Male Infertility Specialist

What are the causes of male infertility?

Male fertility issues most often center on sperm production. Some of the most common problems that occur involve sperm that:

• Has poor mobility
• Is oddly shaped
• Cannot grow to full maturity
• Is low in count
• Is completely absent

Some men are born with conditions that adversely affect sperm production. Others encounter problems based on lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and even the use of certain medications.

Another cause of male infertility include varicoceles, which are swollen veins present in the scrotum that block the drainage of blood. Some men experience retrograde ejaculation, where semen travels back into the bladder. Even your immune system can mistakenly attack your sperm, leading to infertility.

How is male infertility diagnosed?

Your doctor at Midtown Urology Associates has several diagnostic tools that can help determine the source of infertility. The process begins with a thorough physical exam and health history, which helps your doctor determine which screenings are necessary.

A semen analysis is the next step and provides an overview of the quantity and quality of your sperm. Your sample shows your sperm volume, concentration, motility, structure, and count.

A transrectal ultrasound is another diagnostic tool and uses sound waves to gain an image of your ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles to check for blockage. A testicular biopsy can also help collect information about your reproductive health.

How is male infertility treated?

Treatment options vary based on the causes of infertility. Some conditions can be addressed through a single treatment, while others require a combination of treatment options.

Some conditions can be treated with prescription medication, while Hormone replacement is another option well-tolerated by many men.

Another approach involves minimally invasive surgical procedures to address things like ejaculatory duct blockage and epididymal blocks, which are blocks in the tube that connects the testicle to the rest of your reproductive system.

If these treatments are ineffective, the next step for many couples is to try assisted reproductive techniques. These procedures use various methods of delivering sperm to an egg to achieve fertilization.

If you’re ready to be a father but are experiencing difficulties with fertility, schedule an appointment with Midtown Urology Associates at your earliest convenience.