Male Infertility
Fertility is often closely monitored, widely tested, and treated in women. But what happens when male infertility is the issue?
Male infertility is more common than you think, with 40 to 50% of infertility caused by male-related factors. Fortunately, treatments exist.
For over 20 years, the Houston Fertility Center has helped men achieve fertility and grow their families using advanced solutions.
Exploring the Medical Causes of Male Infertility
While the most common type of male infertility is idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown, the condition may also be due to specific disorders. In particular, male-factor infertility can be caused by:
- Gonad disorder
- Sperm transport disorder
- A disorder of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus
"They always made me feel special." 5-Star Reviews from Houston, TX, Patients
Reyna Alcala
2020
Personally i had a good experience with my invocell process started meds for 2 weeks in September by october 8 had the transfer and couple days later the positive pregnancy test! My baby boy is now 1 month old and im in love ❤ Thank you so much Dr. K and staff you were all amazing!!
View on GoogleKristina Lesniak
2021
Going through infertility is one of the most difficult things a family could go through. Dr. Kristiansen and her staff, Melissa, Mayra, Blanca and Lana helped to ensure the most positive experience. They were always professional and friendly and I always felt like I could call them anytime with all my questions (which I did). They never made me feel like I was just a patient or a number they always made me feel special.
View on GoogleLow Sperm Count Can Cause Fertility Issues
Low sperm count is one of the main causes of male infertility. It can be caused by factors such as genetics, environment, lifestyle, and others. Our doctor can find the cause of your low sperm count and treat it accordingly.
Having Trouble Conceiving? Request a Consultation to Gain Clarity
Infertility affects both women and men, but the reproductive medicine field can help. Finding a solution to your problem begins with identifying the cause. At the Houston Fertility Center, we are committed to helping patients overcome infertility with advanced testing and treatments performed by a highly skilled team. Request a consultation with Dr. Sonja B. Kristiansen to begin treating your fertility issues. Call us at:
(713) 225-5375
Factors That Affect Male Fertility
Many factors can contribute to male infertility. If the cause is genetic, lifestyle changes won't reverse infertility, but can help stop other issues preventing you from conceiving. There are certain factors that can increase the chance for male-factor infertility, including:
- Tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Toxin exposure
- Issues with the testicles, including trauma or overheating
- A prior vasectomy
- Family history of fertility issues
- Certain medical conditions or diseases
- Cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy
The Treatment Process for Male Infertility
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kristiansen can provide compassionate and thorough diagnosis and reproductive medicine treatment for male infertility.
Treatment Options Available
When a patient is diagnosed with male-factor infertility, several treatment options are available to address the issue. Of course, the recommended treatment will depend on the specific cause of male infertility.
Fertility Supplements
Low sperm production caused by retrograde ejaculation, a reversed vasectomy, and other factors may be improved with male fertility supplements, which can be purchased in most health food stores. Often this treatment method is combined with more extensive treatments to yield the best results.
Artificial Insemination
If low sperm count is to blame for your reproductive challenges, artificial insemination, otherwise known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, can be beneficial. During this process, sperm is collected from multiple semen samples. Once obtained, they can be delivered directly to the woman’s fallopian tubes or uterus.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Another treatment option for low sperm count is IVF. This treatment involves harvesting eggs from the female and collecting sperm from the male. The eggs are then fertilized with the sperm in a laboratory setting. After a few days, the resulting embryos are implanted directly into the woman’s uterus.
INVOcell
INVOcell is an alternative practice that's similar to IVF. The INVOcell is a small device that holds the sperm and egg. The INVOcell is placed inside the vagina for a short incubation period of a few days. The fertilization period occurs within the INVOcell, versus in a lab.
Donor Sperm
If there is zero sperm production, then donor sperm can be used. These sperm are collected from a trusted sperm bank and delivered to the woman’s fallopian tubes or uterus with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
"They were responsive to my MANY questions" More 5-Star Reviews from Houston, TX, Patients
Dave Bertrand
2022
Definitely want to thank Houston Fertility clinic helping my wife get pregnant and having a baby girl I’m so blessed to have her the staff was great thank y’all for everything
View on GoogleJessica W
2021
I had a wonderful experience with Dr. K and her team. They were responsive to my MANY questions and very compassionate throughout the entire process. We are expecting twins any day now and are so grateful to her, Mayra, Blanca, Lana, Melissa, and their stellar embryology team!
View on GoogleReducing Your Risk
In general, there is no way to prevent male infertility caused by genetic issues or disease. However, there are several ways to promote healthy sperm production and increase fertility.
- Consume alcohol in moderation
- Protect yourself against STDs
- Avoid overheating the testicles (hot baths, saunas, or Jacuzzis)
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting underwear
- Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation
- Practice good hygiene
- Exercise and eat a well-balanced diet
