Male Infertility
Alternate Names : Infertility due to Male Factors
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment of male infertility focuses on the underlying cause. Without
treatment, 15% to 20% of infertile couples will eventually get pregnant.
Treatment for a male with infertility may include:
avoiding extended periods of time in hot baths and hot tubs
eating a healthy diet and exercising in moderation
having a varicocele surgically repaired
having vasectomy reversal surgery, which reconnects the tubes carrying
sperm from the testes
learning about the best times to conceive
making lifestyle changes, such as
smoking
cessation and limiting intake of
alcohol
taking antibiotics for any diagnosed infection
taking hormone therapy
treating erectile dysfunction
with counseling, medication, or surgery
wearing loose-fitting underwear, such as boxer shorts
If these treatments don't work, other means of fertilization may be considered, such as:
artificial insemination. This involves placing sperm directly in the cervix or uterus.
intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This involves placing individual sperm
cells directly inside the woman's eggs.
in vitro fertilization. This involves fertilizing the egg outside the womb and then
returning it to the uterus.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Surgery can cause bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to anesthesia. In
vitro fertilization increases the chance of having a multiple pregnancy,
such as twins. Antibiotics and other medications may cause stomach
upset, diarrhea, or an allergic reaction.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Within a year after infertility is diagnosed, 80% to 85% of couples who have treatment get pregnant. It may take several attempts before a
couple gets pregnant. Partners must decide how many and what kind of procedures
they are willing to undertake.
How is the condition monitored?
The man can monitor his own ability to impregnate a woman. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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