|
|
|
Resource Center
Infertility
85% of couples can conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, resulting in 15% or approximately 2.4 million couples diagnosed annually with infertility in the United States. In 30% of these infertile couples, a male factor is solely responsible, while in 20% of these couples, combined male and female factors are present, indicating a male factor as a cause in about half of the cases of infertility.
Evaluation of the male partner begins with a thorough history and physical, with attention given to past events that may affect fertility, such as hernia repair, trauma, or infection. After a complete physical examination, attention is focused on the genital-urinary tract to determine the presence of a varicocele (dilated veins around the testicle), infection, or a possible obstruction.
Many diagnostic tests beyond the standard semen analysis are available to assist in the more precise evaluation of the infertile male. Initial laboratory tests include semen analyses, a complete hormone profile, and then several advanced sperm tests such as anti-sperm antibodies and strict morphology.
Results from this evaluation can lead to various diagnoses such as oligospermia (low sperm density), asthenospermia (abnormal sperm motility), teratospermia (abnormal sperm morphology), azospermia (no sperm in the ejaculate), or hypogonadism. These diagnoses will guide further testing, if necessary, and will determine what treatment options are available.
With the recent development of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), the infertile couple now have many new treatment options. The Male Infertility specialist can assist the infertile couple in navigating these options and can help them achieve their goal in as natural a way as possible.
The preceding information is used with permission from Urology Associates of North Texas.
For more information about this and related topics, go to:
www.uant.com
www.americanmedicalsystems.com/mens_conditions.html
www.cancer.org/docroot/lrn/lrn_0.asp
Return to previous page
|
| |
|
© USMD Hospital 2008 •
USMD Hospital at Arlington •
801 West Interstate 20 •
Arlington, Texas 76017 •
Phone (817) 472-3400 •
Notice of Privacy Practices
|
This Web site presents information to educate consumers on various health topics. It is NOT intended to provide instruction on medical diagnosis or treatment. The information contained on this site is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. You should NOT rely on this information to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment. The information should NOT be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, visit or call with your physician or other qualified health care provider. You should never disregard the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider because of any information you read on this site or on any Web sites you visit as a result of using this site. If you have any health care questions, please consult your physician or other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult your physician or other qualified health care provider before you begin any new treatment, diet or fitness program.
|
|
