Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a laboratory procedure which helps infertile couples undergoing IVF in cases of severe male factor infertility. There is now an alternative to this standard ICSI procedure known as the PICSI procedure. Through PICSI an embryologist can determine sperm selection in the same manner as it happens inside the human body.
It is defined as the amount of damage seen in the sperm DNA. i.e. the amount of abnormal genetic material present within the sperm cell, which in turn may be a reason for male subfertility, IVF failure and miscarriage. One must consider the impact of DNA damage on the sperm because half of the DNA in the offspring comes from the father’s side.
IVF with donor sperm is an option used when the male partner is medically unable to produce sperm, or has suboptimal semen parameters, or when there is a genetic problem that could be inherited from the male.
A man may have physiological or anatomical condition that prevents the passage of sperm in the ejaculate. In this condition the sperms can be retrieved surgically from the epididymis or the testicular tissue.
Male infertility is a growing concern that affects a significant percentage of couples who are trying to conceive. This condition refers to the inability of a man to father a child due to various reasons such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm shape, and hormonal imbalances. In many cases, male infertility causes remain unknown, but with the help of a specialist and advanced medical treatments, many couples are able to overcome this challenge and achieve their dream of having a child.
Male infertility refers to the inability of a man to cause a pregnancy in a woman despite having regular unprotected sexual intercourse. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and more.
Some Common Male Infertility Causes
Male infertility is a common problem that affects a significant percentage of couples trying to conceive. There are several factors that provide an answer to what causes male infertility, including
It is important to note that infertility can have multiple causes and may involve both partners. A comprehensive evaluation by a reproductive specialist can help determine the specific cause of male infertility and develop an appropriate infertility treatment plan.
Let’s now move to the probate symptoms!
While there may not be any obvious symptoms of male infertility, there are some signs that can indicate a problem. Some of the most common symptoms of male infertility include
1. Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection: Erectile dysfunction, or difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, can be a sign of male infertility. This can be due to a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, nerve damage, or the use of certain medications.
2. Pain or swelling in the testicles: Pain or swelling in the testicles can be a sign of a medical condition, such as an infection or injury, that can affect fertility.
3. Small or soft testicles: Small or soft testicles can indicate a problem with sperm production and can be a sign of male infertility.
4. Decreased libido: Decreased libido, or decreased interest in sex, can be a sign of hormonal imbalances or other medical conditions that can affect fertility.
5. Decreased volume of semen: Decreased volume of semen, or the fluid that is released during ejaculation, can be a sign of male infertility. This can be due to a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, or medical conditions such as retrograde ejaculation.
6. Abnormal sperm shape or motility: Abnormal sperm shape or motility can indicate a problem with sperm production and can be a sign of male infertility.
It is important to note that not all men with these symptoms will have infertility, and some men with infertility may not have any noticeable symptoms. If you are trying to conceive and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and determine the best course of action. A comprehensive evaluation by a reproductive specialist can help determine the specific cause of male infertility and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
However, there’s nothing to worry about, as with the advancement in technology, the treatment procedures have become efficient enough to allow the possibility of parenting to even those who had once lost all hope.
Male infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with sperm production or function, problems with the anatomy or structure of the reproductive system, hormonal imbalances, and underlying health conditions. Some common causes of male infertility include varicocele, a condition in which the veins in the testicles become enlarged and interfere with sperm production; infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea; genetic factors such as Klinefelter syndrome; exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides or heavy metals; and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, or excessive stress. In some cases, infertility may also be caused by medications or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of male infertility are crucial in order to improve the chances of successful conception.
There are several types of male infertility that can affect a man's ability to conceive with a female partner. The most common type is oligospermia, which is characterized by a low sperm count. Men with this condition may produce fewer sperm than normal, or their sperm may be of poor quality. Azoospermia is another type of male infertility that occurs when there is no sperm present in the semen. This can be caused by a blockage in the reproductive system or by a problem with sperm production. Asthenospermia is a type of male infertility that occurs when the sperm are not motile, or able to swim properly. Teratospermia is a condition in which the sperm are abnormally shaped, which can also affect their ability to fertilize an egg. Other types of male infertility include retrograde ejaculation, in which semen is ejaculated into the bladder instead of out of the penis, and hypogonadism, which is a hormonal disorder that affects sperm production. Treatment options for male infertility depend on the underlying cause of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, medication, or assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization.
PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a technique used in assisted reproductive technology to select the highest-quality sperm for use in in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. PICSI uses a special dish coated with hyaluronic acid to mimic the natural environment of the egg, allowing the best sperm to be identified based on its ability to bind to the dish.
Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to the breaking of DNA strands in sperm cells, which can impact the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy. In the context of infertility treatment, sperm DNA fragmentation is used to assess the quality of sperm and the likelihood of successful conception. High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation can indicate poor sperm quality and may contribute to infertility, whereas low levels may indicate healthier sperm and a better chance of success with fertility treatments. Treatment options for infertility caused by high sperm DNA fragmentation may include intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or the use of assisted reproductive technologies.
IVF with Donor Sperm is a treatment option for couples struggling with male infertility. In this procedure, sperm from a donor is used to fertilize an egg obtained from the female partner, with the resulting embryo being transferred to the uterus. This treatment is often chosen by couples who have a genetic disease that they do not want to pass on to their child.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval is a technique used to treat male infertility, where sperm is collected directly from the testicles or epididymis through a surgical procedure. This technique is typically used when a man has a low sperm count, blockages in the reproductive tract, or has had a vasectomy. There are several surgical sperm retrieval techniques including TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration), PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration), and TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction).
In TESA, a needle is inserted through the scrotum to aspirate fluid and small fragments of tissue, which are then examined under a microscope for the presence of sperm. PESA is a similar technique, where a needle is used to aspirate fluid from the epididymis, the duct that carries sperm from the testicle to the urethra. TESE is a more invasive procedure, where a small tissue sample is removed from the testicle and examined for the presence of sperm.
The collected sperm can then be used in various assisted reproductive technologies, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, or in vitro fertilization (IVF), where sperm are combined with eggs in a laboratory dish. The success rate of surgical sperm retrieval and subsequent use of the sperm in assisted reproductive technology
Medicover Fertility is the one-stop solution to all your infertility issues. Our state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled team of specialists are dedicated to helping couples achieve their dream of having a child. We offer a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans, using advanced medical treatments to overcome infertility. With a high success rate and a commitment to providing excellent patient care, Medicover Fertility is the best choice for couples facing infertility.
Infertility can be a challenging and emotional experience for couples, but with the help of a specialist and advanced medical treatments, many couples are able to overcome this challenge and achieve their dream of having a child. If you or your partner is facing infertility, don't hesitate to seek the help of a reproductive specialist. With Medicover Fertility, you can be assured of receiving the best possible care and a high chance of success in overcoming infertility.
