The treatment of male infertility depends on the cause: some forms can be effectively treated and some cannot. For example, repair of a varicocoele, in about 50% of males can result in improved semen characteristics, but the remainder of males are not improved and some actually become worse.
The use of clomiphene citrate (clomid, serophene) has been advocated by some, but the evidence that it helps is weak at best. Fertility drugs given to the wife followed by placing the husband’s sperm in the uterus is helpful for some couples, but is expensive and the pregnancy rates are low.
The use of modern technologies for males with very poor semen characteristics is currently the most effective method for treating male infertility. If the male has as low as a total of 100 sperm in the ejaculate, pregnancy can be obtained in many couples by the use of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), a process by which sperm are injected directly into the egg with a fine glass needle. Indeed, sperm can often be obtained directly from the testis in males with no sperm in the ejaculate by a minor procedure carried out on the male. Obviously, the wife must undergo in-vitro-fertilization for this to be successful. This technology has allowed many couples to have children when reproduction would have otherwise been impossible.
The other option, of course, is the use of donor sperm. Many couples find this to be their treatment of choice. With proper screening of donors, the process is safe inexpensive and effective. In summary, infertility in the male has many causes, and the effectiveness of treatment varies depending on the cause. The new technologies have revolutionized treatment of male infertility, and it is certain that further advances will occur in the future.
NCCRM also works closely with Board Certified Urologist Dr. Kevin Khoudary from Cary Urology. He has extensive experience in treating all areas of male factor infertility. In conjuntion with his practice, Dr. Khoudary performs procedures both at NCCRM’s office in Cary as well as at his practice.
NCCRM offers sperm storage for men who are going to undergo treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation for cancer or other conditions. Our laboratory is open seven days a week and we can arrange to freeze your semen sample to preserve your fertility before you have any medical treatments that may affect your sterility. Just call 800-933-7202 to make an appointment. Also, we can do sperm cryopreservation for males who are going to be deployed.
Annual Storage Fee for Semen: $250 plus $50 for each additional cane
