Male Factor Infertility
In the US, infertility can be an isolating diagnosis that leaves women and couples feeling stigmatized and embarrassed. Worse still, the condition is often incorrectly categorized as a female issue despite statistics that contradict this assumption. According to research, men are the sole cause of a third of all infertility cases in heterosexual couples. Specifically for men, sperm production, mobility, and quality are the core factors that can create issues. Just as in women, testing and treatments are available to help couples who are facing roadblocks as a result of male infertility, who turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF). For some individuals, medications might be the solution to any underlying problems.
Infertility issues with sperm
Male factor infertility is often caused by sperm issues. The most common concerns include low sperm count, poor motility and subpar quality. Any of the 3 issues can make natural conception more difficult. However, before recommending treatments, a fertility specialist will recommend testing to identify the root cause. Providing a semen sample can test for motility and quantity. The simple specimen can also be used in a specific test, known as sperm DNA fragmentation, to determine whether quality is the issue.
Why quality matters
Sperm DNA fragmentation tests examine the sperm cells to review structural integrity. Low-quality sperm that feature fragmented or damaged DNA can complicate conception by either failing to implant an egg or creating embryos that can’t properly implant in the uterus or survive throughout pregnancy. Poor sperm quality has been linked with miscarriages, highlighting why testing for DNA fragmentation is critical.
DNA fragmentation tests
Also known as an integrity test, a semen sample is reviewed in a lab to determine if too many damaged sperm are present. Tests with 15% or less DNA fragmentation suggest a man’s sperm are healthy while results over 15% imply infertility that could result in not getting pregnant or embryos that end in a miscarriage.
When DNA quality is poor
Especially for men who want to provide a sperm sample for IVF with a partner, fertility specialists might recommend lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or drinking to boost DNA quality. In more serious cases, physicians may decide that prescribing medications is the best option.
Hormone therapy
Some men with low DNA fragmentation test scores may be prescribed hormone treatments such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and other oral hormone medications. The goal is to help increase testosterone levels and reduce estradiol, a form of estrogen that might be responsible for low sperm quality. Other beneficial effects of men taking hormone therapy can include improved sperm count, correction of physical blockages that might impede ejaculation, more energy, and even better erectile function. Men who suspect infertility might be present shouldn’t delay testing.
