost of treatment during the initial consultation. Make an appointment at a time convenient for you by phone or via online chat on the website.