Infertility
due to a low sperm count and abnormal sperm conditions is known
as “male factor” infertility. Although it takes only a few sperm
to penetrate an egg, most sperm die before they actually get through
the cervix and into the fallopian tubes. Low sperm counts are
difficult to treat with medications since most men are hormonally
normal. In cases of low sperm counts, intrauterine inseminations
can be used to concentrate the sperm and then the sperm are deposited
into the uterus. This allows more active sperm to get to the egg.
Pregnancy rates vary but generally are around 20% each cycle.
Often fertility drugs are given to the female to induce ovulation.
In cases of
extremely low sperm counts, in-vitro fertilization can be done
using intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI). In this case,
sperm is actually injected into the egg. This is done in conjunction
with in-vitro fertilization where the eggs are withdrawn from
the woman’s ovaries.
Donor inseminations
are also offered to couples when the sperm is not available from
the husband.
In cases where
a vasectomy has been done it is possible to aspirate the sperm
from the testicle and use the sperm with in-vitro fertilization
methods. Obviously this is a very involved process although pregnancies
can be achieved by this method. All of these methods are available
and can be discussed at the time of the first visit.
