The treatment of male infertility
The treatment for male infertility has improved over the last 50 years with different modalities of therapy being used these days. Identifying the cause for male infertility is extremely important as treatment can be directed towards the cause. Some common methods of treating male infertility are as follows:
- Pharmacotherapy: Pharmacotherapy is used for the treatment of hormone related disorders like hypogonadism or pituitary causes for male fertility. Parenteral therapy with hormones like testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Leutinizing hormone (LH) is often given as pulsed therapy. Infertility caused by infection like Chlamydia or other bacteria need to be treated with antibiotic agents for at least 6 weeks. In cases where the estrogen levels are raised causing infertility, Antiestrogens therapy with clomiphene citrate or tamoxifen. Medications to improve male fertility also include corticosteroids and vasodilator drugs that help to improve erectile dysfunction in males.
- Surgical techniques: Male fertility treatment by the surgical mode is very useful in cases of undescended testis, tumor and also varicocoeles. The cure rates of surgical methods are very good in terms of return of fertility. Surgical anastamoses of the vas deferens and the epididymis to cure obstructive causes of male infertility. Treatment of male infertility caused due to hypospadias can also be treated by plastic surgery.
- Fertility enhancing supplements: A large number of chemical substances have been known to boost male fertility. Deficiencies of some of these substances can be supplemented externally. Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, CoQ etc along with zinc, folic acid, Vitamin B12 and L-Carnitine are the supplements that can be used for the treatment of male infertility. Some of the above supplements like Zinc, Vitamin E have the tendency to get accumulated within the body if consumed over a long period of time causing adverse effects.
- Herbs: Herbs have played an important role in male fertility treatment since a very long time. They have been extensively used for erectile dysfunction to improve nerve sensation and blood circulation to the penis. Herbs also help alter the semen volume and improve sperm function and motility. Some herbs that are used in the treatment of male fertility are Saw palmetto, ginseng, Maca and Yohimbe.
- Acupuncture: The Chinese have used acupuncture for the treatment of both male and female infertility. Acupuncture treats the body in a holistic way easing stress and improving the blood supply to the various different organs. The most important aspect in the infertility treatment of male patients by acupuncture is to undergo therapy from an experienced person. This modality may require 4 to 6 months to be effective.
Making lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle which includes eating a well balanced diet, regular exercise along with avoidance of alcohol, psychoactive drugs and smoking play an important role in improving fertility in males. Also avoid pacing electronic gadgets like laptops and mobile phones close to the inguinal region. These gadgets emit large quantities of electromagnetic radiations which increase the temperature of the testes thereby reducing spermatogenesis.
References:
http://healthcarearticles.blog124.fc2.com/blog-entry-21.html
http://www.urologychannel.com/maleinfertility/treatment.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fertility/MC00023
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