What is Male Infertility?

Male Infertility is usually diagnosed by a semen analysis. This relatively simple test involves the man providing semen for lab to evaluate. The lab measures the amount of semen and the number of sperm and evaluates sperm shape and movement.

Most of the time, basic semen analysis is all that’s needed to diagnose male infertility. However, further testing may be done.

What are the symptoms of Male Infertility?

If a couple doesn’t get pregnant after 6 months of unprotected intercourse (no condoms and no contraceptive pills), both the man and woman should be evaluated.

In some cases, hormonal problems may be suspected if a man has abnormal hair growth, low libido, or other indications of sexual dysfunction.

Risk factors for male infertility include obesity, age, current or previous infection of an STD, smoking, or excessive drinking. Some medication like androgenic drugs may also impair fertility.

What causes Male Infertility?

Potential  causes of male infertility are: Complete absence of sperm; Low sperm count; Abnormal sperm shape; Problems with sperm movement; Sperm that is completely immobile; Problems with sperm delivery, due to sexual dysfunction, an obstruction, previous vasectomy, or retrograde ejaculation, problems with erections or other sexual problems.

There are a variety of conditions that may lead to male infertility. The most common cause of male infertility is varicocele. A varicocele is a varicose vein found in the scrotum. The extra heat caused by the vein can lead to low sperm count and impaired sperm movement.

What are the options for Male Infertility treatment?

• Some cases of male infertility are treatable or correctable through surgery. Options for treatment may include treatment with antibiotics, in cases of infection, surgical correction in order to remove a varicocele, reversing vasectomy, or repair a duct obstruction, medications or fertility drugs to improve sperm production.

— Dr. Ali Mehdi Zadeh, Consultant Urologist and Head of Kuwaiti German Urology Unit, CEO & Partner at Kuwait Medical International Company.

د. علي مهدي زادة

الوحدة الكويتية الالمانية لجراحة الكلى و المسالك البولية و التناسلية

عيادة الدكتور على مهدي زاده

الكويت