Male reproductive problems

*At Ganin we offer a practical, goal oriented and economic plan to treat male reproductive health problems. This is a full-service facility that treats the entire spectrum of male infertility problems.
The initial step is Semen Fluid Analysis (SFA); and then this may be complemented with endocrine assessment if needed. Once diagnosis is complete, one or more of 3 directions are typically taken to treat the infertile male:

1- Problems with the male anatomy

can often be treated effectively with surgery.

Varicocele ligation

*A varicocele is an abnormal tortuosity and dilation of veins within the spermatic cord. If there is a varicocele, it can be surgically treated - which might help fertility in some cases. However, well controlled studies of surgery vs. no surgery have failed to consistently demonstrate increased pregnancy rates with surgical correction. Some studies have shown better pregnancy rates after surgery, but other studies have shown lower pregnancy rates following surgery. Interestingly, 15% of normal, fertile men also have a varicocele. Our current status stands on; if the varicocele is of severe form it may be corrected surgery.

2- Medical treatment

*Medical therapy can be used to treat specific, medical conditions or to enhance sperm production.
The most successful medical therapy for male infertility involves the reversal of chemical, infectious or endocrine imbalances. This is termed specific therapy and is usually successful because treatment is based upon the correction of well-defined pathophysiologic states. Examples of this include acute prostatitis, epididymitis or varicocele, the replacement of the pituitary hormones (FSH and LH) in radiation or surgically induced pituitary disease, and the administration of testosterone in men with hypoandrogenic hypogonadism. However, these are rare cases.
Another kind of treatment is termed empiric therapy and is an attempt to correct rather ill-defined pathologic states. The use of poly vitamins, antioxidants and specific amino acids has been found to be effective in some cases.
*Any treatment may be expected to have an effect on semen quality roughly 3 months after it is started, as this is the length of time required for a single cycle of spermatogenesis (sperm production). If neither surgical nor medical therapy is appropriate, assisted reproductive technologies are possible.

3- Assisted Reproductive Technology

This include; Intra uterine Insemination (after processing the semen) (IUI), and ICSI. In cases of absent sperms in semen, this case is called Azoospermia, ICSI is combined with surgical retrieval of sperms.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for the Infertile Male

* Patients with infertility can have some improvement of their reproductive function by living healthy lifestyles. Often some “negative” lifestyles may be contributing to their infertility. Therefore, if patients live healthy lifestyles, it is possible that there will be some improvement in their reproductive function. The following may help:
* Avoid excessive heat (avoid waterbeds, saunas, hot tubs, etc.).
* Limit coffee and dark tea to 1 or 2 cups per day.
* Do not smoke.
* Do not use marijuana, cocaine, or other similar drugs. Marijuana stays in the testes for over 2 weeks; so even using it once every two weeks will have a negative effect.
* Exercise regularly and moderately.
* Avoid alcohol as it is a male reproductive tract toxin, which associates with a decrease in the percentages of normal sperm.
* Improve your nutritional habits, especially a diet rich in fresh fruits and leafy vegetables (organically grown foods).

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for the Infertile Male

It is believed that taking certain vitamins (C, E, B12, etc.) may help improve your fertility. The mechanism of action is believed to be as follows: The breakdown of oxygen as it passes through the cells in our body results in substances known as free radicals. Infertile men have a higher concentration of free radicals in their semen as compared to fertile men. Free radicals attack and destroy the membrane that surrounds sperm. Anti-oxidants fight against these bad effects. Therefore, Vitamins are natural anti-oxidants.

Vitamin C (500 mg/day). It helps to protect sperm against free radical damage. It also guards sperm from oxidative damage. Many studies show that supplement Vitamin C also improves the quality of sperm in smokers and reduces sperm agglutination (a condition when sperm stick together, then fertility is reduced.).

Vitamin E (400 IUS/day). Vitamin E has an important function as an antioxidant. Therefore, Vitamin E supplements can decrease and mop up enough free radicals to prevent the damage to sperm cells.

Selenium (200 mcgs/day). Some studies have shown that selenium supplement can significantly increase sperm motility.

Multi-vitamin containing zinc (20 mg). Zinc plays an important role for the male reproductive system. A lack of zinc can effect the normal sperm production. For men with low testosterone, zinc supplements may raise testosterone levels and increase the sperm production.