Male Infertility is a growing concern for a lot of couples who try to conceive. While overlooked, men play a very crucial role in reproduction. In this scenario, a Urologist can address Male Infertility.
Get To Know About Male Infertility
Male Infertility indicates that a man has difficulty producing healthy sperm. It leads to challenges in conceiving a child with a partner. Infertility stems from a lot of different factors, including lifestyle choices, medical conditions and other environmental influences. According to estimations, about 15% of couples face infertility issues. In about half of these cases, the male partner plays a role.
When To Use A Urologist?
Here is a list of some signs that indicate you should visit a Urologist:
Low Sperm Count
If a semen test shows lower than 15 million sperm per milliliter than that indicates a lower sperm count.
Abnormal Sperm Movement/Shape
If the sperm misshapes and does not move well, it can affect fertility.
Hormonal Imbalance
Having lower testosterone or other hormone issues also affects how much sperm gets produced.
Medical History
If you have had surgeries, injuries or infections then that can affect the reproductive organs. This calls for a good time to see a specialist.
Common Causes Of Male Infertility
If you know what causes Male Infertility then you will get help in finding the right treatment. Here is a list of some common reasons:
Medical Conditions
If you have medical conditions like infections, varicocele, and hormonal imbalances then that could contribute to you facing Male Infertility. There are also Genetic disorders which lead to low sperm production and other fertility issues.
Lifestyle Factors
Actively having a habit of smoking or excessive use of alcohol and drug use also contributes to Male Infertility. Another lifestyle factor which leads to the condition is taking too much stress.
Being overweight also leads to hormonal imbalances and that again affects infertility.
Environmental Factors
Regular use of saunas and bathing in hot water reduces sperm production in males. Additionally, exposure to harmful chemicals like heavy metals and pesticides also affects fertility.
Process Of Diagnosing Male Infertility
Here is a list of steps how Urologists check for Male Infertility:
Conducting Of Evaluation
During your first appointment with a Urologist they will ask about your medical history. They will want to know about your health conditions, lifestyle and any past surgeries. They might also conduct a physical exam, including that of checking your prostate and testicles.
Preparing Tests
In order to understand your fertility better, the Urologist might suggest:
- Semen Analysis
This test checks for quality, number and system or movement.
- Hormone Tests
Blood tests have the capacity of checking hormone levels which affect production of sperm.
- Genetic Testing
If you have any concerns about genetics then this testing provides you with insights.
- Imaging Studies
Imaging tests and Ultrasounds help in spotting physical problems like Varicocele.
Options For Treatment
Post-evaluation the Urologist is going to discuss treatment options based on what they find. Here is a list of some of the more common treatments for Male Infertility:
- Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes, changing lifestyle improves fertility. This includes quitting bad habits like smoking and excessive alcohol/drug use. It also involves managing stress through counseling and relaxation techniques.
- Medications
If there are any infections or hormonal imbalances, then medications might be prescribed. For instance, if infections are present then Antibiotics can improve them.
If the hormone levels are low then treatments can help in boosting the sperm production.
- Surgery
In some situations, surgery also might be needed. A few common procedures include – Obstruction repair and Varicocele repair.
- Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)
If the other treatments do not work then Assisted Reproductive Technologies are an option. They include IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) and IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).
Some Useful Tips To Follow
The treatment process can be really emotional and challenging. Here’s what you can expect during the treatment:
- Stress
Dealing with infertility itself is very stressful. Make sure that you have support from your friends and loved ones during the whole procedure. You can also join support groups which have people undergoing the same situation as you. Talking and discussing with them will help you relieve stress.
- Regular Follow-Up
You might need several appointments to check progress and adjust treatment as needed. Be prepared for that from beforehand.
- Have An Open Communication
When talking with your Urologist about any side effects or concerns remember to have an open and just communication.
In Conclusion,
Urologists play a very important role in diagnosing and treating of male infertility. If you experience any trouble in conceiving, then immediately seek help. With the right diagnosis and treatment, many men can improve their chances of starting a family. Always remember that you are not alone in this journey and support is always available.
Consider the services of Dr. Nilanjan Mitra if you are looking for an experienced Urologist in Kolkata! To get more information on his offered treatment options visit our official site today!