A Practical Guide to Azoospermia
The information presented in this guide is only valid for cases of absolute Azoospermia, where no sperm cells were identified after repeated examination by qualified professionals. The presence of a few sperm cells (verified by multiple examinations) is a separate clinical scenario. Background: The quality of sperm in men around the world is in constant […]
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a common cause of male subfertility. It is a condition which includes oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia. In other words, the patient’s diagnosis includes a low sperm number, as well as abnormal sperm movement and shape. It can be diagnosed using semen analysis. The cause of OAT is often unknown. However in various […]
Oligospermia
Oligospermia, sometimes called oligozoospermia, is the term used to describe a low sperm count. A diagnosis is usually given following at least two semen analyses, where in both the sperm concentration was lower than 15 million sperm/mL of sample. Oligospermia has been divided into the three categories of mild, moderate and severe, depending on the […]
Hormonal Levels
In order for sperm to be produced normally, the male hormone cycle must be functioning normally. When a male is being assessed for potential infertility, one of the mandatory tests given is therefore a hormone test. The levels of the reproductive hormones LH, FSH, and testosterone, and as they relate to one another, can sometimes […]
Capacitation
In order for the fully formed sperm cell to successfully activate and fertilize the oocyte, it must undergo several further steps in its maturation. The second two last step of this process is known as capacitation. Under natural conditions, capacitation will occur following ejaculation in the female genital tract. Capacitation involves chemical changes on the […]
Hormones and Male Sex Development
The male reproductive system is dependant on chemicals known as hormones, created by a system beginning in the brain’s hypothalamus. The hypothalamus acts as the bridge between the brain and the endocrine (hormonal) system. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This GnRH then reaches the pituitary gland, at the base of the brain, and stimulates […]
Advanced sperm searches
Advanced sperm searches: Before proceeding to invasive methods and surgeries, a patient must undergo advanced sperm search methods, which enable a thorough examination of semen samples to find any viable sperm that can be used in IVF procedures. In general, these methods make use of microscopes (x6,000), but the emphasis is not on magnification, but […]