Male Factor Infertility And IVF

Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, and male factor infertility is a significant contributor to the overall prevalence. According to www.ncl.ac.uk infertility affects up to 7% of males, and the guy is responsible for 50% of reproductive issues in heterosexual couples. However, the advancements in assisted reproductive technology and fertility treatments have helped thousands of people suffering from infertility in Nepal and around the world. The advancement in ART, especially in the field of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) has been the hope and solution for the majority of males suffering from infertility. Today, we will explore how male infertility affects fertility rates and possible treatment options. 

1. Understanding Male-Factor Infertility:

Infertility generally refers to the inability of any person to produce offspring. Infertility affects both males and females, however, it was never thought to be caused by male factors. 

In a nutshell, male infertility generally refers to the inability of a man to impregnate his partner despite regular unprotected physical intercourse. This situation is mostly caused by factors including aberrant sperm production, sperm delivery obstruction, poor sperm production, anatomical abnormalities, concerns with the form, number, or activity level of sperm, and the man's age and/or lifestyle. Causes that contribute to male factor infertility are: 

i. Sperm Production and Quality:

Common problems include low sperm count (oligospermia), poor sperm motility (asthenospermia), and aberrant sperm morphology (teratospermia). Genetic abnormalities, hormone imbalances, testicular illnesses, and lifestyle variables such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and exposure to environmental contaminants can all affect these aspects.

ii. Obstructive Factors:

Often obstructive factors turn out to be the cause of infertility in men. Sperm transmission can be hampered by blockages or obstructions in the male reproductive canal, such as a vasectomy, congenital defects, or infections.

iii. Ejaculatory Dysfunction:

Ejaculation dysfunction is the inability of a man to effectively discharge sperm during sexual climax. Ejaculation dysfunction is classified into four categories: retrograde ejaculation, premature ejaculation, retarded ejaculation, and inability to ejaculate (anejaculation). Ejaculation abnormalities can be caused by a congenital defect or acquired dysfunctions such as sickness, accident, or bad medication responses. Delayed ejaculation, also known as delayed orgasm, occurs when a guy takes a long time and requires a great deal of stimulation to attain sexual climax and ejaculate, and in some situations, man does not ejaculate at all.

2. Impact of Male Factor Infertility:

Male infertility has been shown to have a substantial influence on a couple's capacity to conceive naturally. Understanding the root reasons is critical for designing successful treatment plans. Furthermore, male-factor infertility can cause mental and emotional distress, strained relationships, and a sense of inadequacy in men who are suffering from this problem.

3. Role of IVF in Male Factor Infertility:

With the advancement in fertility treatment options such as IVF has revolutionized the infertility treatment field. It has successfully helped thousands of couples around the globe and has been a source of hope, to say the least. Here are some major roles played by IVF in addressing male factor infertility. 

i. Poor Sperm Motility and Morphology:

Natural conception can be hampered by poor sperm motility (asthenospermia) or abnormal sperm morphology (teratospermia). ICSI allows embryologists in IVF to identify the healthiest and most motile sperm for conception. IVF, using ICSI raises the odds of successful fertilization despite low sperm motility or morphology by circumventing the natural selection process.

ii. Assisting Obstructive Factors:

Obstructions in the male reproductive tract, such as vas deferens obstructions, might hinder sperm transmission during ejaculation. In circumstances when there are impediments, surgical sperm retrieval procedures can be used in combination with IVF. Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) are procedures that collect sperm straight from the testicles or epididymis. These recovered sperm can subsequently be utilized to assist fertilization in IVF or ICSI.

iii. Overcoming Ejaculatory Factors:

Natural conception can be hampered by conditions such as retrograde ejaculation, in which semen is directed back into the bladder rather than being ejected. IVF can help by extracting sperm straight from the urine or bladder and using it for ICSI throughout the IVF process. This permits couples suffering from ejaculatory disorders to pursue conception through IVF.

iv. Genetic Screening:

Genetic disorders may be the underlying cause of male infertility in certain circumstances. IVF can help detect embryos with chromosomal or genetic problems before implantation by using pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT). IVF raises the odds of a healthy pregnancy and lowers the danger of passing on hereditary diseases to the offspring by choosing embryos free of genetic abnormalities.

v. Sperm Cryopreservation: 

IVF also includes sperm cryopreservation, which allows men to retain their sperm for future use. This is especially advantageous for men who are preparing to undertake medical procedures that may jeopardize their fertility, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Men can retain their reproductive potential by freezing and conserving sperm for eventual use in IVF.

5. Success Rates and Considerations:

While IVF has given families coping with male-factor infertility hope, it is critical to set realistic expectations. IVF success rates vary according to several factors, including the woman's age, the underlying reason for infertility, and the quality of sperm and eggs utilized. Couples must visit fertility professionals to examine their conditions and determine their chances of success. For people looking for IVF treatment that you can trust, Nepal IVF might be the ideal choice for you. Nepal IVF has been providing high-quality treatment with a team of highly professional fertility experts and the latest medical equipment. Nepal IVF is popular for providing affordable IVF treatment at just Rs 1.99 Lakhs. 

Male factor infertility is an important issue that affects couples all over the world. However, advances in assisted reproductive technologies, notably in vitro fertilization (IVF), provide hope and feasible treatments for couples with male infertility. Various procedures used in IVF, including ICSI, surgical sperm extraction, and sperm cryopreservation, can assist in overcoming unique obstacles related to male factor infertility. Couples can boost their chances of attaining their dream of children despite male infertility issues by seeking the advice of fertility professionals and investigating the options afforded by IVF.