Male infertility and its Treatment

According to my research Statistics show that in at least 70% of infertile couples, there is a male factor contributing to the problem. Male fertility screening is done through semen analysis. The general rule is that the lower the sperm count and the poorer the sperm quality, the longer it will take and the more difficult it may be for a pregnancy to occur. However, even men with very low sperm counts may eventually be successful in causing a pregnancy. The sperm count only needs to be high enough for that one time that ovulation occurs, in order for a pregnancy to be possible.

What Causes Male Infertility?

The most common causes of male infertility involve abnormal sperm production, the way in which sperm is delivered, lifestyle and health issues. These causes may include:

Rapid Linear Progression

The term rapid linear progression is often used in conjunction with semen analysis. In most men, sperm cells (spermatozoa) should move rapidly (fast) in a linear (straight) fashion so as to reach the ovum and cause fertilization. When lab technicians examine semen microscopically, as part of the investigation of sub-fertility in a couple, the technicians estimate the percentage of sperm cells that move rapidly and in a straight line. Other observations include the percentages include that of sperm moving rapidly but not in a linear (straight/progressive) fashion, those moving sluggishly and the percentage of immotile spermatozoa. Ideally, 25% of the spermatozoa should move with rapid linear motion (progression). The exact reference value however, depends on the individual lab and possibly population being served by that lab.

Abnormal sperm production - One of the most common causes of infertility in men is as a result of the sperm production process in testes. If the shape and structure of sperm is hampered, sperm may not be able to reach the egg.

Low sperm concentration - Low sperm concentration, known as sub-fertility, is defined as 10 million or less sperm per milliliter of semen. The count for normal sperm concentration is greater than or equal to 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

Blockage of sperm delivery - Obstructions that occur in the tubes leading sperm away from the testes to the penis can cause a total lack of sperm in the ejaculated semen.

Testicular Varicocele - A varicocele is a dilated or varicose vein and when it occurs in the scrotum it may prevent normal cooling of the testicle. This leads to reduced sperm count and motility

Undescended testicle or testes - Undescended testicle or testes is the term used when one or both testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum during fetal development. Because the testicles are exposed to the higher internal body temperature, compared with the temperature in the scrotum, sperm production may be affected.

Hormonal problems - If the pituitary gland, which is situated at the base of the brain, does not send the correct signals to stimulate the testes, low testosterone levels may be caused. Because of this sperm cannot be produced.

Complete Impotency - Sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, ejaculation difficulties, low libido or lack of sex drive can prevent a couple from conceiving.

Underlying medical conditions - An existing medical condition such as thyroid disease, diabetes  may also affect fertility.

Genetic defects - In the genetic defect Klinefelter's syndrome, a man has two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome instead of one X and one Y. This causes abnormal development of the.

Risk factors that affect male infertility –

There are some other several risk factors that may also affect male infertility –

Age - A man’s fertility declines as he ages. It has been estimated that the amount of semen ejaculated and sperm motility begins to slowly decrease in men or from the age of 37 years.

Tobacco smoking - Smoking tobacco is believed to affect the quality of semen. Not only does smoking pose a health risk to the smoker but a larger number of birth defects have been found in the children of men who smoke.

Alcohol - Drinking large amounts of alcohol can have negative effects on the reproductive system. It is also detrimental to your liver and general health.

Recreational drugs - Drugs such as anabolic steroids, generally used by athletes, reduce sperm production by stopping the hormones made by the pituitary gland. Other drugs such as cocaine or heroin also affect sexual performance and health.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and genital herpes can affect sperm production and damage the epididymis, preventing sperm from passing from the testes to ejaculate. If you have an STD, seek immediate treatment from your health practitioner. Practice safe sex and make sure that you are tested for STD’s before planning a family.

Tight underwear - Research has suggested that tight underwear can decrease sperm counts. Wear loose boxer shorts to reduce the chances of heat stress on sperm production.

Hot baths, saunas and spas - Men should avoid hot baths, saunas and spas because the body temperature, especially around the testes, can reduce sperm production. Sperm require a cool environment.

There are four main factors that contribute to overall sperm quality. They include sperm motility, speed, count, concentration and morphology (shape and size). A weakness in any of these areas can affect the chances of conception.

Motility

In healthy sperm, typically more than 50% are active with over 25% moving forcefully in one direction. Motility enables the sperm to travel through the cervical canal, into the uterus and the fallopian tubes and, finally, to penetrate the egg.

Speed

Speed is sometimes referred to as "rapid linear progression". It refers to the number of sperm that are the fastest swimmers and are likely to fertilize the egg.

According to the World Health Organization (1999), in a healthy male, greater than 25% of sperm will exhibit progressive motility. It is thought that these are the sperm with the best chance of successfully fertilizing an egg.

Sperm Count

Sperm count refers to the number of sperm in the fluid that is ejaculated (semen). There are over 40 million sperm in a normal ejaculate. A total count below 40 million may indicate decreased fertility.

Concentration

Concentration is a measure of the number of sperm cells in a milliliter of semen. Normal concentration is at least 20 million sperm cells per milliliter of semen.

Morphology (shape and size)

A healthy sperm cell will have a shape similar to a tadpole. The sperm's oval head contains the genetic material, the center provides energy and the tail propels the sperm forward.

Using the strict criteria put forth by the World Health Organization (1999), studies of Assisted Reproductive Technology programs show lower pregnancy rates with less than 15% normal forms. Furthermore, experts believe that abnormally shaped sperm cannot fertilize an egg.

Homeopathic Treatment of Infertility

Homeopathic medicines are very effective in treating men and women's reproductive problems because it stimulates the body's own ability to heal itself rather than inhibit or suppress the body's attempt to become well. Numerous infertility cases have been treated successfully with homeopathic medicine and they have been reported on homeopathic medical journals. The careful selection of the most suitable homeopathic remedies over the course of treatment can give very successful results especially when in association with healthy living, healthy diet and nutritional and herbal support.
Damiana, Aswagandha, Agnus Cast, Orchitinum, Medorinium, Lycopodium, Silicea, Iodium & Thuja are the best homeopathic medicines according to patient condition & symptoms.