Male fertility is largely dependent on the state of the sperm. Sperm number, morphology and motility are important factors. The quality of the motility of sperm, as well as adequate sperm function is also very important for successful fertilization. Various treatments have been developed to deal with virtually any sperm problem.

Low sperm numbers

Oligospermia (or low sperm count) can reduce the chance of pregnancy because it lowers the probability that an adequate number of the sperm will reach the egg and successfully fertilize it. The sperm count can be zero (azoospermia), in which case there are no sperm in the ejaculate due to one of four reasons:

1. failure of the testes to produce sperm in adequate quantities (or at all)
2. failure of the sperm to mature properly
3. an obstruction between the testes and the penis preventing the sperm from being ejaculated
4. retrograde ejaculation - the semen takes a wrong turn where the vas deferens meets the urethra and ends up in the bladder instead of being ejaculated out through the penis

Morphology and motility

Abnormal morphology (what the sperm looks like) and poor motility can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. The sperm need motility to be able to swim well and survive for a number of hours in the female reproductive tract. If they do meet, abnormal-looking sperm might be incapable of fertilization.

Anti sperm antibodies

Antibodies are the body’s natural defense against foreign objects. They are part of the immune system. Men can develop antibodies against their own sperm! This is most common in men who have had a vasectomy reversal, genital infection or genital trauma.

The antibodies can attack the sperm by paralyzing them, causing them to clump together or coating them so that they can’t fertilize the egg.

Tests at Bellingham IVF

"Andrology" means for men what "gynecology" means for women.

Bellingham IVF provides state-of-the-art diagnostic andrology services. Our procedures comply with current World Health Organization standards.

The following male fertility tests can be performed at Bellingham IVF

• Semen analysis - tests the overall appearance, acidity/alkalinity and volume of the semen, measures the sperm concentration, motility and velocity, and assesses morphology. However it is a very static test and therefore has somewhat limited usefulness but it is a good starting point.
   
• IVF Semen Analysis - evaluation of semen for various assisted conception procedures. Depending on the quality and number of sperm, different methods of assisted conception can be recommended. This test allows us to evaluate different sperm separation techniques to separate the best sperm in a sample for use with various assisted conception technologies.
   
• Advanced Semen Analysis - evaluation of semen for determination of sperm function and survivability overnight. Test is able to assist physician on type of treatment necessary to achieve conception. This is a dynamic sperm testing technique that was developed at Bellingham IVF. It is based on research we published in Fertility & Sterility in March of 1999. This test allows us to evaluate the number of effective sperm in a sample as well as their overnight survival. By using these numbers we can determine the most effective treatment method for the sperm you have.

Assisted conception treatments for Male Factor

1. Assisted insemination
   Men with mild to moderate sperm problems, identified by the Advanced Semen Analysis, can benefit from intrauterine insemination of their best sperm.
    
2. In vitro fertilization
   IVF can be effective for more sever sperm problems because the sperm and egg can be concentrated in the small space of a special plastic dish which can improve the chance of fertilization.
    
3. Sperm microinjection
   This ART technique is reserved for the most severe sperm problems. Since the development of ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection), fertilization can be achieved even when there are hardly any sperm in the ejaculate or if the sperm are poorly functioning. A single sperm is injected directly into the body (cytoplasm) of the egg, bypassing most of the barriers to fertilization.
    
4. Donor insemination
   For the most sever sperm problems, when direct sperm injection is not an option for the couple for financial or other reasons, the use of donor sperm is an option. All donor sperm in the United States is frozen and quarantined for 6 months before use to prevent the transmission of most infectious diseases. This method offers a lower cost, very effective and safe method of dealing with severe sperm problems.