Our fertility specialists have carried out comprehensive research on male infertility. The results obtained confirmed what a lot of fertility experts have been suspecting for a long time now: a sudden increase in the levels of male infertility.
But why is infertility in men increasing? And what can be done about it? Below, we’ve analyzed the factors leading to infertility and possible treatments for it, in light of current research.
What Are The Key Findings Of The Semen Quality Research?
According to various scientific studies, the percentage of men that are at risk of being infertile, and thus may need fertility treatments, has substantially increased in the past 15 years. Statistically, the proportion has moved from 12.4% of men in 2004 to 22.8% in 2019. This sudden increase represents a troubling development in male infertility.
A study was conducted to evaluate semen analyses of more than 100000 men. The participants were all men who had been treated in fertility clinics all across the world over a long time. The scientists examined the Total Mobile Sperm Count (TMSC) for each man. TMSC is one of the most significant factors in determining fertility levels.
Based on TMSC (total mobile sperm count) the results were divided into three groups:
- More than 15 million sperm/milliliter – men in this group don’t usually need fertility treatment.
- Between 5 and 15 million sperm/milliliter – those in this group need a simple assisted fertility treatment, i.e., artificial insemination.
- Below 5 million sperm/milliliter – these men need assisted fertility treatments, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to achieve pregnancy.
How have we used this research to help intended couples and individuals?
Increased research efforts have resulted in technological advances in male infertility treatments. Our team takes extreme care to ensure that they stay informed about the newest reproductive technologies and techniques. By doing so, we’ve been able to handle severe fertility cases and help many people achieve their dream of having their own family.
What has caused male fertility to decline?
Despite a lot of research on this subject, scientists and doctors are yet to discover the exact reason for a decline in male fertility. However, some people assume that lifestyle factors and environmental changes are responsible for the reduction in sperm mobility and, consequently, male fertility.
Studies have suggested that harmful environmental exposure and lifestyle choices can affect sperm quality. What we don’t know yet is how adverse these factors can be. Since causes of male infertility are based on mere speculation, there’s an increasing demand for a better and more accurate study of these factors that adversely affect sperm quality.
Moreover, staying away from harmful substances, such as alcohol and cigarettes, can help reduce infertility risks. Cell phone radiation is also a possible factor, as is the increase in the consumption of unhealthy foods. It’s highly likely that these factors, either on there own or through a combined effort, have stimulated a decrease in sperm count over the years.
How should men check their fertility levels?
While there are sperm testing kits that you can use at home, they only provide a general picture of the sperm quality. They don’t usually offer any information about sperm motility, which is the most crucial factor in determining male fertility. So, visiting your local fertility clinic is the best thing to do. Professional medical equipment and high-end tests conducted by qualified experts will give you a much clearer picture of your condition. Additionally, your local fertility clinic will analyze your sperm sample and give precise statistical values. These statistics can help you decide the best course of action.
At the fertility clinic, a sample of your semen will be collected and analyzed, and you’ll receive the results within seven days. If your results are not normal, then doctors will advise you on what steps you can take.
What treatments are available for male infertility?
Not only do we help identify the problem at our fertility center, but we also provide an ideal solution. The right treatment for you depends on the severity of your condition. Below are some treatment options available for male infertility patients.
Artificial Insemination (IUI)
IUI is the most minimally invasive fertility treatment. In this treatment, doctors place a fully prepared sperm close to the egg in the womb when ovulation is occurring. Doctors may also prescribe fertility medications to help induce ovulation and improve the chances of success. One important thing during this treatment is the timing of insemination. This is because the lifespan of sperm and the length of an ovulation cycle are both extremely short, so the treatment has to be timed perfectly. We recommend Artificial insemination to those patients with poor sperm mobility or very low sperm count.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is the process in which eggs are harvested from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized in a lab culture dish. It also includes egg retrieval, ovarian stimulation, and embryo/egg freezing.
In vitro fertilization, unlike IUI, involves other steps, such as egg retrieval, embryo creation, and embryo transfer. We recommend IVF to those if you have low sperm counts or sperm cannot pass through or survive in the vaginal mucus.
who have low sperm counts, sperm cannot pass through or survive in the vaginal mucus.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is carried out during in vitro fertilization. Doctors inject a spermatozoon (sperm cell) into the egg cytoplasm. This lowers the reliance on the motility and strength of the sperm. The most successful male fertility treatment is ICSI. Approximately 1 out of every 2 IVF treatments is ICSI. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection raises the odds of achieving pregnancy as it helps maximize the chance of fertilization by getting rid of any issues that have to do with the sperm’s ability to get to the egg.
Research has indicated that 1 out of every five men stands a risk of infertility and needs fertility treatments. If you or your significant other is battling with infertility, then you need to know that you are not alone. To find more useful information about the available treatment options, visit our website or call us to schedule a consultation.
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