Male Infertility

Question 1

Where is the problem found in most infertile men?

Answer 1

• in the testis, the glands that produce sperm and testosterone

Question 2

What can damage the testis?

Answer 2

• mumps
• radiation or chemotherapy
• trauma
• surgery

Question 3

What can testicular damage lead to?

Answer 3

• a low sperm count
• poor sperm quality (sperm do not move well or are abnormally shaped)

Question 4

What can happen to the sperm ducts?

Answer 4

• they can be blocked due to an infection
• preventing the sperm from exiting during ejaculation

Question 5

How can male infertility be treated if the problem is that sperm counts are too low due to incorrect levels of male hormones?

Answer 5

• LH and FSH hormone injections
• this treatment is usually successful but may take a year or longer to bring back fertility
• (this treatment is expensive)

Question 6

How can male infertility be treated if the problem is blocked sperm ducts?

Answer 6

• surgical intervention can be attempted to clear blocked sperm ducts