Infertility has long been viewed as a female issue, but growing research and statistics reveal that male infertility is a significant and increasing concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 40% of infertility cases are related to male factors, with an additional 40% attributed to female factors and 20% involving both partners. In some studies, male infertility is found to contribute to up to 50% of infertility cases. This rising trend has profound implications for both public health and family dynamics, highlighting the importance of addressing male infertility with effective solutions such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
As more couples face challenges with delayed childbearing, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), especially in vitro fertilization (IVF), have become essential tools in addressing infertility. IVF can be an effective solution for male infertility, often enhanced with additional techniques to maximize the chances of success.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a breakthrough method used in conjunction with IVF that is particularly beneficial for men with very low sperm counts, poor sperm motility, or sperm that are unable to penetrate an egg naturally. By injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, ICSI bypasses many of the natural barriers to fertilization, significantly increasing the chances of successful conception.
For men who have no sperm in their ejaculate due to blockages or other issues, procedures like Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) or Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) can be used. These techniques involve extracting sperm directly from the testes or epididymis, which can then be used for ICSI or IVF.
While IVF combined with ICSI or sperm extraction techniques offers a powerful solution for male infertility, the success rates depend on a variety of factors, including the underlying cause of infertility, the age and reproductive health of the female partner, and the quality of the IVF clinic.
Dr. Deepthi Bawa, Senior Consultant and IVF Specialist at SPARSH Bengaluru, emphasizes that while male infertility can be challenging, IVF, especially with advanced techniques like ICSI, offers a promising path to conception. Men can improve their chances of success by focusing on optimizing overall health, seeking professional medical advice, and following guidance throughout the IVF process.
Male infertility is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to fertility challenges, and advances in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF are offering hope to many couples. With techniques such as ICSI and sperm retrieval methods like TESE and PESA, men facing infertility can now overcome barriers to conception that once seemed insurmountable. By understanding the causes of male infertility and seeking timely medical intervention, men can significantly improve their chances of successful conception, making IVF a powerful tool in addressing this growing issue.
Related topics:
NHS IVF Plans Ignite Controversy Over Access Criteria
Navigating Loss and Resilience: One Couple’s Journey After Ending IVF
