What to Know About Male Factor Infertility
Determining the root cause of your infertility struggles is the first step in your journey. At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology in Tarzana, Thousand Oaks, and Bakersfield, CA, our fertility experts examine both partners and potential causes of infertility before any treatment begins. Male factor infertility is more common than people think. Explore the varying aspects of male factor infertility and how we can address this fertility issue to give you the best possible chance at achieving your dreams of parenthood.
What Is Male Factor Infertility?
Male factor infertility is any dysfunction of the male reproduction system that makes conception difficult.
In 40-50% of all infertility cases, male factor infertility is determined to be a major contributing factor.
While not every case of male infertility has a determinable cause, the most common causes of male factor infertility include:
- Testicular Trauma
- Hormonal disorder
- Blockages or physical abnormalities
- Chemotherapy or radiation
- Drug or tobacco use
- Certain medical conditions
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
Low Sperm Count and Fertility
Sperm count and quality are critical in increasing your chances of conception. Irregular-shaped sperm or sperm that have irregular motility (the way they move) are less likely to reach and fertilize an egg. At least 60% of your sperm should move in a forward movement and should be shaped regularly. Otherwise, this may suggest fertility issues. Additionally, if you produce fewer than 20 to 150 million sperm per milliliter, this would indicate fertility issues.
How Is Male Factor Infertility Diagnosed?
After your initial consultation, with Dr. Michael Vermesh or Dr. Tannaz Toloubeydokhti, they will conduct a variety of tests on both you and your partner. For males, this includes blood work and a semen analysis. You will provide a semen sample, and your doctor will look at it under a microscope to look at the amount of sperm present, the shape of the sperm, and how the sperm moves.
What Are My Options if I am Diagnosed with Male Factor Infertility?
At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology, we have a range of fertility treatment options. Hope is not lost when you receive your diagnosis. Depending on your unique situation, your doctor may suggest the following:
Lifestyle Changes
In some cases, lifestyle changes may increase your fertility. This may include weight loss, diet, exercise, ceasing tobacco and alcohol products, and even supplements.
IUI
Also known as artificial insemination, IUI (Intrauterine insemination), involves taking sperm and washing it. This results in a higher concentration of higher-quality sperm. The sperm is then directly placed into the uterus to allow for natural fertilization of an egg.
IVF
In vitro fertilization is an advanced method of assisted reproduction in which sperm is taken from the father and egg from the mother. The egg and sperm are combined in our lab. The resulting embryo is then placed in the mother or surrogate's uterus to continue the pregnancy.
Ready to Start Your Fertility Journey?
If you and your partner have struggled to conceive for six months to a year or know of existing issues that may hinder your ability to conceive, the first step is a consultation with our fertility experts. We have multiple locations in Tarzana, Thousand Oaks, and Bakersfield, CA, to best serve you. Get started by requesting an appointment today.