Male fertility is an integral part of reproductive health, but many men face challenges in conceiving due to various factors. Infertility in men is often overlooked, but it affects approximately 7% of all men and can be caused by a wide range of physical, lifestyle, and medical issues. As an experienced urologist and andrologist, Dr. Aditya Sharma specializes in diagnosing and treating male infertility, offering a range of personalized treatments to address the unique needs of each patient.

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility refers to the inability of a man to conceive a child with his partner, despite regular, unprotected intercourse over a period of time (typically 12 months or more). While it may feel overwhelming, it is important to understand that male infertility is often treatable. Dr. Sharma provides comprehensive evaluations to identify the causes of infertility and creates personalized treatment plans to optimize fertility outcomes.

Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility can result from a variety of factors, often related to issues with sperm production, sperm quality, or the reproductive system. Below are the most common causes of male infertility:

• Age: Fertility in men decreases as they age, with a significant decline starting around the age of 40. The quality and quantity of sperm decrease over time, making it harder to conceive as a man gets older.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use can significantly reduce sperm count and quality. Unhealthy habits such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and high-stress levels can also impact fertility.
• Medical Conditions: Various medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders can affect fertility. These health issues may interfere with the normal functioning of the reproductive system.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones play a key role in sperm production. Conditions like low testosterone or high levels of prolactin can interfere with sperm function, leading to infertility.
• Genetic Factors: Genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome (where men have an extra X chromosome) or Y chromosome deletions, can lead to infertility by affecting sperm production.
• Varicocele: A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, which can cause overheating of the testicles. This condition can impair sperm production and function, making conception difficult.
• Infections: Infections such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) can harm the reproductive organs and reduce fertility.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to harmful environmental toxins, such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, and radiation, can negatively affect sperm production and quality.

Symptoms of Male Infertility

Male infertility symptoms often aren’t as obvious as those in women. In many cases, infertility in men is discovered during the process of trying to conceive without success. However, there are several indicators that could suggest male infertility, including:

• Difficulty achieving an erection
• Low sperm count
• Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicles
• Changes in sexual desire or reduced libido
• Blood in the semen (which could indicate an underlying condition such as cancer or infection)
• Problems with ejaculation or premature ejaculation

Advanced Procedures for Male Infertility Treatment

Dr. Sharma employs various advanced techniques to diagnose and treat male infertility, offering personalized care and the latest in reproductive technologies. Here are some of the primary procedures available:

Varicocelectomy (Varicocele Surgery)

One of the most common causes of male infertility is varicocele, which affects about 15% of all men and is often linked to reduced sperm quality. A varicocele occurs when the veins inside the scrotum become enlarged, leading to increased temperature around the testicles, which in turn can harm sperm production. This condition is more common on the left side of the scrotum.

If a varicocele is determined to be the cause of infertility, surgery may be recommended to correct the problem. Varicocelectomy is the most effective treatment for varicocele-related infertility. It involves the surgical removal or ligation of the enlarged veins, improving blood flow, and normalizing testicular temperature, which can restore optimal sperm production.

Sperm Retrieval Techniques

In cases where sperm production is severely impaired or absent, sperm retrieval techniques may be necessary. These methods extract sperm directly from the testes and are often used in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Common sperm retrieval techniques include:

• PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration): A needle is used to extract sperm from the epididymis.
• TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration): Sperm is aspirated directly from the testes using a needle.
• TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction): A small biopsy is performed to retrieve sperm from the testicular tissue.
• Micro-TESE (Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction): A more advanced form of TESE, using high magnification to extract sperm with greater precision, often in cases of severe infertility.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is a procedure where sperm is directly injected into the woman’s uterus during her ovulation window. This procedure is often used in combination with fertility medications to improve sperm count or motility. IUI is less invasive than IVF and may be recommended for patients with mild sperm abnormalities or unexplained infertility.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is one of the most effective assisted reproductive technologies, where eggs are retrieved from the woman and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. In cases of male infertility, IVF can be used alongside sperm retrieval techniques (e.g., TESE or PESA). The fertilized embryo is then implanted in the woman’s uterus. IVF is often recommended when other fertility treatments have not been successful.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI is a specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization. This procedure is particularly useful for men with very low sperm counts or poor sperm motility. ICSI has revolutionized the treatment of severe male infertility and has high success rates.

Lifestyle Modifications for Improving Fertility

In addition to medical treatments and procedures, lifestyle modifications are key to improving male fertility. Dr. Sharma offers personalized advice, including:

• Quit Smoking: Smoking can significantly reduce sperm quality and count.
• Limit Alcohol and Drug Use: Excessive alcohol or recreational drug use can impact sperm production.
• Improve Diet and Exercise: A balanced diet and regular physical activity can promote overall reproductive health.
• Reduce Stress: High-stress levels can negatively affect sperm production and quality.

When to Seek Help

If you have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, or if you are experiencing symptoms such as pain during intercourse, blood in the semen, or decreased libido, it is important to consult a specialist. Dr. Sharma provides comprehensive assessments, including testicular biopsy and other diagnostic tests, to pinpoint the exact cause of infertility.

Why Choose Dr. Aditya Sharma for Male Fertility Care?

Dr. Sharma is a leading urologist and andrologist specializing in male fertility issues. With years of experience and a reputation for compassionate care, Dr. Sharma offers advanced diagnostic tools and treatments to help men achieve their goal of fatherhood. Whether through lifestyle modifications, medical treatments, or surgery, Dr. Sharma works closely with each patient to offer customized solutions and support throughout their fertility journey.

Don’t let male infertility stand in your way. Contact Dr. Aditya Sharma today to discuss your symptoms and explore the best treatment options for you.