What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility refers to a man's inability to contribute to conception with a fertile female. Male infertility accounts for almost half of infertility cases. Addressing both male and female infertility simultaneously is crucial for modern infertility care, and at the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), about 20% of couples experience male factor infertility or a combination of male and female factors. Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David H. Barad lead CHR in providing comprehensive infertility care that effectively evaluates and treats both male and female infertility.
At CHR, we have the knowledge and experience to help at least 90% of men affected by male infertility become genetic fathers. We collaborate closely with prominent urologists for cases requiring specialized male infertility expertise. Additionally, our expertise in handling complex female infertility issues, such as premature ovarian aging and diminished ovarian reserve, makes CHR a comprehensive infertility center in New York, NY for both male and female infertility concerns. With modern treatment tools, the majority of men with infertility issues can achieve fatherhood, benefiting from CHR's integrated approach to fertility care.
What Causes Male Infertility?
Male infertility can be attributed to various factors that affect the quantity and/or quality of sperm. Some common causes include blockages in the sperm's exit route, retrograde ejaculation (where semen is ejaculated backward into the bladder), and low or absent sperm production in the testes. The most prevalent cause of male infertility is low sperm count known as oligospermia. This condition is diagnosed when sperm count falls below 20 million per milliliter of semen, compared to the normal range of 20 million to 120 million per milliliter. A complete lack of sperm, known as azoospermia, is less common, affecting less than 1% of the population. Low sperm count reduces the likelihood of sperm reaching and fertilizing an egg, leading to infertility.
Several factors contribute to low sperm count, including structural issues such as obstructions in the ejaculation tract, hormonal insufficiency, testicular injuries, and genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome. A varicocele, which is the dilation of veins in the scrotum, can also decrease sperm count by overheating the testicles and affecting sperm production. Other causes can include certain medications and lifestyle factors. In cases of azoospermia, families may assume that having a child is impossible. However, at the Center for Human Reproduction in New York, NY, treatments are available that allow small amounts of sperm to be harvested from the testes through microsurgeries performed by CHR's affiliate urologists. These advanced procedures enable azoospermic men to become fathers, providing hope for those previously diagnosed with this condition.
How Is Male Infertility Treated?
Treatment for male infertility varies greatly, depending on the severity of the sperm issue. For mild cases, artificial insemination, also known as intrauterine insemination (IUI), may be sufficient. During an IUI cycle, the semen sample is prepared and concentrated in the laboratory before being injected directly into the uterus, which can often overcome male infertility by increasing the concentration of sperm and delivering it closer to the egg. In more severe cases, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is often the best option. IVF for male infertility includes a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. For the most severe cases of male infertility, such as azoospermia (complete absence of sperm), our infertility specialists in New York, NY collaborate with highly specialized urology colleagues who perform procedures like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or testicular biopsy to retrieve sperm directly from the testes. These retrieved sperm can then be used in ICSI to fertilize the woman's eggs during an IVF cycle.
ICSI has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility, making it possible for many men with severe male factor infertility to become genetic fathers. While some urologists may recommend surgery to treat male infertility caused by structural problems, like varicoceles or a past vasectomy, these surgeries often have limited success in restoring natural fertility. Fertility specialists typically prioritize treatments that enable spontaneous conception over those that simply improve sperm quality. Therefore, IVF with ICSI remains a more reliable approach for achieving pregnancy in cases of severe male infertility.
Center For Human Reproduction Reviews
I discovered your clinic when I was at my lowest. I happened on a video on your you tube channel titled, "The burning out pcos." Just that video gave me much needed hope and direction because I couldn't get a diagnosis of why I was cold, lethargic and weak. I decided to become a patient for my fertility problems and fortunately I could consult online. Extending help internationally is really helpful. It is not easy to find this calibre, everywhere. I was 43 when I told Dr Gleicher I couldn't afford to travel there to do my IVF. He made sure he gave me some nuggets of wisdom to go with. For one, he insisted that my numbers showed I could have a child using my own eggs, like I wanted. The one clinic in my country doubted I could have a child in my late 30s. Another clinic in another country in the region would not even consult with me because I was 43 and not willing to use donor eggs. Another was willing to take me on but we had 2 failed IVF cycles. They also recommended donor eggs. I'm happy to share that I conceived naturally at 45 and I am looking at a perfectly healthy 5 month old baby boy. May the good Lord bless you and your work. You are truly doing the work of God. I could withstand the pressure to take donor eggs because you were very clear that my desire was possible. Congratulations and best wishes!
Beautiful treatment and kindness. The Dr and front desk staff are incredible. Dr.B is someone special experienced beyond most practitioners .I highly recommend the continuity of treatment and the support is sacred. There is no such thing as NO anything is possible when it comes to your miracle @ CHR Thank you!
The reception staff was kind and attentive, and Miss Ludmila and Dr. Barad were wonderful: kind, professional, thorough, and made things very comfortable.
I have been blessed to find CHR on my journey. If anyone is lucky to find the clinic they will be surrounded not only by the greatest medical knowledge and research when it comes to IVF but a group of amazing professional.Everyone I have met there is just genuinely kind, professional and so helpful. I cannot say enough great things about CHR and the only way to know what I'm talking about is to give them a chance. Thank you CHR
The office is beautiful and spotless. From the moment you arrive, the staff welcomes you with kindness and professionalism. They are very formal yet friendly, making the entire experience pleasant. One thing I really appreciated is that they do not question you or make you feel uncomfortable; they simply treat you with respect and efficiency. Overall, consultations here are quite relaxed rather than stressful or nerve-wracking.
203
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Why Choose CHR to Address Male Infertility?
Male infertility is a complex issue, but with specialized care and proper treatment, many men can achieve their dream of fatherhood. At the Center for Human Reproduction, Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad offer comprehensive treatment for both male and female infertility, recognizing that many couples face challenges on both sides. Our experienced team of infertility specialists is equipped to handle even the most severe cases of male infertility with a success rate of helping 90% of affected men become genetic fathers. With our specialized experience in addressing complex female infertility issues, CHR is your one-stop infertility center. If you or your partner are struggling with infertility, we encourage you to reach out to CHR today for a personalized consultation and take the first step toward building your family.