Posts Tagged ‘Male Infertility’
Monday, July 25th, 2011
Recent findings in the area of male infertility may help explain why some men are subfertile or infertile.
Researchers from the University of California, Davis, have announced that a recent fertility study has shed light on the occurrence of a protective “coat” that wraps around sperm. The protein-based coat shields the sperm as they attempt to reach an egg; however, without the coat, they are left vulnerable.
The fertility study was conducted on 500 Chinese couples; birth rates among the couples were significantly lowered if the protein coating did not exist in the males.
Men with a missing sperm coating likely have the condition genetically. In fact, the University scientists are suggesting that up to 1 in 5 men may be without the protein protection, thus leaving them open to male infertility.
To combat the effects of the gene mutation, experts are suggesting the usage of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). With IVF or IUI, the potentially-hazardous journey of the sperm to the egg is eliminated, therefore upping the chances of a successful conception.
Because the findings are new, no tests have been developed. However, it’s a topic that we at RSI, one of the Philadelphia area’s premiere fertility clinics, will be following closely in the months to come.
Male Infertility Facts:
- 30-40 percent of all couples’ fertility issues can be related to male infertility factors.
- Each year, there are approximately 2 million new cases of male infertility in the United States.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Birth Rates, Chinese Couples, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, Fertility Clinics, Fertility Issues, Fertilization Ivf, Gene Mutation, Hazardous Journey, Infertility, Intrauterine Insemination Iui, Male Infertility, Occurrence, Philadelphia Area, Protein Coating, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Shields, Twitter, University Of California Davis, University Scientists, Vitro Fertilization
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Though it seems as if we say it at our fertility clinic again and again, people are still sometimes hesitant to believe (or perhaps accept) that males have just as much chance of being infertile as females.
Perhaps it’s because of the age-old idea that men are testosterone-filled to the point where they can’t help but be able to impregnate women. However, that’s a flat-out myth.
In the United States, studies have shown that 40% of the issues that fertility clinics like Philadelphia area’s RSI uncover are related to male infertility. To put that number in perspective, about 40% are due to female infertility. The remaining 20% falls under a category of impossible to diagnose at this time.
So what does this mean? First of all, it doesn’t mean men are somehow “at fault”; they simply have to be aware that they might have an issue if they and their partners have been unable to have children.
Secondly, it’s critical for men to put aside any embarrassment and get treated. Sometimes, solving a couple’s fertility concerns can be easier than they might expect. But without diagnosis, there’s no chance for a resolution.
This is why we emphasize some form of therapy in conjunction with fertility treatments. Therefore, partners can address their problems together and without judgment.
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Tags: Conjunction, Diagnosis, Embarrassment, Facebook, female infertility, Females, fertility clinic, Fertility Clinics, Fertility Concerns, Fertility Treatments, Infertility, Judgment, Male Infertility, Myth 2, Perspective, Philadelphia Area, Remaining 20, Testosterone, Twitter, United States Studies
Posted in Male Infertility, Myths & Misconceptions | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
You’ve heard them all… those fertility myths that abound on the Internet. But sometimes, information seems logical or acceptable; therefore, it’s hard to tell what’s accurate from what’s incorrect.
Below are 5 fertility myths that we’ve decided to bust:
1. Infertility Is a Woman’s Problem.
While it may be that females are often more vocal about their infertility experiences, men actually contribute to infertility just as much as women do. In fact, approximately one-third of all infertility cases can be attributed to female infertility; one-third to male infertility; and one-third to unknown/unidentifiable causes.
2. If You’d Relax, You’d Get Pregnant
Though it is definitely a great idea to focus on de-stressing when going through fertility treatments, it’s also not a comprehensive solution for conception. Many problems, such as PCOS, do not go away on their own, regardless of how relaxed you are. Instead, you need medical intervention.
3. Fertility Clinics Will Not Want to Treat Those with Alternative Lifestyles
Actually, people with alternative lifestyles are being accepted more and more by American fertility clinics. In fact, RSI has a special webpage devoted to discussing options especially for same-sex couples.
4. Infertility Only Happens after 35
Though the majority of fertility patients are, indeed, older than 30, it is possible to be infertile at any age.
