Male Infertility: Diagnosis & Treatment | Vijaya Karnataka | Dr. Sunil Eshwar | Aster RV

Summary

This video script delves into male infertility, emphasizing sperm analysis as a key diagnostic tool. It explains various sperm parameters like count, motility, and morphology, detailing conditions such as asthenozoospermia, oligospermia, and teratozoospermia. The speaker highlights how male infertility contributes to fertility issues in couples, with both partners sharing responsibility. Treatment options, including lifestyle changes (stress reduction, diet, quitting smoking), medical tests, and hormonal assessments, are discussed. The goal is to achieve pregnancy, with a strong focus on the importance of persistence in treatment and improvement in sperm quality for successful conception.

Takeaways

• 😀 Male infertility accounts for 50% of infertility cases, and both male and female factors can contribute to infertility.
• 😀 A semen analysis is a crucial diagnostic test for male infertility, assessing sperm count, motility, and morphology.
• 😀 If semen analysis results show abnormalities, further testing and treatment options can be considered.
• 😀 Male infertility can be caused by lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and excessive heat exposure.
• 😀 Lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, drinking more water, and quitting smoking and alcohol, can improve sperm health.
• 😀 A minimum of 6-8 weeks of lifestyle changes is recommended before repeating semen analysis to assess improvement.
• 😀 Additional blood tests for hormones (e.g., testosterone, inhibin), blood sugar, and liver function may be required to diagnose underlying health issues affecting fertility.
• 😀 Varicoceles or low blood flow in the testes can impact sperm production, and an ultrasound may be recommended to diagnose these issues.
• 😀 Treatment for male infertility varies depending on the specific problem diagnosed, with options ranging from lifestyle changes to medical or antioxidant treatments.
• 😀 The ultimate goal of infertility treatment is pregnancy, and with proper treatment, lifestyle changes, and time, many men can improve their fertility outcomes.
• 😀 Avoiding excessive heat exposure, such as from laptops and mobile phones, is important for preserving sperm health and preventing damage to the testes.

Q & A

What is male infertility, and why is it important to address it?

Male infertility refers to problems related to a man's ability to produce healthy sperm or maintain sufficient sperm count and motility for successful fertilization. It is essential to address because infertility is not only caused by female factors; about 50% of infertility cases are due to male factors.

What is a semen analysis, and what parameters does it test?

A semen analysis is a test used to evaluate sperm health. It checks several parameters, including sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape), to determine if any abnormalities exist that could contribute to infertility.

How does sperm motility affect male fertility?

Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to swim effectively. Low motility can hinder the sperm's ability to reach and fertilize the egg, making conception difficult. This condition is often diagnosed as asthenozoospermia.

What happens if sperm count is low?

A low sperm count, diagnosed as oligozoospermia, means that the man has fewer sperm available to fertilize the egg. This can reduce the chances of conception and may require medical intervention to treat.

How is male infertility diagnosed and treated?

Male infertility is diagnosed through semen analysis and other tests such as blood tests for hormone levels, and ultrasounds to check for structural abnormalities. Treatments depend on the diagnosis and may include lifestyle changes, medications, or even assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

What lifestyle changes can improve sperm health?

Lifestyle changes that can improve sperm health include reducing stress, staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, quitting smoking and alcohol, and avoiding excessive heat exposure. A healthier lifestyle can lead to improvements in sperm count and motility.

What are some common causes of male infertility?

Common causes of male infertility include hormonal imbalances, poor sperm production due to health conditions like diabetes, liver issues, or thyroid dysfunction, and environmental factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or exposure to high temperatures.

How long does it take for treatment to show improvements in male fertility?

It generally takes between 6 to 8 weeks of treatment to notice improvements in sperm health. This is because sperm production takes around 60 to 120 days. Repeat semen analysis after this period can help assess progress.

How does stress affect male fertility?

Stress can negatively impact male fertility by interfering with hormone production and sperm count. It is essential to manage stress to improve reproductive health.

What is the ultimate goal of male infertility treatment?

The ultimate goal of male infertility treatment is pregnancy. Through a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and in some cases, assisted reproductive technologies, most men can improve their fertility and increase their chances of conception.