Infertility can be reversible. Your doctor is then your ally. He can help you choose one or more specialist doctors. You will be offered a progressive therapeutic response according to the degree of severity. They are starting by eliminating the causes that can easily be eliminated (sources of heat, excessive consumption of alcohol, psychotropic drugs, etc.). Once these causes are ruled out, if the results do not improve, tests should be undertaken to precisely determine the cause of the infertility and begin the appropriate male infertility treatment.
Male infertility: the tests
At this point, it is a question of identifying where the problem comes from to better respond to it. Different tests may be prescribed:
- A sperm analysis or spermogram is to be done in a laboratory preferably (quality, quantity, consistency, mobility, morphology, etc. are tested), to detect sperm abnormalities.
- A hormonal test, which is done in a laboratory for example, using a blood sample (vehicle of hormones including FSH and testosterone ), to check whether the cause is hormonal or not.
- A urological examination (analysis of the size of the testicles, prostate, and seminal vesicles by checking the scrotum and rectum).
- A testicular biopsy (surgical puncture of testicular tissue followed by examination under a microscope), to identify the presence or absence of sperm.
- An infectious report for both members of the couple.
Male infertility: solutions
Depending on the results of these examinations, therapeutic solutions may exist. These may involve hormonal treatments or antibiotics (to combat infections of the urogenital system). Surgical corrections are proposed in the event of anatomical problems: obstruction of spermatic ducts or rupture of segments.
When treatments are insufficient or repairs are impossible, medically assisted procreation ( MAP ) is considered.
Three MAP techniques exist:
- Artificial insemination. Sperm from the partner or an anonymous donor is placed in the woman’s uterus by a fertility specialist, without hospitalization.
- IVF ( in vitro fertilization ). This time, fertilization takes place in the laboratory, to maximize the chances of success. After sperm and oocytes are collected, a selection is made and sperm are put in contact with the oocytes. Once the embryo has developed, it is reinjected into the uterus. Other types of IVF exist. In particular, IVF with iui treatment, in the most problematic cases of male infertility, where only one chosen sperm is injected into each egg.
- The reception of an embryo from a donor couple, in the uterus of the woman of the couple called the recipient, in the event of infertility of both members of the couple or risk of transmission of a genetic disease to the child.
What if you asked for a second opinion?
In the twists and turns of all these examinations and treatments, it is sometimes difficult to find your way around. The process can be winding and painful for a couple.
If you have any remaining questions or need new insight into one or more elements of your medical file, you can ask for a second opinion. This second opinion can allow you to approach the upcoming therapeutic journey with more confidence, to communicate better with your spouse, and thus to be more involved together in the therapeutic solution and therefore to be less subject to it.
