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Male Infertility

NOVA IVF -  - Fertility Specialist

NOVA IVF

Fertility Specialists & Individualized IVF Protocols located in Mountain View, CA

Many patients are surprised to learn that 10-15% of all couples are infertile and for one-third of them, the problem is due to male reproductive problems. At NOVA IVF in Mountain View, California, Richard Schmidt, MD, FACOG, and Meera Shah, MD, FACOG, have years of experience identifying the cause of male infertility and developing customized treatment that gives them the chance to have a baby. To learn more about treatment for male infertility, call the office or schedule an appointment online.

Male Infertility Q & A

What causes male infertility?

Male factor infertility is a generic term that includes all the possible reasons why your sperm may not be able to fertilize an egg. 

The most common causes of male infertility include:

  • Low sperm levels
  • Poor sperm motility
  • Abnormally shaped sperm
  • Blocked tubes
  • Varicocele (varicose veins in the scrotum)
  • Retrograde ejaculation
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Injured testicles

It’s estimated that 40% of male infertility is due to problems with your sperm.

How is male infertility diagnosed?

During your first appointment at NOVA IVF, your doctor reviews your medical history, performs a physical examination, and orders blood work to rule out underlying health conditions, such as a hormone imbalance.

The next step is a semen analysis, which is performed in the office. Your doctor may also order a DNA fragmentation test to evaluate the genetic integrity of your sperm.

How is male infertility treated?

Your initial treatment targets any underlying conditions. For example, you may need to have a varicocele repair or to take medication to treat a hormone imbalance. Some men need minimally invasive surgery to remove a blockage.

Your doctor at NOVA IVF may recommend assisted reproduction technology such as:

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

During intrauterine insemination, a sample of your semen is collected and treated in the lab to remove chemicals that interfere with fertilizing an egg. Then they inject the sperm into your partner’s uterus at the time she’s ovulating. IUI is often a good choice for men with a low sperm count, limited sperm motility, and ejaculation problems.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

During in vitro fertilization, a urologist extracts sperm from your testicles or epididymis, then the experts at NOVA IVF evaluate the sperm and choose the healthiest ones to fertilize your partner’s egg in the lab.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

During ICSI, your partner’s eggs are retrieved and sent to the lab. Then your doctor retrieves a single, healthy sperm and injects the sperm directly into the egg. After several days, the embryo is then carefully placed inside your partner’s uterus.

If you need help with male infertility, call NOVA IVF or schedule an appointment online today.