Men With Fertility Issues

Even though infertility is an issue that can impact both men and women, society tends to hyperfocus on a woman’s fertility journey. The truth is a different story with real data proving that in heterosexual couples, both genders have a 33% chance of being the sole cause for delayed conception. Additionally, in another third of all infertility cases, issues from both partners are to blame. As a result, assistive reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) are often the only viable pathway for a couple facing fertility issues. In particular, modern methods are available that specifically address male infertility.

ART and cancer

When most people think about male infertility, the emphasis is on sperm-related issues. Low sperm count, poor motility, or even reduced sperm quality are common culprits. However, in some cases, a previous health scare like cancer can create problems. In some scenarios, sperm count is lowered, and in other situations, treatments like chemotherapy or radiation can lead to sterility. To avoid that fate, oncologists might encourage younger men to give a semen sample before undergoing care as a fertility preservation method. Once those individuals are ready to start or expand a family, solutions like IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be used.

Poor sperm motility

Sperm quality and quantity are some of biggest infertility issues that men will face. Slow moving sperm are less likely to successfully reach an egg when conceiving naturally. Similarly, poor quality specimens might also lead to embryos that don’t implant, or aren’t viable for a full term pregnancy. Poor quality is usually managed by using donor samples. However, when motility is the issue, there are options beyond IVF. IUI is when a semen sample is placed directly in a woman’s uterus during the ovulation window. Shortening the journey can help sperm easily reach the egg. Similarly, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) directly inserts a sperm into an egg, completely bypassing the traditional process. The solution can be paired with both IUI and IVF.

Premix with GIFT

Another variation that can also yield successful pregnancy results is the gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT). The procedure is paired with IUI and is a fertility treatment where a man’s sperm is mixed with a woman’s egg before the mixture is inserted directly into the fallopian tubes. GIFT can be ideal for men struggling with poor motility sperm.

Hormones and IVF

In most people’s minds, IVF places an outsized burden on the woman throughout a treatment cycle. In particular, most individuals are familiar with the need for hormone treatments to boost egg production, extensive testing, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and the emotional rollercoaster that’s entailed. However, men aren’t always passive participants. If male factor infertility is suspected, a man might also be subjected to testing and be prescribed hormone treatments to boost sperm production.

Solutions exist

Infertility can be an embarrassing experience, often leaving people feeling isolated and ashamed. However, the condition is actually incredibly common and more men need to understand that fertility problems can happen within any gender. Thanks to modern innovations in ART treatments, being diagnosed with male factor infertility doesn’t mean that a man can’t conceive children.