Poor Sperm Delivery
when your male infertility diagnosis involves poor sperm delivery
There are many causes of female infertility, but male infertility usually stems from abnormal sperm production or poor sperm delivery. Dallas-Fort Worth Fertility Associates provides semen analysis testing to uncover information about sperm health. Rest assured that many effective treatments exist to treat male infertility caused by sperm disorders.
An appointment with Dallas-Fort Worth Fertility Associates to collect a semen sample begins the process. Our andrology lab will assess sperm count, motility, morphology and volume, and the potential for underlying issues with sperm delivery.
A man may have no problems with sperm production and development, yet structural and ejaculatory problems prevent healthy sperm from reaching the ejaculatory fluid and eventually the fallopian tubes where fertilization can occur. A low sperm count may indicate problems with sperm delivery.
When your health history includes red flags that could indicate problems with sperm delivery, your fertility specialist will discuss additional testing, and will refer you to a urologist to confirm a diagnosis.
Common Reasons For Poor Sperm Delivery From The Penis To The Vagina
Erectile Dysfunction
Sexual issues, including premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, can prevent pregnancy. In some cases, psychological counseling can help address underlying causes that make achieving and holding an erection and orgasm difficult.
Retrograde Ejaculation
When the neck of the male bladder fails to close during orgasm, semen moves back into the bladder, rather than out through the penis. Causes of retrograde ejaculation include diseases of the nervous system, medications and prior surgeries. A physician specializing in male infertility can treat the condition with medication.
Obstructions
The intricate system in place for sperm production and sperm delivery includes tubes (vas deferens) and storage ducts (epididymis) located within the male testes to store and transport sperm to the urethra. Infections, surgeries or genetic disease can lead to obstructions that halt sperm delivery. Some men are born with blocked ducts or missing tubes. A urethral opening on the underside of the penis (hypospadias) can also lead to poor sperm delivery.
Failed Vasectomy Reversal
A vasectomy will sever the vas deferens tubes that transport sperm to the vagina; vasectomy reversal reconnects the tubes to restore fertility. In approximately 50% of cases, vasectomy reversal is unsuccessful. In some cases, anti-sperm antibodies develop after a vasectomy reversal, further hindering conception.
Sperm May Be Absent From The Ejaculate Due To Past Or Current Medical Conditions
These conditions include:
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Diabetes
- Vascular disease
- Spinal cord injury
- Physical trauma
- Testicular cancer or cancer treatment
- STDs
- Cystic fibrosis
Conception without Intercourse: Male Fertility Treatment Options for Poor Sperm Delivery
When your fertility specialist determines that the cause of male fertility involves sperm delivery that surgical intervention or medications cannot effectively treat, other fertility treatment options can help.
Intrauterine Insemination – IUI A minimally invasive option, IUI involves inserting washed and prepared sperm directly into the uterus, and is an appropriate treatment for retrograde ejaculation.
In Vitro Fertilization – IVF For severe male infertility, sperm may be surgically removed from the testicles or epididymis for use in an IVF cycle.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection - One of the most effective techniques for intervening in male infertility allows fertility specialists to inject a single sperm directly into an egg for fertilization.
Talking with a male fertility specialist about poor sperm delivery may seem daunting, but our professionalism and depth of experience will put you at ease. Schedule a consultation at Dallas - Fort Worth Fertility Associates to get started today.