IVF for Male Factor Infertility
When people come to Los Angeles Reproductive Center, they know that they will have their questions answered and concerns addressed. This attentiveness is important when it comes to treating infertility. We are always ready to listen, to be honest, and offer compassionate and realistic insight into what steps you can take to have a child.
Many times, IVF is the ideal option. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most popular and effective fertility treatments available today, able to address both male and female factor infertility. The team at our Los Angeles, CA fertility center would like to consider how IVF can address various male factor infertility issues.
Problems with Sperm
Many male infertility issues are the result of sperm problems. These can take a number of different forms.
- Poor Sperm Count - If men suffer from a low sperm count (oligospermia), this can make conceiving a child extremely difficult. There is also a possibility of a total lack of sperm (azoospermia), which means conception through regular intercourse is impossible.
- Bad Sperm Motility - Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm to swim and maneuver around. If sperm are bad at swimming, they will be unlikely to reach an egg waiting to be fertilized.
- Abnormal Sperm Shape - Issues with the shape and anatomy of sperm can result in problems with conceiving a child. These abnormal sperm could also cause a number go developmental issues following fertilization.
- Problems with Semen - Sometimes a man’s sperm is healthy, but the composition of their semen causes problems with sperm quality and viability.
Other Male Infertility Problems
In addition to issues with sperm and semen, there are other male infertility issues to consider.
- Blocked of Sperm Transport - If a man’s vas deferens are damaged, this can lead to low numbers of sperm or a total absence of sperm in the ejaculate.
- Issues with Ejaculation - If a man has issues with ejaculation, this can make it much more difficult to conceive during sexual intercourse.
- Erectile Dysfunction - The inability to achieve or maintain an erection effects sexual performance as well as the ability to get a partner pregnant.
- Sperm Antibodies - Sometimes antibodies in a man’s own body will attack their sperm, lowering sperm count and affecting overall viability of the sperm.
- Hormonal Problems - Changes in hormone levels can negatively impact sperm production and male fertility in a whole host of ways.
How IVF Can Help
During IVF, an egg is fertilized in a laboratory setting. That means that sperm is helped in the fertilization process by our fertility specialists. Bypassing potential challenges of natural conception allows for a greater chance of success.
Sperm Washing and Selection
The sperm used in IVF is carefully washed and selected, removing impurities from the semen and singling out healthy, properly shaped, and mobile sperm. This means greater chances of success as well as having a healthy child.
Sperm Extraction Techniques
If a man can produce healthy sperm but has problems that prevent the sperm from being ejaculated, fertility specialists can perform sperm extraction procedures to remove sperm directly from the testicles.
ICSI as Part of IVF
To further heighten the chances of successful pregnancy and live birth, a fertility specialist can single out a healthy and viable sperm and directly inject it into the egg while in the lab. This is known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI.
Learn More About IVF
For more information about treating male infertility and what options might be best for you and your needs, be sure to contact our experienced team of fertility specialists today. The team at Los Angeles Reproductive Center can help. You can reach our Los Angeles and Encino offices by phone at (818) 208-5481, our Thousand Oaks office at (805) 427-2959, and our Bakersfield office at (661) 889-5173.
