by Eve Redstone

Created on: June 30, 2008   Last Updated: July 02, 2008

Treatment for male infertility is less well known than for female infertility. Less has been done in both thefields of both research and treatment. This was initially because the issues of male infertility were poorly understood, but this has changed in the last ten years.

The first step when dealing with suspected male infertility is to define the problem. Male infertility can be the result of a low sperm count, low sperm motility, low sperm quality or structural problems in the testes.

The problem is usually identified from a simple examination of ejaculate under a microscope. This reveals the sperm count and quality, although not the reason for any problems. A culture may be grown from the ejaculate to check whether there are any infectious causes.

Initial treatment is aimed at improving production. Possible infectious causes are treated with antibiotics. The next stage is an examination of the sperm production environment. This means giving lifestyle advice, such as reducing the temperature of the testes in relation to the rest of the body, by wearing boxers instead of briefs. This is because optimal sperm production occurs at a lower than normal body temperature.

At this stage Structural abnormalities called varicoceles may be found on the testes. These are rather like varicose veins on the testicles, and reduce sperm count by increasing the temperature in the area. They can be treated surgically.

An active and healthy lifestyle is encouraged. This is for two reasons, physically fit men do have better sperm production than there less fit counterparts, and exercise is good for stress reduction and stress adversely affects sperm count.

Smoking and drinking alcohol are discouraged as both have been shown to reduce sperm count and quality. The immediate environment needs to be checked for other toxins, such as pesticides. Drugs and other toxins can cause problems with sperm production. The jury is out on caffeine. In the short term it seems to improve sperm motility but regular intake may reduce sperm quality.

Other dietary measures can be used to increase sperm quality. The most important vitamins and minerals in sperm production are vitamin E and zinc. Zinc is especially lacking in modern diets and especially important in the reproductive system. It can be increased by using supplements or by increasing intake of shellfish (oysters) and seeds such as pumpkin seeds. Other vitamins and minerals are important in sperm production, partially through their role in testosterone production. These include Indole-3-carbinole, which is found in the Brassica group of vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage.

Diets high in refined sugar and fats have been shown to reduce sperm quantity and quality. Overall a healthy diet as recommended for general good health, with an emphasis on vitamin E and zinc is good for sperm quality and quantity.

These measures may take up to two months to show good results. If after this time the sperm quantity or quality is still low other options may need to be explored.

If at the end of this journey sperm quality or quantity is still lacking then assisted reproduction is the next step. In assisted conception the sperm and egg are introduced to each other directly increasing the chances of fertilization.

At the most scientific end of this spectrum the spermatozoa is introduced directly into the egg in a test tube in a process called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). The newly fertilized egg is then implanted n the mother during a "traditional" IVF procedure.

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