What are common treatments for male infertility?
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Treatment for male-factor infertility depends on whether the issue is a blockage (obstructive) or a sperm production problem, and on how severe it is. If there was a vasectomy, options include IVF or surgical reconnection of the vas deferens by a urologist. When sperm production is the issue, semen analysis looks at concentration (how many sperm are present), morphology (how they look), and motility (how they move). If a treatable cause is found, that is addressed first. If not, common options are IUI when there are enough motile sperm, or IVF with ICSI to inject a sperm into each egg. If no sperm are available and this can’t be corrected, treatment with donor sperm is an option.
Male factor infertility: Fertility problems due to issues with the sperm or male reproductive system.
Vasectomy: A surgical procedure that blocks the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the semen, used for sterilization.
Obstructive problem: A blockage in the reproductive tract that prevents sperm from getting into the ejaculate.
Sterilization procedure: An operation intended to permanently prevent pregnancy (e.g., vasectomy).
IVF (In vitro fertilization): A treatment where eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a lab, then embryos are transferred to the uterus.
Urologist: A doctor who specializes in the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
Vas deferens: The tubes that carry sperm from the testicles toward the urethra; cutting or sealing them prevents sperm from entering semen.
Sperm production problem: When the testes make too few sperm or sperm of poor quality, affecting fertility.
Semen analysis: A lab test that evaluates semen for sperm count, movement, and shape.
Concentration: How many sperm are present in the ejaculate.
Morphology: The shape and structure of sperm.
Motility: How well sperm move.
IUI (Intrauterine insemination): A procedure that places prepared sperm directly into the uterus to help fertilization.
Insemination: Placing sperm into the reproductive tract to achieve pregnancy.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection): An IVF technique where a single sperm is injected into each egg.
Donor sperm: Sperm provided by a donor for use in fertility treatment.