Male infertility treatments can correct an underlying problem or increase natural fertility.
The first step in treating male infertility is by either correcting an underlying problem (if one is found) or trying treatments that seem like they may be helpful. Often, an exact cause of male infertility can’t be identified. In all cases of infertility, the female partner also will need to be checked and may need treatment. In some cases, treatment of the female partner may help compensate for male fertility problems.
Male infertility treatments include:
Surgical and microsurgical procedures. For example, a varicocele can often be surgically corrected or an obstructed vas deferens repaired. Additionally, men needing sperm extraction can benefit from many microsurgical procedures to extract sperm directly from the testical or epididymis.
Treating infections. Antibiotic treatment may cure an infection of the reproductive tract, but doesn’t always restore fertility.
Treatments for sexual intercourse problems. Medication or counseling can help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
Hormone treatments and medications. Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement or medications in cases where infertility is caused by high or low levels of certain hormones or problems with the way the body uses hormones.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART treatments involve obtaining sperm through normal ejaculation, surgical extraction or from donor individuals, depending on your specific case and wishes. The sperm is then inserted into the female genital tract during an intrauterine insemination procedure, or used to perform in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Sometimes male fertility problems can’t be treated, and it’s impossible for a man to father a child. Your doctor may suggest that you and your partner consider either using sperm from a donor or adopting a child.
Male Infertility
