Male infertility contributes to approximately half of the fertility problems borne by an infertile couple. The increasing number of causes for male infertility and the research to cure these conditions has led to a boom in the treatment of male infertility. Male fertility clinics have now become popular and play an important role in the successful management male infertility.

Who are involved in male fertility clinics?

Male fertility clinics consist of a team of specialists who are capable of tackling medical surgical, gynecological, endocrinological (hormone related) and a psychological issues faced by both the partners. The clinic will also have a pathology laboratory service to test different samples like blood, semen, urine. An imaging service may or may not be present to aid for Computerized Tomography (CT) scans, X-rays, ultrasonography and other advanced imaging studies like angiogram as in cases of varicocoeles. The couple is explained the causes of infertility and the various treatment options available to them.

How do male fertility clinics help?

Soon after the suspicion of infertility, the couple needs to identify the cause and accordingly treat it. This can be done using screening tests like home based fertility tests which assess the presence of motile sperms in the semen.
These preliminary results are accepted by male fertility clinics and further worked upon. The specialist at the male fertility clinic will take a detailed history from the couple and perform a detailed physical examination of the couple. Tests for assessing the levels of hormones like Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Leutinizing hormone, estrogen, testosterone, prolactin etc may be asked for.
Analysis of the semen to look for adequacy of the volume, presence or absence of sperms, motility and sperm morphology is very important. Other investigations to rule out the presence of immunological diseases or infections may be required.
Imaging studies may be important to identify varicocoeles, tumors, undescended testis and retrograde ejaculation.
Once the cause of infertility has been identified, the various options for treatment will be explained by the specialists. Therapy may be in the form of medications often used for hormone related infertility issues or surgery as in case of a Varicocoele.
Some centers may also offer alternative therapy with herbs or the use of traditional forms of medicine like acupuncture. It is best to take adopt these methods under strict supervision and guidance. Some of the herbs used may cause nervousness, anxiety, palpitations and hence must be avoided by patients suffering from psychiatric ailments, heart problems and diabetes.
Male fertility clinics also offer advice on the lifestyle modifications that need to be done to improve the fertility. Regular exercise, avoidance of smoking, alcohol and drugs of abuse like marijuana are explained to the male patient. Stress is also laid upon avoiding excessive physical activity which is likely to raise the scrotal temperature and cause reduced spermatogenesis.

The role of electronic gadgets like laptops in causing infertility in males is also explained. Fertility enhancing supplements like CoQ, Zinc, Vitamin C, folic acid etc may be prescribed. The various cereals, fruits and vegetables that help boost male fertility are informed to the patient.