2. Causes of male infertility

What increases a man’s risk of infertility?

• Age. Although advanced age plays a much more important role in predicting female infertility, couples in which the male partner is 40 years old or older are more likely to report difficulty conceiving.

Disruption of testicular or ejaculatory function

• Varicoceles, a condition in which the veins on a man’s testicles are large and cause them to overheat. The heat may affect the number or shape of the sperm.

• Trauma to the testes may affect sperm production and result in lower number of sperm.

• Unhealthy habits such as heavy alcohol use, smoking, anabolic steroid use, and illicit drug use.

• Use of certain medications and supplements.

• Cancer treatment involving the use of certain types of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to remove one or both testicles

• Medical conditions such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune disorders, and certain infections may cause testicular failure.

Hormonal disorders

• Improper function of the hypothalamus or pituitary glands may result in low or no sperm production.

Genetic disorders

• Genetic conditions such as a Klinefelter’s syndrome, Y-chromosome microdeletion, myotonic dystrophy

3- Semen Collection Method

What are the advices for semen collection for lab testing?

• Answer: The quality of the semen analysis is highly dependant on the method of collection. The ideal number of days to wait after sex to give a semen analysis is three to five days. Giving a semen analysis in less than three days after an ejaculation produce a small volume low count semen sample.

• Collection at the laboratory with specified container is recommended for accuracy.

• The actual technique for the collection of the sample is very important.

• The best way to obtain a sample is through masturbation. It is the easiest way to collect the entire ejaculate into the sterile collection container.

• It is very important to collect the entire sample, especially the first part of the ejaculate as it contains most of the sperm.

• Please do not use any lubricants, lotions, gels, etc for the collection of the sample as these items will alter the sample.

• The specimen must be kept at room temperature and promptly brought to lab within 30-40 minutes.

• Sperm samples can be adversely affected by heat, air- conditioning and extreme temperatures.

• It is best to keep sample near body temperature on the way to the office and this can be achieved by placing sample cup in between your legs.

COLLECTION CONDOM OPTION:

• If collection by masturbation is not the preferred method, you may also use a sterile collection condom.

• This method will allow you to collect your sample during normal intercourse.

• It is important that the whole sample be contained within the condom and then placed in the sterile collection container.

• Do not attempt to remove sample from condom, simply place condom into container.

• Be careful not to place condom in container so that the sample may leak from condom all over container.

• Try to place condom where the sample is isolated in the tip of the condom where it will remain through your transport of the sample.

• The specimen must be kept at room temperature and promptly brought to lab within 30-40 minutes.

• Sperm samples can be adversely affected by heat, air- conditioning and extreme temperatures.

• It is best to keep sample near body temperature on the way to the office and this can be achieved by placing sample cup in between your legs.

COLLECTION CONDOM INFORMATION:

For sperm collection through intercourse

• NON-SPERMICIDAL: Biologically inert polyurethane condom maintains semen motility and velocity. No mold releases or powders used in condom manufacture.

• PSYCHOLOGICALLY ACCEPTABLE: Allows sample collection at home and eliminates client stress traditionally caused by religious, cultural or emotional objections to masturbation or coitus interruptus.

• COMFORTABLE AND GENTLE: Ultra-thin polyurethane facilitates sensitivity and high sexual stimulation.