Impaired fecundity, male infertility, low sperm – have been a serious concern for ages. Even with technological advancements, they are still a considerable clinical problem today. However, with much research and tedious calculations, the medical world offers a few male infertility treatments.
Broadly, there are two categories when it comes to these treatments:
- Surgical
- Non-surgical
In this article, let’s learn more about them.
Surgical treatment for male infertility:
- Varicocelectomy:
It entails the enlargement of veins inside the scrotum (varicocele). A malfunction of the scrotum may impair fertility. This treatment is a minor outpatient surgery. It is performed to repair bloated scrotal veins. It is noticed that repairing these dilated veins promotes sperm movement, structure, and concentration.
- Vasectomy Reversal (vasovasostomy):
This treatment is advised when the tubes within the male reproductive system which transport sperm are blocked or injured. The treatment prevents a preceding vasectomy by reconnection of the two ends of vas deferens. It creates a passage for the sperm to pass through during ejaculation.
- Epididymovasostomy:
It is essentially a microsurgical procedure that is performed to mend a blockage found in the epididymis. The blockage or barrier may be present if the man has had a vasectomy. Previous infections or injuries could also cause the blockage. Many times, if the individual is a carrier of a cystic fibrosis gene, it could also lead to barriers in the epididymis.
Non-surgical treatments for male infertility:
- Medications and hormone therapy for male infertility:
When a man’s infertility is caused by hormone imbalances, then doctors may treat it with medications. Similarly, erectile dysfunction or an untreated infection can also lead to infertility. This too can be treated with proper medication.
- Sperm Harvesting:
This treatment is advised for men who have significantly low sperm count or who cannot ejaculate. It also helps men with azoospermia (Men who don’t have sperm in their semen). There are several methods that are used for sperm harvesting, some of them are:
- Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA)
- Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA)
- Testicular sperm aspiration (TESA)
- Testicular sperm extraction (TESE)
- Electroejaculation Therapy (EEJ):
This is a non-invasive, safe, as well as effective method to get motile sperm suitable for assisted reproductive techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). EEJ male infertility treatment is generally advised for individuals who produce sperm normally but cannot ejaculate.
EEJ is performed under local anaesthesia and on an outpatient basis. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the procedure.
When surgical and medical treatments cannot achieve the desired results, treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are highly effective options. However, before you zero down on a treatment, it is crucial to consult a doctor and know the pros and cons of these treatments concerning your current health status. This will help you make an informed decision.
Some of the best IVF centres in Delhi offer most of the mentioned male fertility treatments. Check which centre is closest to your home.