9 Top Male Infertility Treatment PlansIf you’re a man battling fertility problems you might be confused about which male infertility treatment is right for you. After all, there are so many different options, from alphabet-soup procedures like ICSI to female (yes, female) fertility drugs. When a man has difficulty getting his partner pregnant, there’s a myriad of causes ranging from chemical exposure and hot tub use to genetic conditions and autoimmune disorders. With so many potential triggers for infertility, you can probably guess that the treatment depends on the underlying cause. Here’s an overview of 9 of the top infertility treatments for men: 1. In vitro fertilization (IVF): This procedure gave us the term “test tube baby.” A reproductive specialist retrieves eggs from a woman then fertilizes them with sperm. The eggs are implanted into the womb. IVF is typically used as a male infertility treatment for male tubal blockages and other challenges. The success rate depends on several factors, including the health of the sperm and the age and health of the woman. Nearly 30% of IVF procedures are successful. Among patients who get pregnant, up to 80% of them deliver multiple children. At more than $12,000 per cycle, however, IVF can be a pricey solution. 2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI): More commonly known as artificial insemination (AI), this is recommended for men who experience low sperm count. Typically, the patient is asked to provide a semen sample, which the doctor then delivers to the cervix (the opening of the uterus) through a small catheter. With an average cost of less than $2000 per treatment, artificial insemination is relatively inexpensive compared to other reproductive techniques and often prescribed as a pre-cursor to IVF. 3. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): This scary-sounding name is actually just the medical term for using a special needle to inject a single sperm cell into an egg. It’s sometimes used in conjunction with IVF. Although it can cost up to $1500 for each procedure, the success rate is high, with a pregnancy rate between 20 and 40% for each cycle. 4. Testicular extraction of sperm (TESE): About 1% of men have no sperm in their ejaculate, and that obviously affects fertility. In this male infertility treatment, a specialist searches the testicular tissue to find sperm and extract it with a special needle. Although it’s typically an outpatient procedure, it can be a long process, sometimes requiring general anesthesia and taking up to three hours to find usable sperm. Extracted sperm is often used in ICSI treatments. 5. Surgery: If a man’s infertility is triggered by abnormally large veins (varicocele) in the testicles, doctors may perform surgery to cut the affected vessels. If the vein is enlarged for too long without treatment, though, the damage may be irreversible. Surgery is also an option for men with a blocked vas deferens, which is a tube that carries semen. 6. Antibiotics: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and other infections are another culprit in male infertility. In those cases, doctors will use antibiotics as a male infertility treatment. Take the entire course exactly as prescribed and follow up with your doctor, if recommended. 7. Gonadotropin: When male infertility is triggered by hormone production problems, a doctor may prescribe hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, injections. Treatments may last up to two years before sperm starts to appear in the ejaculate. Experts say it is highly effective; however this male infertility treatment may not be covered by insurance. 8. Clomid: Although this medication is better known as a female fertility treatment, it also works for men. The drug boosts testosterone, which is critical to sperm production. Sometimes called Clomiphene or Serophene, it’s one of the most commonly prescribed male fertility drugs. Clomid can be expensive, especially if you need to take it for a long period, and insurance plans may cover none or only part of the cost. 9. Donor sperm: In some patients, male infertility treatment won’t be successful. If that’s the case, it may be time to consider donor sperm. Patients choose sperm from a bank that screens donors for certain genetic diseases and infections. Choosing to use donor sperm is a tough decision for many men working through fertility problems. If necessary, consider counseling to talk about the implications of using a donor to have a baby. Sperm donor costs may vary depending on the type of donor (anonymous or open) and how much information you want about the source (do you want a simple profile or a complete information file, including photos?). In addition to medical treatments, there are at-home strategies to help boost your fertility. Here are a few of the simplest: • Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. • Avoid hot tubs and other activities that overheat the testicles. • Stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake. Male fertility issues are more common than you might think—up to 30% of infertility is caused by the male partner. If you suspect you have male infertility problems, don’t be embarrassed to see a doctor. About 80% of couples who seek help become pregnant. Find out if a male infertility treatment will help you conceive the child you and your partner have been dreaming about. Return from Male Infertility Treatment to Infertility Guide |