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It
is not uncommon for couples to experience problems with infertility, and at times, there is more than one cause. Infertility tests can be expensive; sometimes insurance covers them, and sometimes not.
The good news is most of the time, there is success with treatment, and you are on your way to parenthood. You will need a professional diagnostic center with state-of-the-art equipment: and physicians plus staff that matches. Z Urology, in the Boca Raton area, represents the diagnostic arena with unmatched quality and professionalism.
There are a number of ways to diagnose male infertility and discover the root cause of the problem. By determining the cause of an infertility problem, urologists can recommend the appropriate treatment.
Here is an overview of some of the many different methods for determining the exact cause of male infertility.
Physical exam complete with your medical history
When you come in for your exam, your doctor will go over your health complications which may include chronic conditions that may be inherited, injuries, ailments, or surgeries that may have attributed to causing infertility. Lastly, there will be an examination of your genitals as well.
Analysis of semen
You have some options for how to collect your sample. Some folks are comfortable enough at the doctor's office to provide a sample by ejaculating into a specimen container.
A sperm count is then done and checked for any morphology, abnormalities in shape, and motility. Indications of any other problems like infection. Since there is often a large fluctuation in sperm count, your doctor will more than likely take a number of samples to test throughout a time period. This increases the accuracy.
Scrotal ultrasound
This can better help your doctor see if there are any problems with the supporting anatomy, conditions with the testicles, or if there is a varicocele.
Transrectal ultrasound
This test involves a small wand that is lubricated and slides into your rectum. Your doctor will check for any blockage in the tubes that allow semen to flow and take a peek at your prostate as well.
Hormone testing
There is a connection between the pituitary gland that produces hormones, the hypothalamus, and the testicles. Your doctor will take a blood test to better asses other hormones and testosterone levels.
Hormone treatments and medications
If your doctor suspects that there is a problem in the way your body is using hormones or if particular hormones have low levels, they may recommend medications or hormone replacement.
Post-ejaculation urinalysis
At times there is a retrograde ejaculation, where the sperm during ejaculation goes backward and into the bladder. This test takes a sperm count in the urine to better assess.
Genetic tests
Sometimes your urologist will have their patients take a genetic test when there is an extremely low level of sperm concentration. This can be done with a simple blood test assessing any minimal changes in the Y chromosome.
Specialized sperm function tests
There are a number of different ways to see if sperm is attaching to the egg, difficulty penetrating the egg, and the longevity of the sperm after ejaculation.
Testicular biopsy
Your doctor will use a needle to take samples from the testicle. This test helps your doctor assess the production of sperm.
Now that you know more about how medical professionals determine the cause of male infertility, let’s take a look at some of the options available to you.
Surgery
Often, vas deferens that are blocked and a varicocele can be corrected with surgery. There are also situations where patients have no sperm in the ejaculate. If that is the case, don’t worry; there is a high possibility of using sperm retrieval techniques and collecting the sperm right from the epididymis or the testicles.
Assisted reproductive technology
This technique is at the patient's discretion, where sperm can be collected with a normal ejaculation, extraction surgically, or donor. There are several methods available: genital tract insertion, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or in vitro fertilization.
Supplements that May Help
There are studies that reflect there are some possible benefits to improving sperm count. Take a look at the supplements listed below.
This is an option that you should discuss with your doctor.
Z Urology is a full-service urology clinic that provides exceptional care and comfort to its patients. It is comprised of a team of experienced physicians and professional staff that are dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care. This multi-physician facility is ideal for those seeking accurate diagnosis and treatment for male infertility. The state-of-the-art equipment ensures accuracy and privacy for all of our patients.
At Z Urology, we understand that male infertility can be an overwhelming experience for both the patient and their loved ones. Our experienced physicians provide a range of options for treating infertility, including lifestyle changes, medications, and assisted reproductive techniques. We provide individualized care and advice to help patients make informed decisions about their fertility treatments. Our goal is to provide the best care possible and to ensure that every patient receives the support they need.
We understand that infertility can be a sensitive and emotional issue, and at Z Urology, we prioritize patient privacy and confidentiality. Our team of physicians and staff are committed to ensuring that all patient records are kept secure and confidential. We strive to make sure that each patient receives the best care possible and that they feel supported and respected throughout their treatment.
At Z Urology, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and support to our patients. Our team of experienced physicians and professional staff are committed to providing the best care possible and to helping our patients find the right treatment for their fertility needs.
We prioritize accuracy, privacy, and options for treating male infertility and strive to make sure that each patient feels supported and respected throughout their treatment. Come see us at Z Urology; let’s do this together.