Male Infertility

Male infertility is a common reproductive problem with up to 1 out of 3 infertility cases linked partly to issues with the male.

There are a number of tests available to help confirm the diagnosis and advances in medical technology mean it’s now possible to treat the condition.

Causes of male infertility:

Male fertility may be impaired by a number of factors;

• Sperm production: The quality and quantity of sperm
• Varicoceles: a condition characterised by swelling of the veins that supply the testicle
• Backward ejaculation of the sperm
• Blockage of the sperm carrying ducts
• Development of sperm antibodies (auto-immune disorder)
• Hormonal/stress problems
• Infections/tumours of the male reproductive system
• Genetics (chromosomal disorders)
• Sexual problems
• Use of certain medications such as steroids
• Excessive radiation exposure affects the sperm production
• Work related causes (example: laptop use elevates the temperature of the testes leading to low sperm production)
• Smoking and alcohol abuse

Diagnosis:

Dr. Ong will diagnose male infertility based on the following investigations:

• Medical history
• Complete physical examination
• Semen analysis: involving a lab test on provided sample
• Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate: to detect any obstruction of the ducts transporting sperm
• Scrotal ultrasound: to diagnose abnormalities of the scrotum or testicles
• Testicular biopsy: A small piece of tissue is evaluated under the microscope to help determine the cause of infertility
• Anti-sperm antibody tests tracing antibodies that attack sperm

Treatment:

• Surgery: in cases of varicocele and obstruction of the sperm duct to improve sperm motion
• Medications/Antibiotics: for infections of the reproductive system
• Treatment for sexual problems: Counseling about sex and relationships can help boost fertility levels
• Male hormone replacement therapy may be used to treat hormonal deficiency
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART): revolutionary treatment procedures including in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
• Lifestyle modification: changing habits such as not smoking, limiting alcohol intake and reducing stress