Treatment Options for Poor Sperm Count
The Center for Fertility and Gynecology is a leading center for reproductive medicine in Los Angeles. We have ample experience treating female infertility as well as male factor infertility, offering state-of-the-art treatment and sound advice.
With regard to male infertility, many patients have questions about low sperm count. Let's go over the basics right now and then consider your treatment options.
What does low sperm count mean?
Low sperm count means that in a man's ejaculate, there is a low concentration of sperm. If there is fewer sperm present when a man ejaculates, the chances of successfully conceiving a child through natural means goes down considerably.
Low sperm count may be one of many issues that man experiences with regard to male infertility. In addition to a low sperm count, a man may also suffer from poor sperm motility, poor sperm morphology, and other matters. Thankfully there are many treatments out there to consider.
Assessing the Cause of the Low Sperm Count
In order to determine the best possible treatment for your case of low sperm count, it's important to assess the actual cause of the low sperm count. For instance, if the low sperm count is due to an issue related to diet or environmental factors, there is a chance of modifying these factors in order to naturally increase sperm count and boost male fertility in the process.
Sperm Washing
One option that helps improve the general chances of successful pregnancy is sperm washing. This involves a man providing a semen sample which is then carefully purified by fertility specialists in a lab. This removes potential impurities and concentrates the number of healthy and viable sperm in the provided semen. The washed sperm can then be used in an IVF procedure or placed via artificial insemination.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the most popular and effective options for artificial insemination. This involves placing a man's sperm into the uterus. The chances of successful conception are increased because the cervix is bypassed and the sperm is positioned closer to the viable egg.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most well known and popular fertility treatments available today. IVF involves the harvesting of viable eggs from a woman and the fertilization of these eggs outside of the womb in a controlled lab setting. Once cellular division has occurred, the embryos can be placed back inside the woman's uterus to be carried to term.
IVF is a great option for addressing male infertility issues such as low sperm count as well as a whole host of female infertility issues.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a process in which a sperm is injected directly into a viable egg in the lab. It's part of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process for some patients in order to help ensure successful fertilization and increase the chances of pregnancy and live birth.
Use of a Sperm Donor
If all other fertility treatments do not prove viable for a couple hoping to start a family, they can turn to a sperm donor in order to start a family of their own. Sperm donors can be selected for physical attributes and personality traits to meet your needs.
Learn More About Treatments for Male Infertility
To learn more about your treatment options for low sperm count and other types of male and female infertility, it's important that you contact our fertility treatment specialists today. The entire team at The Center for Fertility and Gynecology look forward to your visit and helping you start the family that you have always wanted.
