Masculine unfertility - Sterility
An estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of couples are unable to conceive at will. In about half the cases, male infertility is a factor mainly because of sperm alterations. This can be attributed to not having any measurable level of sperm in the semen (azoospermia) or low sperm count (oligozoospermia) due to problems with sperm production or obstructions in the sperm ducts. There may also be alterations in sperm quality (motility, shape and appearance, vitality and speed). There are a great many factors that can alter sperm count or sperm quality: genetic, congenital, hormonal, vascular (varicocele), infectious, obstructive, toxic (work environment, environmental), etc.
The andrologist must determine possible causes of infertility in conjunction with the gynecologist who is treating the couple. Wherever possible, specific treatment is applied, be it medical (hormone treatment, antioxidants, etc.) or surgical (epididymis surgery, deferens or ejaculatory duct, varicocele surgery, etc.). If treatment is not possible or unsuccessful, Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) is considered (Artificial Insemination [AI], In Vitro Fertilization [IVF], Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection [ICSI]), in order to facilitate close proximity between sperm and ova. Sperm used in these techniques may be acquired from the semen or extracted from the testicle or sperm duct.
When no sperm are present or when Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) treatment is not possible or unsuccessful, Artificial Insemination (AI) with donor sperm is considered.
When to inquire about infertility?
After one year of unsuccessful attempts at pregnancy with no contraceptives whatsoever, or before such time, if you suspect problems with fertility due to specific illnesses which may have affected your reproductive system.