Male infertility accounts for 40% of all cases of infertility in couples

In couples who are having problems conceiving, approximately 40% of the time the etiology is related to the male partner. In another 20% of cases a combination of both male and female factors are responsible. It is now possible to achieve pregnancies with sperm from men with even the most severe forms of male infertility. Because of these facts the physicians at Nashville Fertility Center believe that it is important to fully assess the male partner as part of the complete evaluation of the couple. At your initial consultation a complete history and review of your previous evaluation will be performed. Recommendations for additional testing and treatment will then be presented.

Some or all of the following tests may be performed: Semen Analysis, Sperm Penetration Assay, Antisperm Antibody Assay, Semen Culture, Genetic Karyotype, and Y Chromosome Microdeletion study. Hormone studies such as Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Lutenizing Hormone (LH), Prolactin, and Testosterone may also be performed. Based on these findings we may recommend that you see the Urologist for consultation to determine if you have any anatomic abnormalities such as a varicocele that might be causing problems with conceiving. We also want to determine if there are any other medical or genetic problems that might be significant for you or your child’s health.

Some of the Treatment Options for Male Infertility are IUI, IVF and ICSI

Treatment options will depend on the results of these studies and may include Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and/or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Even if the semen analysis shows no sperm (azospermia), there may be options for retrieving sperm by microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE). As you can see, it is very important that we evaluate both partners to determine the factors that may be contributing to your infertility. Please feel free to ask your physician any questions that you may have after recommendations have been made. Our goal is to educate you and your partner about the options available for treatment and to determine the best course of action to help you conceive in the most cost efficient way possible.