5. If I’ve Had One Baby, I Can Have More
Many women are shocked by secondary infertility, the phenomenon of being unable to conceive after successfully having one or more children. There are numerous reasons that a female may be having trouble getting pregnant again; that’s why it’s important to seek help from a fertility specialist.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Alternative Lifestyles, Comprehensive Solution, Dr. Munabi, Experiences, Facebook, female infertility, Females, Fertility Clinics, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatments, Infertility, Infertility Cases, Male Infertility, Medical Clinics, medical intervention, Myths, Phenomenon, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Same Sex Couples, Secondary Infertility, Twitter
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Friday, June 24th, 2011
There are many reasons that people eschew adopting technology, including heavy cell phone usage. First, it can be quite risky to use a cell phone during driving. It can also be socially rude to sit in company chatting or texting… all the while avoiding one’s companions! And some medical professionals are even saying that it can have a significant impact male infertility.
A recent study on men who were talking on their cell phones an “excessive” amount of time showed higher-than-normal levels of testosterone and lower levels of LH, a reproductive hormone. Thus, their sperm counts (and amount of healthy sperm) were significantly decreased, enough to cause male infertility in some.
The problem, according to Queen’s University, Australia, researchers appears to be abnormal testosterone levels associated with very high cell phone usage. Of course, why this is happening isn’t cut and dry. That’s why studies are being conducted across the globe to address the strange phenomenon. After all, it could be that men with naturally higher testosterone levels engage in more intense cell phone usage than their counterparts with lower testosterone levels.
Until it’s clear whether or not cell phones are, indeed, a contributing factor to male infertility, it may be a good idea to follow these simple guidelines, which are safety-first anyway:
1. If you cannot be free from your cell phone, you may have the beginnings of a problem or true addiction. Take breaks from being “on call” 24/7, as it will be good for your mental health, if nothing else!
2. Don’t keep your cell phone in your front pocket or on your lap. Some research has shown that low levels of radiation are emitted from cell phones; thus, they should be kept far away from genitalia.
3. If you’re having trouble with male infertility, don’t stop using your cell phone, but do ask your fertility specialist if he or she thinks it could be a problem. Not all will agree with the researchers, but it’s worth considering every possibility.
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Tags: Amount Of Time, Cell Phone Usage, Companions, Counterparts, Dr. Munabi, fertility specialist, Genitalia, Infertility, Male Infertility, Medical Professionals, Mental Health, radiation, Reproductive Science Institute, Researc, Rsi, S University, Significant Impact, Sperm Counts, Strange Phenomenon, Testosterone, Testosterone Levels, True Addiction, University Australia
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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
The term “varicoceles” may not be a household word, but for men, having the condition can lead to male infertility, among other medical problems.
Simply put, varicoceles are enlarged veins located in the testicles. (Think of the term “varicose veins”, which has a similar sound to it as “varicoceles” due to the etymology of the words.) Those enlarged veins cause a noticeable, soft, lumpy mass. They also contribute to conception difficulties. And a recent release from top U.S. researchers suggests that varicoceles may even stifle testosterone production, leading to other issues like depression, higher risk of heart attack and more.
So how many males have this condition? Some researchers suggest the figure could be as high as 15%, though a large number of men have no idea that they are afflicted with the condition. The onset of varicoceles seems to be puberty, but may come at any time during a man’s life.
Typically, until intense discomfort or male infertility symptoms arise, varicoceles aren’t touched, though a cadre of surgeons is pushing for men to address their varicoceles with a varicocelectomy. (Interestingly, physicians are more concerned with the low levels of testosterone associated with varicoceles than with fertility issues.) Varicoceles can be addressed using microsurgical techniques which have been proven to be lower in risk than ever before and quite effective.
If you’re concerned that you or your partner could have varicoceles, it’s important to contact your primary doctor and/or a reputable fertility specialist like those at Philadelphia area’s RSI clinic.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, conception difficulties, Dr. Munabi, Etymology, Facebook, Fertility Issues, fertility specialist, Heart Attack, Household Word, Infertility, Male Infertility, Medical Problems, Philadelphia Area, Puberty, Reproductive Science Institute, Risk Of Heart Attack, Rsi, Similar Sound, Testicles, Twitter, Varicocelectomy, Varicoceles, Varicose Veins
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Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
You want to go to a reproductive health specialist and discuss fertility problems you and your partner have had. But whenever you bring up the subject, he becomes defensive and refuses to attend even an exploratory meeting with a physician… let alone hear you out.
