Infertility is a common condition seen in recent times. It is commonly known as sterility. Unhealthy eating habits, increased smoking, and alcohol consumption unfortunately make it difficult for couples to conceive. While it used to be considered a problem primarily in women, infertility is now frequently observed in men in our modern era. Compared to the past, men are now aware of this issue and are seeking treatment. There are various treatment methods for male infertility.
Infertility, also known as sterility, is defined as the absence of pregnancy despite active sexual intercourse and unprotected sexual activity for one year.
In men, problems related to sterility can sometimes be understood through physical examination and sperm analysis. However, hormone analysis, ultrasound imaging, and specific genetic tests may sometimes be required. After evaluating individuals who want to have children, they should be informed that it is possible to conceive naturally in addition to undergoing treatments such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
When couples visit the doctor for male infertility, a joint examination is necessary. It is not just an examination focused on women; examinations related to men are also essential. A comprehensive evaluation is required when assessing men for sterility. It is necessary to investigate how long they have been trying to have children, how long they have been engaging in unprotected intercourse, whether they have had children in previous marriages if applicable, and whether there are any issues with erection problems in men. Infertility, or sterility, is not solely a problem related to the reproductive system; some health problems in men can also affect reproductive health and the ability to have children.
Male-related infertility can deeply affect couples. It can lead to the recognition of inadequacy in these couples and create problems between them. Infertility in men is defined as the absence of pregnancies due to problems in the male reproductive system. Problems in the sperm channels in men, which can be seen in the form of infertility, are related to the inability to produce a sufficient amount of sperm.
Sterility in men can occur for various reasons:
Patients whose histories are thoroughly examined should undergo a urological examination. In this examination, the structure, size, dimensions, and presence of undescended testes in organs should be examined. Especially in male individuals, a penis examination is crucial. Penis curvature, testicle sizes, and the possibility of narrow sperm channels should be thoroughly examined.
After a general body examination, laboratory tests should be conducted. Sperm analyses should be performed, and for this test, the individual should go to the laboratory after at least 3 days of sexual abstinence, i.e., without ejaculation for 3 days.
Semen analysis is the first test in determining sperm quality. It is important to perform semen analysis twice with an interval of 3-4 weeks for accuracy.
Checking FSH, LH, testosterone, and Prolactin values will help us obtain results regarding male sterility. It is crucial to conduct the tests recommended before applying these treatments.
If negative results are not obtained from hormone tests, it can be beneficial to take biopsies from both testicles.
Both individuals should consult a doctor simultaneously; however, it may be useful for the male to undergo tests first. This is because the tests conducted for male individuals are easier and provide results quickly.
Blockages in the tubes can be attributed to four different reasons:
Blockages that cause sterility can be successfully treated in many cases through special microsurgery and endoscopic methods, allowing women to become pregnant.