Today, many couples who wish to have children are unable to conceive naturally due to various health issues. Just as infertility in women poses significant challenges to starting a family, infertility in men can also create major obstacles. Male infertility may arise from issues with sperm quality, motility, and count, and is also linked to various genetic and environmental factors. Thanks to advancing medical technologies, in vitro fertilization (IVF) offers effective solutions for male infertility. In this article, we will provide detailed information about how IVF works for male infertility, the methods used, and the key considerations during the treatment process.
The primary causes of infertility in men include low sperm count, insufficient sperm motility, abnormalities in sperm shape, testicular diseases like varicocele, and hormonal imbalances. Genetic factors, environmental influences, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress also negatively affect sperm quality. All of these factors impact a man’s ability to conceive.
While IVF is primarily used to treat female infertility, it also provides an effective solution for male infertility. If there is a problem with sperm production in men, and the sperm cannot naturally reach the woman’s egg, IVF comes into play. In IVF, sperm and egg are combined in a laboratory environment, leading to fertilization, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the woman's uterus.
For IVF to be successful in treating male infertility, sperm must first be collected from the male. If sperm count or motility is low, the method of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used. ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, and this method has a high success rate even for men with very low sperm count.
ICSI is the most commonly used IVF technique for treating male infertility. In this method, a sperm sample is collected from the male and examined in the laboratory. If the sperm is not sufficiently motile or healthy, the technician selects the healthiest sperm and injects it directly into the egg. This method offers great hope for men with low sperm count, insufficient motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.
ICSI yields very successful results in treating male infertility, but the treatment process may vary depending on individual factors. Therefore, it is important to conduct a comprehensive sperm test before starting the treatment and to determine the appropriate treatment method.
The IVF treatment process for male infertility consists of several stages. The process progresses according to the doctor’s recommendations and is monitored through specific tests at each stage.
Sperm Test and Evaluation: The first step in the treatment process involves collecting a sperm sample from the male. The sperm count, motility, morphological abnormalities, and genetic factors are examined. Based on the test results, the treatment plan is determined.
Egg Collection and Sperm Preparation: While the egg collection procedure is performed on the female, a sperm sample is also collected from the male. The sperm is examined under a microscope in the laboratory, and the healthiest sperm is selected.
ICSI Application: If the sperm count is low or motility is insufficient, ICSI is used. In this process, the selected sperm is injected directly into the egg.
Embryo Transfer: After fertilization, the embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus. The embryo is monitored throughout its development, and it is checked whether successful implantation occurs.
The success rate of IVF for male infertility depends on several factors. Sperm quality, the woman’s age, hormone levels, and the response to treatment directly affect the success of the procedure. High success rates have been achieved in treating male infertility using ICSI. However, each treatment process is different, and sometimes multiple attempts may be required.
Male infertility can be effectively treated through IVF. With the advancement of technologies and techniques, men with low sperm quality also have the chance to become fathers. For IVF to be successful, an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan are essential.
If you wish, you can also check out the article titled What is Sperm Detox? What are its Benefits?
