Semen Analysis Can Shed Light on Male Infertility

No longer a taboo topic, male infertility affects an estimated seven percent of the population. Yet, despite its prevalence, it remains widely misunderstood and often overlooked. Many couples facing infertility issues remain in the dark about what options are available to them or what steps to take. In the case of male infertility, specialized tests, such as semen analysis, are available at fertility clinics to help identify the root cause of the problem and provide a personalized treatment plan.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

• Low sperm count or poor sperm quality are significant factors contributing to male infertility. Low sperm count, known as oligospermia, is defined as having less than 16 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Poor sperm motility, known as asthenospermia, occurs when sperm are unable to swim effectively toward an egg for fertilization. Generally speaking, it remains undiagnosed until fertility issues arise. A semen analysis can be performed to help identify the issues at hand.
• Blockages in the reproductive tract are a common issue in male infertility. While they don’t directly affect sperm production, a blockage in the reproductive tract will affect sperm quality and quantity by inhibiting the sperm’s ability to get out of the body. Common causes of blockages include infection, trauma, congenital issues, and post-surgical complications.
• Genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, Y chromosome microdeletions, and Klinefelter syndrome are some of the lesser common causes of male infertility. Although these conditions make it more challenging to treat infertility, there are still treatment options available.
• Hormonal imbalances affect sperm production, mobility of sperm, and overall fertility. The most common hormones involved in male fertility are testosterone, the luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). When these hormones are out of balance, it can lead to fertility issues and, in more severe cases, infertility. Early detection and healthy lifestyle choices are key to improving fertility outcomes.
• Infections in the reproductive tract are a common cause of male infertility, with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) being the most common. Both STDs and UTIs can lead to epididymitis, an infection in the tubes that carry and store sperm. If left untreated, severe infections can lead to scarring, which often results in fertility issues.
• There are several lifestyle factors that contribute to infertility in men. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity are all linked to low sperm production. Drug use, stress, and poor diet can all lead to hormonal imbalances that also affect fertility. However, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep can significantly boost fertility outcomes.

The Process of Male Infertility Testing

In today’s modern world, testing for male infertility is more accessible than ever before. The systematic process of diagnosing male infertility begins with a medical examination and physical evaluation performed by either a general physician or a urologist. Once the initial assessment has been made, most patients will be scheduled for a semen analysis. By far the most common tool in diagnosing male infertility, the semen analysis procedure is quite straightforward. It’s a non-invasive procedure that involves collecting a semen sample for testing. Sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and semen volume and quality will all be analyzed. The results from a semen analysis are crucial in helping identify potential fertility issues.

Hormone testing is another common tool for diagnosing fertility issues in men. A simple blood test can detect hormone imbalances that could be contributing to infertility and help guide future treatment options. Another non-invasive procedure in male infertility testing is the use of imaging studies. Ultrasound imaging, MRIs and CT scans can all be used to detect blockages in the reproductive tract or structural defects in the reproductive organs.

Genetic testing may also be advised to help identify any underlying health conditions affecting male fertility.

Infertility testing is crucial for couples interested in pursuing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Both male and female fertility testing is one of the first steps to IVF. Once male infertility has been diagnosed, a urologist or reproductive endocrinologist will guide you through the process, presenting various treatment options, plans, and courses of action to begin your IVF journey.

Treatment Options for Male Infertility

Treatment options for male infertility will depend on the results of your initial examination. The V Fertility Center in Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the country’s leading fertility clinics. Offering comprehensive fertility assessments for both males and females, the V Fertility Center has many treatment options available for couples struggling to conceive.

Surgical sperm retrieval is a minimally invasive procedure performed when traditional semen collection methods are not possible. Reasons for surgical sperm retrieval include low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or a condition called azoospermia (when sperm is not present in the ejaculate.) The procedure consists of extracting sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis. It is typically an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day. It is recommended that sperm retrieval aligns with your partner’s egg retrieval to ensure that fresh sperm is used for fertilization. Renowned for its expertise in surgical sperm retrieval, The V Fertility Center is here to support, guide, and tailor your IVF journey.

Book Your Appointment Today

Offering a comprehensive range of IVF treatments in Bangkok, the V Fertility Center wants to make starting a family as stress-free as possible. We understand that IFV is an emotional process, and we are here to support you every step of the way. If you are struggling to conceive, book an appointment with one of our compassionate and highly skilled specialists and get your male infertility check-up today.

Article by Dr. Worawat Siripoon