Medical Treatment Options for Male Infertility
The Treatment of Male Infertiity
Male Infertility of subfertility can be a factor in 50% or more of all couple infertility issues but as most asisted reproductive technologies such as IVF, IUI, Clomid and other hormonal therapies are directed towards women – there are very few western medical options remaining for men. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine may be an alternative for men who are having fertility issues and have run out of options with regards to biomedical treatment.
Medical Testing For Male Reproductive Disorders
Many medical doctors recommend couples who are having difficulty conceiving over a 1 year period to undergo fertility testing. For men this involves several exams including a physical, blood, semen analysis as well as a full medical and family medical history, see below:
The Diagnosis
• In any fertility consultation both the man and woman are tested if conception fails to occur after twelve months of unprotected sexual intercourse.
• A consultation may not only uncover the root causes of infertility but also detect other potentially serious medical problems such as cancer, diabetes or DNA mutations.
The Taking of a Fertility History
• Your Doctor must be provided with any medical or sexual factors which may be a barrier to conception and healthy pregnancy, these are:
• Your sexual history: Including any sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)
• Frequency of unprotected sexual intercourse
• Your family history of fertility issues (if applicable)
• Timing of unprotected sexual intercourse
• Febrile illness or developmental illnesses as a child
• Any chronic or serious illness or surgeries
• Any long term exposure to chemicals or toxins in the workplace
The Physical Exam
Usually a fertility specialist such as a urologist will perform the physical examination. This exam is useful for detecting any structural abnormalities which may be interfering with the normal flow of blood or sperm in the male genital region. This includes checking for:
• Varicoceles – abnormally large veins in the scrotal region
• Testicle size – small and soft testicles may indicate low sperm count
• Scrotal thermography – checking for abnormal scrotal temperature
• Abnormalities in the prostate gland
• Penile warts, hypospadias and any abnormal discharge
Blood Tests
Blood testing may be used to measure several important factors in male fertility such as:
• Blood tests for testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are usually taken initially.
• Male hormone levels. Tests for certain hormone levels are indicated if sperm concentration is less than 10 million per milliliter.
• If testosterone levels are low, then luteinizing hormone (LH) is measured.
• Infections, which may affect fertility such as HIV, hepatitis, Chlamydia and Herpes Simplex type 2.?
Sperm Penetration Tests
The sperm penetration or Cervical Mucus Penetration Test is designed to evaluate the effect of a woman's cervical mucus on her partner's sperm. Usually a woman would be asked to visit her GP's office within 24 hours after having unprotected sexual intercourse (preferably mid-cycle during the ovulation phase).
A sample of the woman's cervical mucus will then be examined under the microscope for any surviving sperm – if no sperm are found the cervical mucus is then cultured and tested for the presence of infection.
The micro-penetration assay test checks to see if sperm can penetrate hamster eggs that have had their covering removed. If fewer than 20% of the eggs are penetrated, infertility is diagnosed.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing may be required for men who are abnormally deficient in sperm volume without any evidence of obstruction. Genetic testing can help to identify any DNA fragmentation, chromosomal defects or any genetic diseases which may be passed on to children.
Semen Analysis
This is the basic test to evaluate a man's fertility levels; semen analysis can provide detailed information on the following:
• Amount of semen produced (volume)
• Number of sperm per milliliter of semen (concentration)
• Total number of sperm in the sample (count)
• Percentage of moving sperm (motility)
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Blue Heron Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Galway: Ireland
Male Infertility of subfertility can be a factor in 50% or more of all couple infertility issues but as most asisted reproductive technologies such as IVF, IUI, Clomid and other hormonal therapies are directed towards women – there are very few western medical options remaining for men. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine may be an alternative for men who are having fertility issues and have run out of options with regards to biomedical treatment.
Medical Testing For Male Reproductive Disorders
Many medical doctors recommend couples who are having difficulty conceiving over a 1 year period to undergo fertility testing. For men this involves several exams including a physical, blood, semen analysis as well as a full medical and family medical history, see below:
The Diagnosis
• In any fertility consultation both the man and woman are tested if conception fails to occur after twelve months of unprotected sexual intercourse.
• A consultation may not only uncover the root causes of infertility but also detect other potentially serious medical problems such as cancer, diabetes or DNA mutations.
The Taking of a Fertility History
• Your Doctor must be provided with any medical or sexual factors which may be a barrier to conception and healthy pregnancy, these are:
• Your sexual history: Including any sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)
• Frequency of unprotected sexual intercourse
• Your family history of fertility issues (if applicable)
• Timing of unprotected sexual intercourse
• Febrile illness or developmental illnesses as a child
• Any chronic or serious illness or surgeries
• Any long term exposure to chemicals or toxins in the workplace
The Physical Exam
Usually a fertility specialist such as a urologist will perform the physical examination. This exam is useful for detecting any structural abnormalities which may be interfering with the normal flow of blood or sperm in the male genital region. This includes checking for:
• Varicoceles – abnormally large veins in the scrotal region
• Testicle size – small and soft testicles may indicate low sperm count
• Scrotal thermography – checking for abnormal scrotal temperature
• Abnormalities in the prostate gland
• Penile warts, hypospadias and any abnormal discharge
Blood Tests
Blood testing may be used to measure several important factors in male fertility such as:
• Blood tests for testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are usually taken initially.
• Male hormone levels. Tests for certain hormone levels are indicated if sperm concentration is less than 10 million per milliliter.
• If testosterone levels are low, then luteinizing hormone (LH) is measured.
• Infections, which may affect fertility such as HIV, hepatitis, Chlamydia and Herpes Simplex type 2.?
Sperm Penetration Tests
The sperm penetration or Cervical Mucus Penetration Test is designed to evaluate the effect of a woman's cervical mucus on her partner's sperm. Usually a woman would be asked to visit her GP's office within 24 hours after having unprotected sexual intercourse (preferably mid-cycle during the ovulation phase).
A sample of the woman's cervical mucus will then be examined under the microscope for any surviving sperm – if no sperm are found the cervical mucus is then cultured and tested for the presence of infection.
The micro-penetration assay test checks to see if sperm can penetrate hamster eggs that have had their covering removed. If fewer than 20% of the eggs are penetrated, infertility is diagnosed.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing may be required for men who are abnormally deficient in sperm volume without any evidence of obstruction. Genetic testing can help to identify any DNA fragmentation, chromosomal defects or any genetic diseases which may be passed on to children.
Semen Analysis
This is the basic test to evaluate a man's fertility levels; semen analysis can provide detailed information on the following:
• Amount of semen produced (volume)
• Number of sperm per milliliter of semen (concentration)
• Total number of sperm in the sample (count)
• Percentage of moving sperm (motility)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Blue Heron Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Galway: Ireland
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