Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Arun Kumar | 04 May 2022
We assume Infertility and Subfertility to be the same but they are two different terms. Infertility is the inability to conceive naturally and Subfertility is the delay in conceiving. In Subfertility, there is a possibility of conceiving naturally but it takes a little longer than usual conceiving.
Subfertility is common and affects one in 20 men.
Idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia is the commonest cause of male subfertility. Though sexual function is normal, there is a reduced sperm count.
Sexual dysfunction and abnormal semen quality are the major factors that cause Subfertility in men. In these patients there are multiple sperm defects, usually of unknown origin.
Abnormal sperm production or function can cause subfertility. This can be caused by a number of conditions and factors, including gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HIV, diabetes, mumps, cancer and cancer treatment, enlarged veins in the testes, called varicocele and genetic defects.
Problems with the delivery of sperm can make it difficult to conceive. This can be caused by a number of things, including genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, premature ejaculation, injury or damage to the testes, structural defects, such as blockage in the testicle.
Semen analysis
Blood tests to determine hormone levels, including testosterone
Imaging tests, such as testicular ultrasound
Genetic testing to check for genetic defects that can affect fertility
Testicular biopsy to identify abnormalities, but mostly done as therapeutic procedure to avoid two surgical procedures.
Treatment options for men may involve treating sexual health problems
Surgery to repair a varicocele or blockage, only in specified scenarios
Medications to improve testicular function, includes sperm count and quality
Sperm retrieval techniques to obtain sperm in males who have problems ejaculating or when ejaculated fluid doesn’t contain sperm.
We have advanced techniques like Micro TESE which can handle testicular tissues very delicately and also improve the sperm retrieval rate to the maximum.
Fish High concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in fishes helps in sperm motility
Fruits and veggies Plant-based whole foods are high in anti-oxidants such as co-enzyme Q10, vitamin C, and lycopene.
Walnuts help in significant improvement in sperm vitality.
Fig, Fenugreek, Banana, Pumpkin seeds, Moringa flowers and Avocado help in improving sperm health.
The foremost important way to increase sperm quality is Alternate Day Ejaculation , either by intercourse or Masturbation which helps in New Sperm Production.
Must avoid smoking, which can affect male fertility.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Maintaining a healthy weight, as being underweight or overweight can affect fertility.
Exercising regularly helps in maintaining the physical and hormonal balance.
Avoiding excessive heat, such as saunas, which can affect sperm production and motility. You can cool down yourself by sitting in a tub of cold water twice a day for 10-15 minutes.
Speaking to a doctor about medications they are taking, as some of these medications may affect fertility.
