How are men with infertility treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of infertility. Some male fertility problems may be treated with medication or supplements to improve sperm parameters. There are also several ways to retrieve sperm surgically such as TESE and TESA. In such cases, the couple would require ART treatment to successfully conceive.

What can men do to improve sperm health?

Having a healthy lifestyle, diet, supplements may improve male fertility.

1. Exercise regularly

According to new research conducted by Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, it was found that men who exercise regularly have higher quality semen compared to men who don’t exercise regularly [1]. Men who wish to optimise fertility can do regular exercises.

2. Maintain healthy weight

Studies showed that overweight and obese men have lower chances of conceiving as they are more likely to produce low sperm count or even no sperm at all [2]. Men who are overweight or obese should try to cut away excess body fat.

3. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Studies have shown that excessive alcohol intake has detrimental effect on sperm parameters such as semen volume and normal morphology [3].

4. Adequate and quality sleep

Having adequate sleep is important to maintaining good health. Studies have concluded that restricted, insufficient, excessive, and/or disruptive sleep may be associated with poor semen quality [4].

5. Supplements

Evidence has shown that anti-oxidant supplements may improve major semen parameters such as sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Consumption of a combination of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and CoQ10 can effectively improve semen parameters [5].

How to choose an IVF clinic that deals with male fertility problems?

It is important for couples to choose a fertility doctor that is right for them. Couples should feel comfortable when sharing their fertility issues with the doctor. It is recommended to research on the fertility clinic and its facilities. It should have a clean and pleasant ambience and environment for carrying out semen analysis and fertility procedures. You may want to look for a clinic that offers TESE/TESA procedures for your male fertility problems.

References:

[1] Sun, B., Messerlian, C., Sun, Z.-H., Duan, P., Chen, H.-G., Chen, Y.-J., Wang, P., Wang, L., Meng, T.-Q., Wang, Q., Arvizu, M., Chavarro, J. E., Wang, Y.-X., Xiong, C.-L., Pan, A. (2019). Physical activity and sedentary time in relation to semen quality in healthy men screened as potential sperm donors. Human Reproduction, 34(12), 2330–2339. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dez226

[2] Sermondade, N. (2012). Obesity and increased risk for oligozoospermia and Azoospermia. Archives of Internal Medicine, 172(5), 440. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2011.1382

[3] Ricci, E., Al Beitawi, S., Cipriani, S., Candiani, M., Chiaffarino, F., Viganò, P., Noli, S., Parazzini, F. (2017). Semen quality and alcohol intake: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 34(1), 38–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.09.012

[4] Chen, Q., Yang, H., Zhou, N., Sun, L., Bao, H., Tan, L., Chen, H., Ling, X., Zhang, G., Huang, L., Li, L., Ma, M., Yang, H., Wang, X., Zou, P., Peng, K., Liu, T., Cui, Z., Ao, L., … Cao, J. (2016). Inverse U-shaped association between sleep duration and semen quality: Longitudinal Observational Study (MARHCS) in Chongqing, China. Sleep, 39(1), 79–86. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.5322

[5] Ahmadi, S., Bashiri, R., Ghadiri-Anari, A., Nadjarzadeh, A. (2016). Antioxidant supplements and semen parameters: An Evidence Based Review. International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine, 14(12), 729–736. https://doi.org/10.29252/ijrm.14.12.729