Achieving fatherhood with male infertility
Most men assume that when it’s time to become a father, getting there will be easy – and even fun. However, many men are surprised to find that infertility is not just a “female problem.” In fact, male infertility affects many couples on their journey to parenthood: Male factor is a significant contributor to the issues in roughly half of infertility cases.
Our fertility specialist in New Jersey offers quick diagnosis and effective solutions to overcome male factor infertility, putting men on the path to fatherhood.
Dr. Glatstein, our New Jersey male factor infertility specialist, has undergone special advanced training in Andrology at one of the top Male Factor infertility centers in the country at the Cleveland Clinic. In addition, he has also been a Lecturer in Assisted Reproduction at the Cleveland Clinic. He is available to share that expertise and advanced training in order to diagnose and treat your particular male factor infertility circumstance.
Causes of male factor infertility
- Low sperm count. A low sperm count, known as oligospermia, reduces the chances of fertilization. Factors such as hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, testicular injury, or lifestyle choices can contribute to this condition.
- Poor sperm motility. If the sperm cannot swim effectively or have poor forward movement, they may struggle to reach and penetrate the egg.
- Abnormal sperm morphology. Structural abnormalities in sperm can hinder successful fertilization.
- Obstruction or blockage. Blockages or abnormalities in the reproductive tract, such as the vas deferens or ejaculatory ducts, can prevent sperm from being ejaculated.
Diagnosing male infertility
To determine if male factor is playing a role in a couple’s infertility, our fertility specialist in New Jersey will perform a series of comprehensive fertility tests.
- Semen analysis. This test assesses several parameters, including sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and other factors that can affect fertility.
- Hormone testing. Blood tests may be performed to evaluate hormone levels, such as testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which play a crucial role in sperm production.
- Genetic testing. Using blood or saliva samples, genetic testing may identify many genetic abnormalities that may contribute to male infertility.
Treating male factor infertility
There are several treatment options available to help men overcome infertility challenges and increase the chances of achieving fatherhood.
- Lifestyle changes. Simple lifestyle modifications, such as attaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and better managing stress, can have a positive impact on sperm health.
- Depending on the underlying cause, medications can be prescribed to address hormonal imbalances or other factors affecting sperm production or function.
- Assisted reproductive technologies. Advanced techniques, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), can often bypass male infertility obstacles and increase the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy.
- Surgical interventions. In some cases, men may be referred to a urologist for surgical procedures to correct blockages or repair abnormalities. In severe cases, we can retrieve sperm directly from the testicles for use in IVF.
With the support of the experienced fertility care team at Conceive NJ, and the advancements in male infertility treatments, men can increase their chances of achieving fatherhood.
Contact us to schedule a consultation with our fertility specialist in New Jersey, and request male infertility testing.
