Exploring the Role of Male Factor Infertility in IVF Treatment

When the male partner is suffering from infertility problems like low sperm count and limited or no motility of sperm, it refers to male factor infertility, which can also be the reason for not achieving a successful pregnancy during IVF treatment. During the procedure of IVF, doctors also keep in mind the male factor of infertility because of its major role in successful IVF outcomes.

What Is Male Factor Infertility?

When the male reproductive system is affected by some disease or is not properly working, then it can contribute to male factor infertility. Infertility in males leads to problems in achieving pregnancy in female partners, and that is why it is important to treat them. Here are some of the causes of male factor infertility:

Low sperm count
Absence of sperm
Poor sperm motility
Abnormal sperm shape
Varicocele
Ejaculation disorders
Hormonal defects
Genetic defects
Infections
Testicular trauma or Injury
Undescended testes
Sperm duct defects
Antibodies against sperm
Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol use, drug use)
Environmental toxins

Evaluation of Male Factor Infertility

Before the IVF procedure is performed, both female and male fertility evaluation should be performed. It is done to plan a specific type of treatment for each patient according to his unique cause of infertility.

Male factor infertility also determines the success of the IVF procedure. When the quality of sperm is low or abnormal sperm are produced, then the IVF procedure fails due to lack of fertilisation process. Let’s talk about the diagnostic procedures to evaluate male factor infertility.

Diagnostic Tests for Male Factor Infertility

Physical Examination: In this Diagnostic test, the doctor examines for any abnormal structure of the reproductive system that can be the cause of male factor infertility or can be the reason for ejaculation problems.

Hormone Testing: Hormones help in the normal functioning of sperm production and the ejaculation process. So, blood tests are performed to check the level of hormones in the blood.

Genetic Testing: Genetic testing is usually performed in complicated cases when doctors are suspecting any type of genetic disease that can disturb the normal structure or function of sperm.

Semen Analysis: Sperm analysis is usually performed to check the quality, structure, and movement of sperm. It is one of the basic tests used to evaluate male factor infertility.

Post-Ejaculation Urinalysis: This test detects any signs of sperm in the urine sample to determine whether the patient is suffering from retrograde ejaculation.

Sperm Antibody Tests: In some patients, antibodies are produced that destroy the functioning of sperm by attacking them. So, a sperm antibody test is performed to find out the condition.

Testicular Biopsy: In this test, the sample of testes is examined for any abnormal mass or cells that can affect sperm production.

These are some of the diagnostic tests that are performed to evaluate male factor infertility.

Treatment Options for Male Factor Infertility in IVF

If infertility is diagnosed in a male partner before the procedure of IVF, then many treatment options are used to increase the success of IVF. Here are some of the infertility treatments for males:

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

During the IVF procedure, an additional procedure is performed in which a healthy sperm is selected and injected into each egg for fertilisation. This procedure is specifically used when the sperm count is low or poor motility of sperm does not support fertilisation naturally.

Hormonal Medications: Hormonal medications are given to the patient when there is a lower level of hormones in the blood, which is very important to produce sperm and ejaculation.

Sperm Retrieval: In this procedure, the sperms are retrieved directly from the testes when there are no sperms present in ejaculation.

Lifestyle Changes: Sometimes, poor lifestyle habits like the use of excessive alcohol and cigarette smoking can be harmful to fertility, and for this reason, it is very important to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise to improve the quality of sperm.

Emotional Support & Counselling: It is very important for a couple to have emotional support and manage stress levels because it can also negatively affect reproductive health. Proper counselling with professionals can be helpful.

Strategies to Improve IVF Success in the Presence of Male Infertility

If male factor infertility is present, then the IVF treatment may need additional procedures like ICSI or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. It is also very important to find out the cause of male infertility because it can help in planning the treatment option which is best for the specific patient.

If the male factor infertility is the cause of low motility sperm, then ICSI is performed. But if the sperm count is absent in semen or ejaculation, a sperm retrieval procedure is performed in which sperm is directly obtained from the testes or epididymis.

Conclusion

Male factor infertility can affect the success of assistive reproductive technology, so it is important to find out the cause of infertility and deal with it because the success of fertility procedures like IVF depends on it.

FAQs

Is IVF more Successful with Male Factor Infertility?

IVF success depends on many factors, which also include male factor infertility. During IVF, IUI or ICSI is performed, which increases the success of IVF with male factor infertility.