Guidelines

Infertility In Men

Guidelines for treating male infertility?

Many men diagnosed as sterile in past years would be considered treatable now, even some men with spinal cord injuries. Unless a man produces no sperm at all, recent developments in treatment have made fertility possible for many men willing to undergo treatment and bear the expense. Before undergoing more advanced procedures, some simple lifestyle changes should be attempted.

Timing Sexual Activity for Best Results

Both male and female hormone levels fluctuate according to the time of day and they also vary from day to day and month to month. Male hormone levels along with sexual interest are highest in the morning. In men, sexual activity (as well as conception) is highest in October. A woman's sexual peak is usually around the second week of her menstrual cycle, when there is a surge in female hormones. (A menstrual cycle is counted starting from the first day of a woman's period.) This surge also triggers ovulation; studies indicate conception is most likely when intercourse occurs during the two days before or on the day of ovulation.

Lifestyle Changes

A man who wants to increase his sperm count should avoid cigarettes and any drugs that may affect sperm count or reduce sexual function. Getting sufficient rest, moderate exercise, and a healthy diet low in fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is always a good idea. Overweight men should try to reduce. Those who exercise excessively might cut back (but not stop altogether). Stress may contribute to reduced sperm quality. It is not known if stress reduction techniques can improve fertility but they may help couples endure the difficult processes involved in fertility.

Some research has focused on antioxidant vitamins C and E. Vitamin C may help the body absorb trace elements of zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which improve the vitality and longevity of the sperm. In one study, vitamin E improved fertility in men who had normal sperm count but evidence of excess free-oxygen radicals. Men with low levels of zinc might consider supplements. Benefits of herbal remedies, such as ginseng, have not been proven.

To prevent overheating of the testes men should avoid hot baths, showers, and steam rooms. Although studies now indicate that tight underwear and pants pose no threat to fertility, there is no harm in wearing looser clothing. To avoid low sperm count per ejaculation, sexual episodes should be limited to once every two to three days, except during periods when the women estimates she is ovulating. Recent studies have indicated that having intercourse every day or even several times a day, before and during ovulation improves pregnancy rates. Although sperm count per ejaculation is low, a constantly replenished semen supply is more likely to result in a fertilized egg.

Planning for Treatment Outcomes

There is often no way to predict which couples will eventually conceive; some with multiple problems will overcome great odds, while seemingly fertile couples fail to conceive. Many of the new treatments are remarkable, but a live birth is never guaranteed. The emotional stress of failure can be devastating even on the most loving and affectionate relationships. Even in the absence of failure, the road to pregnancy can be very difficult. Couples must be prepared to make many sacrifices, both financial and emotional, before undergoing this process. A successful pregnancy often depends on repeated attempts. Some couples become addicted to treatment, and continue with fertility procedures until they are emotionally and financially drained. Partners should decide in advance how many and what kind of procedures they believe will be financially and emotionally acceptable and attempt to determine a final limit. They should also explore in advance alternatives such as adoption, childlessness, and donor sperm. Determining all options as early as possible in the process can reduce anxiety during treatments and feelings of hopelessness if they don't work out. It should be noted that even a successful pregnancy may not end emotional difficulties, particularly if it results in a multiple birth.

Highlights

Infertility