What gives?
For many men, especially those who were raised in families where infertility and reproductive health were “verboten” issues, discussing topics like this can be extremely difficult. And for other men, there can be an overwhelming fear that they might be facing male infertility.
What many men simply don’t realize is that male infertility is quite common. In fact, just as many fertility problems can be caused by male infertility factors as female infertility factors! But that can be little relief for the wife or partner of the man who won’t even discuss going to a doctor.
If you’re with someone who finds the male infertility discussion difficult, there are a few routes you can take.
First, you can make an appointment on your own to see a reproductive health specialist who can assist you in getting some information.
Next, you can get in touch with a counselor who might be able to give you advice on broaching the subject of male infertility.
Finally, you may just have to be patient but direct. If you both want children and you haven’t conceived naturally (though you’ve been having sexual intercourse regularly and without protection) in a 6-12 month period, there’s something amiss. That could be the bare fact that gets him to attend an appointment in the hopes of getting one step closer to a solution.
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Tags: Appointment, Counselor, female infertility, Fertility Problems, Having Sexual Intercourse, Health Specialist, Infertility, Male Infertility, Many Men, Overwhelming Fear, Reproductive Health, Reproductive Science Insitiute, Rsi
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Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
In medical news…
Japanese researchers have reproduced sperm in an effort to better understand the process of spermatogenesis and possibly help increase infertile men’s abilities to naturally reproduce.
During numerous experiments, test tube-created sperm from infant mice cells were developed “artificially” in the lab environment and subsequently injected into female mice ova. The result? Healthy mouse babies that were all born fertile themselves.
Though this research has not been tested on other animals (and certainly not humans), the implications for men suffering from male infertility (or who may suffer from male infertility, as would be the case with young men undergoing cancer treatments) are abundant.
The Japanese scientists are highly encouraged by the idea that freezing testicular tissues before any male infertility issues arise (e.g., prior to chemotherapy or radiation), sperm can later be made in the laboratory and then used to fertilize eggs.
Quick stat:
Male infertility is estimated to affect approximately 30% of men around the world. Although most are what is considered to be “sub-fertile”, around 2% of all males are entirely infertile.
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Tags: Cancer Treatments, Cells, Chemotherapy, Dr. Munabi, Eggs, Female Mice, infertile men, Infertility, Infertility News, Infertility Treatments, Japanese Researchers, Japanese Scientists, Lab Environment, Male Infertility, Male Infertility Issues, Medical News, Process Of Spermatogenesis, Quick Stat, radiation, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Test Tube, Tissues, Young Men
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Friday, March 25th, 2011
Ever wonder what causes or contributes to a woman or man’s infertility? Our 3-part series takes a brief look at 25 factors that can result in infertility for males and females.
- 16. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – According to the Centers for Disease Control, PID is an “infection of the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus) and other reproductive organs that causes symptoms such as lower abdominal pain”. PID is a symptom of an STD and is often a cause of ectopic pregnancies.
- 17. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – PCOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting women. A female with PCOS typically has enlarged ovaries that contain many cysts. Infertility and PCOS often go hand-in-hand.
- 18. Scarred Ovaries – If a female’s ovaries have become scarred due to surgeries, infections or other problems/conditions, the ovaries may not function properly.
- 19. STDs – Many STDs (like Chlamydia) essentially “steal” fertility. However, a good amount of adults do not realize they carry STDs. This is one of the reasons reproductive health physicians will frequently test both partners for STDs at the beginning of their fertility journey.
- 20. Stress – Though stress might not last forever, it can be a contributor to infertility. Because the body often “shuts down” unneeded systems during stress, males and females can find themselves unable to have children when going through times of great, prolonged anxiety.
- 21. Thyroid Problems – The thyroid gland helps regulate hormones; consequently, an undiagnosed thyroid problem can be to blame for infertility in women.
- 22. Toxins and Poisons – It’s long been known that there are several toxins and poisons that create conditions for infertility. Some items to watch out for include lead, mercury and certain plastics/polymers.
- 23. Treatments for Cancer – Radiation and chemotherapy can leave men and women infertile. That’s why some females (even those who do not desire to have a child in the near future) choose to have their eggs removed and cryo-preserved in the hopes that they can be fertilized later.
