( 15 APR 2016 )

Being diagnosed with infertility is equally distressing for both men and women, but due to the social mind-set associated with infertility it tends to be harder for men to acknowledge the condition and seek medical help.
At Shantah IVF we come across many male patients who either delayed getting fertility treatment or sought ‘miracle’ cures to fix what they believed to be a ‘minor issue’. Though male-factor infertility accounts for 1 in 4 of all infertility cases, infertility is still largely perceived as a woman’s problem, and men tend to avoid getting a diagnosiswhich causes further delay in treatment.Fertility treatment can begin only once the diagnosis is complete, and therefore getting yourself tested is the first crucial step towards realising your dream of building a family.

For couples who have tried to conceive for twelve months without success (six monthsif you’re 35 or older), getting a fertility evaluation is important. This involves basic diagnostic tests for both partners and enables your fertility specialist to gain a holistic view of the condition.
Here are some compelling reasons why men facing fertility issues should see a fertility specialist as early as possible:
• Infertility testing ofboth partners is important to identify the root cause of infertility.Lop-sided analysis can increase the severity of the condition, making treatment difficult if not impossible.
• New studies show that aging affects sperm count and sperm quality, and older men tend to have lower sperm mobility. Delaying treatment is not an option for men over 30.
• If hormonal imbalance is the cause of infertility, it can affect other vital body functions such as insulin production, blood pressure and liver function.
• Semen analysis is a simple test which gives your doctor extensive information about the number and quality of your sperms. This information is crucial for your fertility specialist to proceed withtreatment. If the results of semen analysis are normal, your doctor can then shift focus to your partner and perform further investigations as needed.
• If semen analysis reveals low sperm count, poor motility (movement) or morphology (abnormal sperm shape or size), appropriate treatment options can be suggested.
• Conditions such as erectile dysfunction can result from medical as well as psychological factors. A competent fertility doctor can correctly assess your condition and offer suitable treatment.
• Some conditions such as nil sperm or blockage in sperm-carrying tubes require a minor surgical procedure for collection of the sperm from the testes. These are best handled by an experienced surgeon trained in reproductive technology.
• Patients with severe male-factor infertility, retrograde ejaculation, impotence or a genetic disorder need to consult a fertility specialist at the earliest.

Specialists at Shantah Fertility Centre believe that most cases of male-factor related infertility can be resolved if both partners willingly seek treatment at the right time. If you have been diagnosed with male-factor infertility or need further evaluation by competent fertility doctors, please contact us here.