Statistics show that up to 50% of couples’ infertility problems are due to a medical condition in men. Therefore, it is important that the man passes tests of fertility as soon as a couple realizes that there might be a fertility problem. Procrea Fertility can help determine the cause of infertility and suggest an effective treatment plan for male fertility to help overcome it.
Assessment of the problem of fertility
The following exams can help determine the cause of the fertility problem.
This physical examination can identify many fertility problems. First, the urologist determines the size of the testes and examines the scrotum and rectum to evaluate the prostate and seminal vesicles.
This examination takes place at the beginning of the male fertility treatment, at the time of the basic assessment; it requires the collection of a semen sample obtained by masturbation. The spermogram is a basic test that examines the quality of the sperm present in the ejaculate, as well as its consistency. It also allows to determine the number of spermatozoa (count), the proportion of spermatozoa that move (motility), their ability to move forward (progression) and the number of abnormal sperm (morphology).
Hormones are complex chemicals that are synthesized by an endocrine gland and circulate in body fluids. They can trigger or regulate the activity of an organ or a group of cells located elsewhere in the body.
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone that stimulates the development and maturation of De Graaf follicles in the ovaries of women and spermatogenesis in humans.
- Testosterone stimulates the development of male sexual characteristics.
This examination consists of a sample, under local anesthesia, of a small testicle fragment. The cells of this small fragment are then examined under a microscope.
Causes of male infertility
The causes of male infertility are very numerous and are not always easy to determine. In some cases, infertility can result from obstruction of the male genital tract or injury. In other cases, it could come from an insufficient number of spermatozoa, a reduced motility of the spermatozoa or the abnormal form of these spermatozoa.
Azoospermia is the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate.
OATS are defined as low concentration, reduced motility, or abnormal sperm form. This is not a problem of infertility, but rather a decrease in fertility.
Some couples do all the fertility tests on offer, but these tests do not determine the cause of their infertility. Further fertility examinations may be necessary.
Treatements and possible solutions for male infertility