- 24. Uterine Fibroids – Fibroids are small “lumps” that develop inside the uterus. Though benign, they can make the uterine environment a place where conception cannot easily take place without intervention.
- 25. Vaginal Lubricants – Certain vaginal lubricants may contain spermicides or ingredients that can contribute to infertility.
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Tags: Cancer Chemotherapy, Centers For Disease Control, Chlamydia, Common Hormonal Disorder, Control Pid, Dr. Munabi, Ectopic Pregnancies, Enlarged Ovaries, female infertility, Infection Of The Uterus, Infertility, Infertility In Women, Lower Abdominal Pain, Male Infertility, Males And Females, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Reproductive Organs, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, STDs, Thyroid Gland, Thyroid Problem, Thyroid Problems
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Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
Ever wonder what causes or contributes to a woman or man’s infertility? Our 3-part series takes a brief look at 25 factors that can result in infertility for males and females.
- 8. Dietary and Weight Issues – Obesity and malnutrition are serious contributors to infertility. Any adult above or below normal BMI levels may find him- or herself unable to have a child without assistance from a reproductive health specialist.
- 9. Endometriosis – Not only is endometriosis a painful condition experienced by hundreds of thousands of women, but it’s also one of the leading causes of infertility. Ironically, many women with endometriosis do not realize they have the condition (despite the pain/discomfort associated with it) until they experience fertility problems.
- 10. Genetic Conditions – Carrying an extra X or Y chromosome can lead to infertility in both men and women.
- 11. “Hostile” Cervical Mucus – A woman’s cervical mucus may actually be considered “hostile” to the sperm of her partner. Essentially, this means the mucus does not allow fertility to take place because it sees the sperm as an invader. There are numerous treatments to handle this type of situation.
- 12. Low Sperm Count and/or Motility – If a male’s sperm count is too low OR if his sperm do not have the power to get to the egg, infertility will likely result.
- 13. Medical Conditions – Some medical conditions such as diabetes and Crohn’s disease are contributing factors to infertility in both males and females.
- 14. Medications – Some medications may inhibit fertility in those taking them; therefore, it’s critical to always understand possible side effects when trying to have a child.
- 15. Ovulation Disorders – Ovulation is critical to fertility. If a woman’s body is not ovulating on a regular basis, there will either be a) no egg for the sperm to fertilize or b) an egg available for fertilization only some of the time. Fortunately, there are prescription medications like Clomid that can help women ovulate.
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Tags: Causes Of Infertility, Crohn S Disease, Dr. Munabi, Endometriosis, female infertility, Fertility Problems, Fertilization, Genetic Conditions, Health Specialist, Hostile Cervical Mucus, Infertility, Low Sperm Count, Male Infertility, Male Sperm, Males And Females, Malnutrition, Ovulation Disorders, Pain Discomfort, Reproductive Health, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Sperm Motility, Y Chromosome
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Friday, March 4th, 2011
Could male infertility evaluations begin to include a tape measure? Maybe, if research findings hold true.
Crotch length (also known as anogenital distance or AGD) – the distance between the underside of the scrotum and the rectum – may have implications when it comes to sperm production and quality. And this news could assist reproductive health specialists when dealing with male infertility and treatments.
A recent study from the journal Environmental Health Perspectives indicated that although the AGD has long been known as a factor of infertility in laboratory rat populations, it’s only now being researched in humans. And just as in rats, a shorter AGD seems to be connected with male infertility .
Why do some men have a lower-than-average AGD? Though it’s impossible to say due to each man’s unique physical characteristics and genetics, a shorter AGD may have something to do with the way the male developed when in utero. And many scientists are beginning to speculate that shortened AGDs can be the result of early exposure to phthalates, found in plastics that are common in homes and offices.
One more notable item from the study – a longer-than-average AGD appeared to have no bearing on increased sperm count, motility or quality.
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Tags: Agd, Bearing, Environmental Health Perspectives, Fertility, Genetics, Infertility, Infertility Evaluations, Infertility Treatments, Laboratory Rat, Male Infertility, Motility, Physical Characteristics, Plastics, Rats, Rectum, Reproductive Health Specialists, Reproductive Science Institute, Research Findings, Rsi, Scrotum, Tape Measure, Utero
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