Male Fertility Testing

Infertility isn’t just an issue that affects women. In many couples who struggle to have children, the man is a contributing factor, and sometimes the only obstacle to conception. If you hope to become a parent and are struggling, top-rated Urological surgeon Scott Zeitlin, MD, can help at Los Angeles Infertility and Prostatitis. Male fertility testing can identify obstacles to conception, so Dr. Zeitlin can find an effective solution. To schedule an appointment, call one of Dr. Zeitlin’s three Los Angeles area offices in Century City, Santa Monica or Tarzana, California.

What causes male infertility?

While it’s common for people (including many doctors) to treat fertility as a woman’s issue, Dr. Zeitlin is well aware that male infertility can contribute to a couple’s difficulty conceiving a child. In fact, it’s often the primary obstacle.

Male infertility has a number of treatable causes. As an experienced urologist, Dr. Zeitlin can test for male infertility more thoroughly and precisely than a traditional fertility doctor or a general practitioner. 

The causes of male infertility may include:

• Problems with sperm production
• Blockages that interfere with sperm delivery
• Anatomic difficulties
• Hormonal issues
• Genetic problems

Additionally, lifestyle, environmental, and general health factors can contribute to your difficulties conceiving a child. Dr. Zeitlin works closely with you to determine the sources of your infertility. 

How is male infertility tested?

If you’re concerned that you may be infertile, Dr. Zeitlin performs an initial infertility evaluation. This includes:

• A review of your medical history
• A physical examination
• Semen analysis interpretation to determine infertility causes and risks
• Hormone testing
• Discussion of treatment options

This initial evaluation may be sufficient to determine the cause of your infertility and shape a treatment plan. For example, if you have low testosterone, which can decrease sperm production, you may need hormone replacement therapy to normalize your testosterone levels.

Depending on your situation, Dr. Zeitlin may perform more advanced urology tests, including:

• Genetic analysis
• Urinalysis
• Ultrasound
• Vasography
• Biopsy
• Reconstructive surgery
• Electroejaculation
• Vibratory Simulation

Based on the findings of these tests, Dr. Zeitlin recommends a treatment or combination of treatments.

How is male infertility treated?

There are a number of safe, effective treatments for male infertility. These treatments focus on improving your sperm quality, sperm quantity, and overall reproductive health.

If the issue is a blockage or obstruction that interferes with ejaculation or if your semen doesn’t contain enough sperm to allow for conception, Dr. Zeitlin can perform a microsurgical sperm retrieval. This procedure involves locating and extracting healthy sperm, which can then fertilize an egg through intracytoplasmic sperm injection with in vitro fertilization.

Another common cause of infertility is a varicocele, enlarged veins associated with the testicles. Dr. Zeitlin can repair varicoceles using minimally invasive microsurgical techniques. 

In some cases, the primary issue is not your sperm quality or quantity, but a condition that directly interferes with sexual intercourse. Dr. Zeitlin may diagnose you with erectile dysfunction or Peyronie’s disease, a condition that results from scar tissue buildup. Both are highly treatable.

Who should consider a sperm DNA test?

You may consider a sperm DNA test if you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving a child, or if your partner has experienced a miscarriage. It’s possible that the DNA in your sperm is damaged, or fragmented, which can affect your chances of a viable pregnancy. If you have a high level of damaged sperm DNA, you’re less likely to get your partner pregnant, and your partner may be twice as likely to experience a miscarriage.

A sperm DNA fragmentation test can help determine the best fertility option for you and your partner. Procedures such as sperm retrieval and In vitro fertilization can help you achieve your goal of conceiving a child, even if you have significant sperm DNA fragmentation.

A sperm DNA test is different from a test that measures your sperm count. Even if you have a high sperm count, the quality of your sperm DNA may adversely affect your fertility. 

What is the best fertility treatment for sperm with fragmented DNA?

Dr. Zeitlin is experienced in treating male infertility and has helped many couples achieve their dreams of parenthood. If your sperm test reveals fragmented DNA and the test is not done with frequent ejaculation he will repeat it. If it is still abnormal he may recommend a sperm retrieval procedure.

A sperm retrieval procedure involves extracting healthy sperm directly from your testis. For men with damaged sperm, testicular sperm has higher success rates than ejaculated sperm. Dr. Zeitlin can precisely target healthier sperm.

The sperm retrieval procedure is done in conjunction with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which can significantly improve the likelihood of successful in vitro fertilization. ICSI involves injecting a single sperm cell directly into your partner’s egg. After your sperm fertilizes the egg, a fertility specialist transfers the embryo into your partner’s uterus.

How can I improve the quality of my sperm?

A fertility procedure may not be the first step after a sperm DNA test. In some cases, it’s possible to improve sperm quality through nonsurgical interventions or by treating underlying conditions that damage sperm. A healthier lifestyle often results in healthier sperm.

Dr. Zeitlin may recommend a diet high in fresh foods that contain antioxidants and vitamin C and E, along with exercise and losing excess weight. Smoking, alcohol, and drug use can have a negative impact on sperm quality, so quitting those habits can also help. Reducing psychological stress may also improve sperm quality.

You may undergo a second sperm DNA test after following Dr. Zeitlin’s recommendations for a few months. From there, you, your partner, and Dr. Zeitlin can determine the best way to move forward.

To schedule a sperm DNA test and learn more about fertility treatments, call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zeitlin.