Male Infertility Treatment in Sugar Land, TX

Many couples struggle to conceive. Statistically, about 13-15% of all couples will have fertility problems. Infertility can be caused by either partner, or even by both of them. If the male partner is the source of these issues, then this is known as a case of male infertility.

Male infertility does not mean that the man is unable to impregnate his female partner, it simply means that he has a decreased likelihood of doing so. Dr. Carl Ogletree is a board-certified urologist specializing in men’s health conditions including male infertility. Call (281) 565-3569 to schedule an appointment at our men’s health clinic in Sugar Land, TX today!

What Causes Male Infertility?

Conception is a lengthy process that requires a lot of unique events to occur in perfect order at exactly the right time. This leaves room for lots of potential problems along the way.

Male infertility can be the result of the following:

• Decreased sperm production, also known as low sperm count
• Blockage of ducts that carry sperm
• Sperm quality like an abnormal shape, also known as poor morphology
• Poor sperm motility
• Hormone imbalance
• Ejaculation disorders due to conditions including thyroid disease, testicular cancer, and depression
• Side effects from certain medications for arthritis, depression, digestive problems, high blood pressure, and cancer

Problems with the Sperm

Typically, if a man is having fertility issues it can be linked back to how healthy his sperm are. Examples of abnormalities in sperm include:

• Sperm that is oddly shaped
• Sperm that is produced in small quantities
• Sperm that is unable to develop fully
• Slow sperm, or sperm that does not travel in the correct direction
• An inability to produce any sperm at all

There are several possible sources to abnormal or defective sperm. Some medications used to treat common illnesses like high blood pressure, depression, infections, arthritis, digestive diseases, or cancer can alter the sperm’s functionality.

Low hormone levels are another potential cause of male infertility since a lack of crucial male hormones can lead to low sperm count or poor sperm growth.

There have also been cases wherein the antibodies in a man’s body mistakenly attack the sperm. It is not clear as to what causes the antibodies to perceive the sperm as a threat, but immunological infertility is typically seen in those recovering from a surgery, injury, or type of infection.

What if the Sperm are Healthy?

Even with great sperm, some men can still experience problems in conceiving a child such as having a blockage within the reproductive tract that may have been caused by a congenital or acquired defect.

Swollen veins in the scrotum called varicoceles are also thought to worsen a man’s fertility functions. These varicoceles supply the scrotum with excess blood, which overheats the scrotum and kills many of the sperm living inside.

Men who suffer from retrograde ejaculation are unable to get their sperm to the woman’s egg because instead of exiting through the urethra, the sperm is directed back into the man’s bladder. Retrograde ejaculation is caused by issues of the nervous system and is characterized by a “dry” ejaculation.

Treatment for Male Infertility

In order to appropriately treat a case of male fertility, Dr. Ogletree will first need to diagnose the source of the problem.

This process will typically begin by checking the patient’s sperm to see if it indeed healthy or not. If the exact cause is still unclear after this initial investigation then further tests will need to be conducted to determine what is preventing the sperm from reaching or properly fertilizing the partner’s egg.

Again, based on the particular source of the man’s fertility issues, recommended treatment will vary. Some male infertility cases will require surgery to treat, while others will not. In order to discover the best solution for yourself and your partner, you will both need to have a thorough discussion with Dr. Ogletree.

How Urologist, Dr. Ogletree, Can Help

If you are having trouble getting pregnant and take any of the above medications, contact Dr. Ogletree for an appointment in Sugar Land.

Your urologist will do a thorough physical examination. Dr. Ogletree will also take a sperm sample to analyze the quantity of seminal fluid, the sperm count, sperm motility, and any morphology.

In addition, sometimes blood tests are performed to identify any hormonal issues. Supplements and hormonal therapy may be the recommended treatments.

Lifestyle issues can also be contributing to male infertility. Smoking and obesity can increase the risk as can excessive alcohol consumption and drugs. Your urologist will make recommendations about lifestyle issues and how to lower your risk factors.

Finding the root cause is the first step to solving your infertility.