ArkLaTex Fertility offers ICSI to address male factor infertility
Trying to have a baby without success can leave you feeling disappointed and frustrated. Unfortunately, infertility affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples in this country. At our Northern Louisiana fertility center, Dr. David T. Vandermolen provides advanced infertility treatment, including ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, for male factor infertility.
Understanding male factor infertility basics
While many people believe infertility only impacts women, the truth is that this condition occurs in both males and females.
- The cause of infertility is female-related in about one-third of cases.
- In another third of cases, fertility issues are linked to the male partner.
The remaining one-third of infertility cases are either a combination of both partners or unexplained.
Diagnosing male factor infertility
When patients visit our practice, we usually begin with a complete fertility evaluation to identify any barriers to conception and pregnancy. Dr. Vandermolen will gather a full medical history, perform a physical exam, and order bloodwork and a semen analysis. Once he understands what’s causing the infertility, he can determine the best course of action at our Northern Louisiana fertility center.
If your partner’s semen analysis reveals abnormalities, Dr. Vandermolen will make a referral to a urologist for further testing. Urologists are specially trained in the male reproductive system. Treatment will depend on the specific cause of male factor infertility. Common reasons for male infertility include low sperm count, blockages, genetic abnormalities, certain medical treatments and hormonal imbalances.
Exploring available treatment options like ICSI
For male factor infertility, Dr. Vandermolen will review the available treatments. With assisted reproductive technology (ART), we help the sperm reach and enter the egg. Often, therapies like intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ICSI can improve the odds of success for couples who have struggled to get pregnant naturally.
How intracytoplasmic sperm injection works
For very low sperm counts, low sperm swimming rates-motility, and/or low sperm normal morphology-shape rates, our doctor may recommend ICSI. First, your partner will provide a sperm sample to use with your retrieved eggs or donor eggs. During this laboratory procedure, one single sperm is injected through a tiny needle into an egg. We then monitor the development of the fertilized egg in the laboratory. At the appropriate time, Dr. Vandermolen transfers the embryo back into the uterus to implant there.
Although infertility can dampen your goals for parenthood, our team can assist you in starting or expanding your family. Dr. Vandermolen has the clinical expertise and reproductive laboratory expertise to increase your odds of success and move you closer to your ultimate goal of having a healthy baby. Contact our office today to learn more about ICSI or to schedule a consultation with our Northern Louisiana fertility center doctor.