Additional male examinations include
Hormonal examination – infertile men show hormonal deviations more frequently, but these are not always present. Hormonal examination can be restricted to measuring levels of only certain types of hormones, for example – FSH, LH and testosterone.
Microbiological examination of urine and ejaculate and examination for sexually transmitted diseases.
Genetic examination. Substantial part of male infertility problems, usually described as unclear, are genetic in nature. Many problems can be identified by analyzing family history and the patient´s caryotype. This not only solves diagnostic problems, but also allows proper genetic consultation, which is important, especially in connection with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). Infertility problems and possible genetic defects can potentially be transferred to the offspring.
Ultrasonography and other specialized examinations, based on indications by a urologist or an andrologist.
Treatment of Male Infertility
Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol, anabolic steroids or excessive sport activity, can sometimes be responsible for a decrease in sperm quality. Higher temperatures, such as frequent sauna visits or hot baths or just normal exposure to hot temperatures, also affect spermatogenesis. Taking substantial amounts of medication can also be a factor.
Medication (Hormonal) Treatment | To this day, no scientific study has shown that hormonal therapy, such as therapy with human menopausal gonadotrophin (HCG), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), androgens, antiestrogens (clomiphen, tamoxifen ), prolactin inhibitors (bromocriptine) and steroids, leads to better chances of conceiving for men with oligoasthenoteratospermia (general abnormality of the sperm) with unclear source. However, some primary endocrinologically based pathologies can be treated by medications.
Low testosterone levels can be an indication for testosterone therapy. Higher-than-normal testosterone levels can also negatively affect spermatogenesis. Corticosteroid therapy is sometimes used, but patients with spermatic antibodies are not treated this way because of the serious side effects and a lack of proven effectiveness.
Surgical Treatment
Varicocele | Successful surgical performance leads to an increase in sperm quality in 44% of tested men. MESA – The MESA method combined with ICSI is indicated in case of azoospermia (no sperm cells present in the ejaculate). If the MESA method does not prove successful in gathering sperm cells (spermatozoa) or a very small amount is gathered, a testicular sperm extraction (TESE) can be performed and the gathered sperm can be used for IVF – ICSI.
The Evolution of Male Infertility
Main Causes of Male Infertility
Additional male examinations include
Sexual Dysfunction