Male Factor Infertility

• Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body’s ability to perform the basic function of reproduction.
• Most authorities define infertility as having been unable to become pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse.
• Approximately 10 percent of couples are affected by infertility.
• While there may be multiple reasons a couple is infertile, about 40 percent have male factor infertility. In 30 percent of cases pathology is found in the man alone.
• Medical advances, however, have brought about choices that greatly improve the chances of conceiving ones own biological offspring.

Risk Factors

• Sperm production problems, the structure of the reproductive organs, as well as the man’s immune system can all contribute to male factor infertility.
• Infertility can occur when there is low sperm count or problems with the movement (motility) or appearance or shape (morphology) of the sperm.
• Poor motility are often not able to reach the egg thus fertilization does not occur. Abnormal sperm are oftentimes unable to penetrate and fertilize an egg.
• Certain medications, genetic defects, infection, testicular trauma, hormonal imbalance, or exposure to radiation can all be causes of sperm production disorders.

Other Considerations

• Age, overall health, and medical history
• Trauma to the testicles
• Alcohol or drug use
• Infections from sexually transmitted diseases
• Environmental exposures
• Cancer treatment
• Life-Style Considerations

 

More info on:

• Gestational Surrogacy
• Benefits of Surrogacy
• Gender Selection / PGD