For many infertile couples, it comes as a surprise to learn that there are several causes of infertility. Both the man and the woman will likely need to consult with a doctor. It may take several tests to pinpoint the cause of infertility. An issue in the man’s body can be the cause or part of the reason. If this sounds like your situation, contact us about male infertility treatment in Rockford, IL. A male fertility test will help determine if treatment could benefit you.
Male Infertility Treatment in Rockford, IL
A diagnosis of male infertility can be a hard challenge to face. No treatment can help everyone. However, advancements in infertility treatment are making it possible to address this issue for more couples than ever.
Planning Male Infertility Treatment in Rockford, IL
Typically, a male fertility test involves two areas: a physical examination and semen analysis.
A doctor at the Advanced Reproductive Center will gather your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. This examination will include asking questions about family medical history, chronic health problems, injuries, illnesses, or surgeries that could negatively impact your fertility. Most likely, your doctor will want information about your sexual development as a teenager and your current sexual habits.
The doctor will also send out your semen sample for a lab to analyze. There are several ways to obtain this. You may provide a sample while you are in a private area at the doctor’s office. In some circumstances, you might be able to collect your semen by using a physician-supplied condom during intercourse.
The doctor will send your semen to the lab to determine the number of sperm it contains. The lab will also analyze the sample for morphology — an abnormality in shape — and motility, the movement of your sperm.
Sometimes, sperm count can vary significantly from day to day. In many instances, the doctor may recommend several semen analyses over some time. This analysis will give your doctor a clearer picture of your sperm count, morphology, and motility. If your sperm analysis comes back within the normal range, then your doctor will most likely recommend fertility testing for your female partner before performing more male infertility tests.
Testing and Male Infertility Treatment in Rockford, IL
If the analysis shows that your results are not within the normal range, your doctor at Advanced Reproductive Center in Rockford, IL, may recommend any of the following tests:
- Scrotal ultrasound
- Post-ejaculation urinalysis
- Hormone testing
- Testicular biopsy
- Specialized sperm function tests
- Genetic tests
Scrotal Ultrasound
This method employs high-frequency sound waves that display images of your anatomy. Your doctor will look for a varicocele or other issues in your testicles and surrounding structures.
Post-ejaculation Urinalysis
This test will determine if you are experiencing retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when the sperm travel backward into your bladder rather than out of your penis at ejaculation.
Hormone Testing
The pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and testicles produce hormones that play an essential role in sperm production and sexual development. Abnormalities in organ systems or hormones may contribute to male infertility. A blood test can determine your level of testosterone and other vital hormones.
Testicular Biopsy
This method requires using a needle to remove a small tissue sample from your testicle. If the results show that your sperm production is within the normal range, then the infertility issue may involve a problem in sperm transportation or some blockage.
Specialized Sperm Function Tests
Your doctor may want to determine if your sperm survive after ejaculation, whether they can penetrate an egg or any issues they may have with attaching to an egg. Typically, there is no treatment to address this problem, so doctors do not use these tests very often.
Genetic Tests
If your sperm count is extremely low, the doctors will look for a genetic cause. Typically, they will do a blood test that can reveal minute changes to the Y chromosome that indicate a genetic abnormality.
Get Help Today at Our Male Infertility Treatment Center in Rockford, IL
At our male infertility treatment center in Rockford, IL, we also offer many services that go beyond male infertility treatments.
They include:
- Surgical treatments
- In vitro fertilization
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
- Embryo cryopreservation
- Egg freezing
Having children is a happy experience. If you believe that you may be facing challenges, don’t hesitate to contact our male infertility treatment center in Rockford, IL. Call the Advanced Reproductive Center Rockford today at 844.395.2807 to start.