Male Infertility

Male infertility can have many causes, but the impact is the same – it can be frustrating trying to get your partner pregnant with no results. With the help of a board-certified urologist like Dr. Houman, you can explore treatment with the latest therapies and technologies that best fit your family’s goals.

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility is a condition where you’re unable to cause pregnancy despite trying for a significant period, typically a year or more of regular, unprotected intercourse. This condition can stem from a wide array of factors, including physical blockages in the reproductive tract, low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or genetic conditions that affect sperm production or function. Other contributing factors can include hormonal imbalances, certain medications, chronic illnesses, lifestyle choices such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, and environmental exposures to toxins or radiation.

Male infertility can also encompass issues related to sexual function. This includes difficulties in achieving or sustaining an erection, known as erectile dysfunction, or problems with ejaculation, such as premature ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation (where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis), or anejaculation (the complete absence of ejaculation). Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression can further exacerbate these conditions, creating a complex interplay between mental and physical health.

It’s important to note that male infertility doesn’t necessarily need to be treated unless you’re actively trying to conceive and are encountering difficulties. Some men may be infertile but remain unaware of their condition until they decide to start a family. For those who are trying to conceive, a thorough medical evaluation is essential. This typically includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, semen analysis to evaluate sperm count and quality, and possibly hormone testing and genetic screening.

What are the Causes of Male Infertility?

There are many different factors that can cause infertility in men. These include:

• Sperm disorders
• Azoospermia
• Drug and alcohol use
• Genetic conditions
• Structural problems
• Injury
• Hormone deficiencies

You may also be more likely to have infertility if you’ve had:

• Past infections of the prostate or genitals
• Early or late puberty
• Hernia repair
• Undescended testicles
• Genital exposure to high temperatures
• Testicle injury or torsion

Male Infertility Outlook

Male infertility in Los Angeles can’t always be cured, but you can significantly increase your chances of achieving pregnancy with the help of a specialized male fertility doctor. Advances in medical science and reproductive technologies have provided numerous options for couples facing infertility challenges. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can explore the best options tailored to your specific situation and goals.

Understanding Your Options

Dr. Houman will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying causes of your infertility. This may include semen analysis, hormonal testing, genetic screening, and a comprehensive review of your medical and lifestyle history. Based on the findings, he can recommend a range of treatment options to improve your chances of conceiving. These may include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Simple adjustments like maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress can have a positive impact on your fertility.

• Medications and Hormonal Treatments: If hormonal imbalances are detected, medications or hormone therapy may be prescribed to stimulate sperm production and improve overall reproductive health.

• Surgical Interventions: When physical blockages or varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) are identified, surgical procedures can correct these issues and enhance fertility.

• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have revolutionized the treatment of male infertility. These methods involve retrieving sperm directly from the testes or epididymis and using them to fertilize an egg in a laboratory setting. This can be particularly beneficial for men with low sperm count or poor sperm motility.

• Sperm Retrieval Techniques: For men with azoospermia (no sperm in the ejaculate), procedures like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) can be used to obtain viable sperm for use in ART.

Schedule an Appointment

Male infertility doesn’t have to prevent you from creating the family you want. To meet with Dr. Houman in Los Angeles and learn more about your treatment options, contact our office by calling (310) 854-7822 or filling out our online form.

An expert in his field

Meet Dr. Houman

Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Urologist and Men’s Health specialist whose mission is to enhance men’s quality of life by improving their sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Houman’s focus is on making a difference in people’s lives through state-of-the-art, compassionate, and personally tailored care.

       

View Full Bio