Fertility treatments for men

Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that prevents the conception of children. It affects approximately 10-15% of couples throughout the United States. The diagnosis of infertility is usually given to couples who have been attempting to conceive for at least 1 year without success. Infertility has many causes that include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, toxic effects from drugs and tobacco, environmental and occupational factors, age, over exercise, and inadequate diet. Learn about infertility in men and women, treatments, and secondary infertility.

Men also face the problem of infertility. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the infertility.

• Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation: Medication, behavioral approaches, or both may help improve fertility.
• Varicocele: Surgically removing a varicose vein in the scrotum may help.
• Blockage of the ejaculatory duct: Sperm can be extracted directly from the testicles and injected into an egg in the laboratory.
• Retrograde ejaculation: Sperm can be taken directly from the bladder and injected into an egg in the laboratory.
• Surgery for epididymal blockage: A blocked epididymis can be surgically repaired. The epididymis is a coil-like structure in the testicles which helps store and transport sperm. If the epididymis is blocked, sperm may not be ejaculated properly.