Fertility Archives - Page 6 of 7 - Island Reproductive Services

Category: Fertility

January 15, 2024

Male Infertility Challenges & Treatments

Male infertility is a significant concern that affects a substantial number of couples worldwide. Infertility is generally defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. While both men and women can contribute to fertility issues, male infertility plays a crucial role in approximately 40-50% of infertility cases. Understanding the challenges and available treatments for male infertility is vital for couples seeking to build their families.

Challenges Of Male Infertility

Several factors contribute to male infertility, ranging from genetic and hormonal issues to lifestyle and environmental factors. One of the primary challenges is the impaired production or function of sperm. Sperm abnormalities, such as low sperm count (oligospermia), poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology, can significantly reduce fertility. Island Reproductive Services is committed to offering education regarding male infertility challenges and treatments. We have experience testing men for fertility as well as treating men with various medical therapies to help optimize sperm.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances, particularly disruptions in the production of testosterone and other hormones, can also impact sperm production. These are common sources of problems. Conditions such as varicocele, a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle, can contribute to elevated testicular temperature, affecting sperm production and function. Additionally, genetic factors, such as chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations, can lead to male infertility.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors can play a crucial role in male fertility. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and obesity have been linked to reduced sperm quality. Environmental factors, including exposure to toxins and pollutants, can also contribute to male infertility.

Diagnostic Approaches

Accurate diagnosis is the first step in addressing male infertility. An evaluation first involves a thorough medical history. Semen analysis is an essential test that assesses the quantity and quality of sperm. Hormone and or genetic testing may also be appropriate once the initial evaluation has been completed. Other diagnostic techniques, like scrotal ultrasound, can provide insights into structural abnormalities leading to male infertility.

Treatments for Male Infertility

Several treatment options are available to address male infertility, depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches. Men with low sperm counts may be placed on medicines such as clomid, letrozole, or hcg. We may recommend to some men that they freeze sperm samples if a long-term problem is anticipated.

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve sperm quality. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, and managing stress.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

In cases where natural conception is challenging, ART procedures can be employed. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves placing sperm directly into the uterus, while in vitro fertilization (IVF) with ICSI involves combining sperm and eggs outside the body before implanting the embryo into the uterus.

TESA

TESA involves the surgical extraction of sperm from the testicle. TESA-obtained sperm can then be used in combination with IVF/ICSI to achieve pregnancy. TESA can be used for men with obstruction of sperm release. The procedure can also be used in men without obstruction who do not produce enough sperm through ejaculation to lead to pregnancy.

Varicocele Repair

Sometimes, the blood vessels surrounding the testicles can be swollen and enlarged. The increased blood flow can affect the sperm quality. Most men with varicoceles do not require surgery, but a subset of men may benefit from the surgical repair of these varicoceles.

Donor Sperm

In cases where the male partner is unable to produce viable sperm, the couple may choose to use donor sperm for fertility treatments.

Vasectomy Reversal

During a vasectomy, the pathway of sperm from the testicle is blocked. However, sperm production continues. The reversal procedure can help re-establish the flow of sperm through the urethra. If successful, this can help achieve pregnancy without the use of IVF

Male infertility poses significant challenges for couples aspiring to start a family. However, with advancements in medical science, many couples can overcome these challenges through a variety of treatment options. At Island Reproductive Services, we are experts in providing the care that your situation requires. For more information or questions regarding male fertility, check out our website or give us a call at (718) 948-6100.

December 16, 2023

7 Reproductive Surgery Treatment Options

According to the National Institutes of Health, studies suggest that after one year of having unprotected sex, 12% to 15% of couples are unable to conceive. Reproductive surgery involves a range of medical interventions designed to help with various reproductive health issues. Reproductive surgery can help individuals and couples achieve their desired goals of conception and a healthy pregnancy.

Reproductive Surgery Treatment Options

At Island Reproductive Services, we are experts in providing the care that your situation requires. That includes providing information regarding reproductive surgery treatment options for those looking to start a family. Continue reading to learn about 7 reproductive surgery options offered at Island Reproductive Services.

1. Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small camera to look inside the uterus. This reproductive surgery requires no incision or operation on your belly and is done under general anesthesia. This can detect uterine polyps, scar tissue, and fibroids and fibroids that involve the lining of the uterus. These can prevent pregnancy as well as predispose to miscarriage. Hysteroscopy can be diagnostic as well as therapeutic.

Luckily, a hysteroscopy is truly a minimally invasive technique under sedation or minimal anesthesia. It is helpful for many women with various problems, from abnormal bleeding to infertility to recurrent pregnancy losses. It is important to note that this procedure must be timed appropriately in your menstrual cycle to allow your physician to visualize your uterus adequately.

2. Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves inserting a small camera near the belly button in order to look and possibly operate inside your abdomen. This is done under general anesthesia. Laparoscopy can be useful in evaluating or repairing the fallopian tubes, removing ovarian cysts, investigating or treating chronic pelvic pain, and removing endometriosis.

A laparoscopy is not recommended for every patient. However, on an individual basis, it may provide a diagnosis that would otherwise go undetected. Laparoscopy may also help other fertility treatments work better.

3. Robotic Laparoscopy

Robotic surgery is a form of laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery. Small, approximately 1 cm, incisions are used instead of a traditional larger incision. Robotic controls allow the surgeon to mimic his own hand movements with these very small instruments, with many benefits, including

Less scar tissue formed from surgery due to more precise control
Quick recovery – usually 3-7 days
Same-day surgery – in most cases
Less blood loss
Removal of fibroids that would otherwise require a large incision
Optimal visualization and removal of endometriosis
More precise repair of fallopian tubes
Removal of ovarian cysts with optimal preservation of normal ovarian tissue

Compared to traditional laparoscopy, the surgeon has better instrumentation, more precise movements, and optimal visualization. This is particularly better for endometriosis.

4. Laparotomy

Laparotomy refers to an “open” abdominal procedure where a larger incision is used requiring an overnight hospital stay. Some patients require this type of procedure if there is too much scar tissue in their body to perform laparoscopy, if the pathology being removed is very large, or if previous surgery makes this a requirement.

5. Myomectomy

Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids. Fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, abdominal pressure, bladder irritation, painful intercourse, abnormal bleeding, and difficulty becoming pregnant.

6. Salpingectomy

Sometimes, one or both fallopian tubes may be damaged beyond repair. They may appear enlarged or swollen (hydrosalpinx) on ultrasound or on hysterosalpingograms. When this occurs, the damaged tube will increase your chance of ectopic pregnancy, decrease your chance of becoming pregnant, and increase your miscarriage rate (even through IVF). In this case, your physician may recommend removing the tube to increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

7. Removal Of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are very common, especially in young women. Cysts that grow large often resolve on their own without requiring any treatment. Sometimes, they may grow larger or persist and require surgery. The majority of cysts are benign. However, a small percentage of cysts may prove to be cancer. Surgical therapy is the only way to make an absolute diagnosis.

Learn More With Island Reproductive Services

Reproductive surgery treatment options offer hope and solutions for individuals and couples facing challenges with fertility. These interventions address various reproductive health conditions, improve fertility, and increase the chances of successful pregnancies, ultimately assisting individuals in building the families they desire.

Are you interested in scheduling one of the above procedures with a provider? You may even wonder if one of these procedures is right for you. Our team can help you find the information you need. At Island Reproductive Services, we are experts in providing the care that your situation requires. We will meet with you to find out what you need. Check out our website or give us a call at (718) 948-6100 for more information.