You Don't Have to Live with Male Infertility
Dr. Larry Lipshultz has been diagnosing and treating male infertility for decades. He draws upon his experience as a pioneer in men's health to help our patients understand and resolve their male infertility issues. At our Houston, TX, practice, Dr. Lipshultz and his team of professionals work closely with patients to help enhance their reproductive health and quality of life. If you suspect that you are suffering from male infertility, we can conduct thorough diagnostic tests to pinpoint its cause and create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your case. All you have to do to get started is contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lipshultz.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
If you and your partner have been unable to conceive after having consistent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer, you may suffer from male factor infertility. Male reproductive issues are grouped into three basic categories:
Pre-testicular Issues
Pre-testicular issues include more systemic and hormonal causes of male infertility rather than specific irregularities in the genitals. A man's reproductive system may not operate optimally if his general health is in any way compromised. Pre-testicular causes of male infertility include:
- Obesity
- Psychological stress
- Unhealthy diet
- Aging
- Decrease in the sperm-stimulating hormones LH and FSH
Hypogonadism, or low testosterone, is also a pre-testicular cause of male infertility, and is often related to other general health factors.
Testicular Conditions
Sperm are produced in the testes, so any defects or disorders in the testes are likely to interfere with your ability to conceive. Testicular conditions can be hereditary, or they may occur as the result of trauma or prolonged exposure to chemicals or heat. Common testicular issues include:
- Chromosomal disorders
- Testicular trauma
- Conditions related to aging
- Excessive heat or friction
- Infection
- Testicular cancer (and related treatments)
- Exposure to harsh chemicals or pesticides
- Prior malaria or mumps, which can affect the testes
- Low sperm production
- Abnormal sperm shape
Post-testicular Conditions
In some cases, the sperm you produce may be completely healthy, but they for some reason cannot reach the tip of the penis properly to impregnate your partner. Post-testicular causes of male infertility include:
- Prior vasectomy
- An improperly positioned penile opening, also called hypospadias
- Aspermia (lack of ejaculate)
- Complications from hernia surgery
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Epididymis or ejaculatory duct obstructions
- A missing or blocked vas deferens, which often occurs as a result of mutations in the cystic fibrosis gene
Diagnosing Male Infertility
If there is a possibility that you are suffering from male factor infertility, Dr. Lipshultz can diagnose your condition. During your initial consultation, he will conduct a comprehensive exam and discuss your medical history and concerns with you. He may then order additional diagnostic tests, such as semen analysis, hormone testing, genetic analysis, or ultrasonic imaging. Based on the information gathered through this process, Dr. Lipshultz will arrive at a recommended treatment plan.
Your Treatment Options
Once he identifies the likely cause or causes of your infertility, Dr. Lipshultz will recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which may include:
- Injectable or subcutaneous (administered beneath the skin) stimulatory hormones (e.g., HCG)
- Pharmaceutical drugs such as bromocriptine, kallikreins, or phosphodiesterase inhibitors
- Herbal medications such as carnitine or zinc
- Nutritional supplements, particularly antioxidants
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), a technique used during IVF (in vitro fertilization) in which sperm is injected directly into your partner’s (or a donor’s) egg
- If you have previously undergone a vasectomy, Dr. Lipshultz may recommend a vasectomy reversal
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), a technique used during IVF (in vitro fertilization) in which sperm is injected directly into your partner’s (or a donor’s) egg
Dr. Lipshultz will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that accords with your needs, preferences, and budget. A number of non-surgical treatment options are available, and something as simple and straightforward as oral health supplements may help to improve your condition.
Learn More About Male Infertility
If you and your partner have been unable to conceive, male infertility could be a contributing factor. Dr. Lipshultz can assess your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment to restore your fertility. Contact our urology practice today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Lipshultz.