eMedicine Specialties > Urology > Male Infertility

Infertility, Male: Treatment & Medication

Author: Jonathan Rubenstein, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco
Coauthor(s): Robert E Brannigan, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Mar 26, 2008

Treatment

Medical Care

Limited numbers of medical treatments are aimed at improving chances of conception for patients with known causes of infertility.

  • Endocrinopathies
    • A number of patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism respond to GnRH therapy or gonadotropin replacement.
    • HCG is an LH analogue that may be used alone or in combination with HMG for Leydig cell stimulation.
    • Clomiphene citrate and tamoxifen are antiestrogens that block the negative feedback loop at the pituitary level, allowing a potentially increased release of gonadotropins.
    • Patients with CAH may respond to therapy with glucocorticoids, while those with isolated testosterone deficiency may respond to testosterone replacement.
    • Exogenous testosterone decreases intratesticular testosterone production, thus inhibiting Sertoli cell function and spermatogenesis.
    • Treat patients with hyperprolactinemia with bromocriptine, a dopamine antagonist, or cabergoline.
  • Antisperm antibodies: Patients with antisperm antibody levels greater than 1:32 may respond to immunosuppression using cyclic steroids for 3-6 months. However, patients need to be aware of the potential side effects of steroids, including avascular necrosis of the hip, weight gain, and iatrogenic Cushing syndrome.
  • Retrograde ejaculation
    • Imipramine or alpha-sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, may help close the bladder neck to assist in antegrade ejaculation. However, these medicines are of limited efficacy, especially in patients with a fixed abnormality such as a bladder neck abnormality occurring after a surgical procedure.
    • Alternatively, sperm may be recovered from voided or catheterized postejaculatory urine to be used in assisted reproductive techniques. The urine should be alkalinized with a solution of sodium bicarbonate for optimal recovery.
    • More recently, the injection of collagen to the bladder neck has allowed antegrade ejaculation in a patient who had previously undergone a V-Y plasty of the bladder neck and for whom pseudoephedrine and intrauterine insemination had failed.15
  • Semen processing
    • Patients with poor semen quality or numbers may benefit from having their semen washed and concentrated in preparation for intrauterine insemination.
    • Couples with an abnormal postcoital test result due to semen hyperviscosity may benefit from a precoital saline douche or semen processing with chymotrypsin.
  • Lifestyle
    • Patients should be encouraged to stop smoking cigarettes and marijuana and to limit environmental exposures to harmful substances and/or conditions.
    • Stress-relief therapy and consultation of other appropriate psychological and social professionals may be advised.
  • Infections should be treated with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Surgical Care

  • Varicocelectomy
    • Various techniques for varicocelectomy have been proposed and used, each with advantages and disadvantages.
    • The retroperitoneal approach may be performed as an open procedure or laparoscopically.
    • The inguinal and subinguinal microscopic approach (see Image 6) allows for ligation of individual veins with decreased risk of inadvertent arterial damage. Collateral vessels entering the cord distally may also be directly addressed with this technique. Many therefore feel this is the safest and most effective technique.
    • Successful varicocelectomy results in improvement in semen parameters in 60-70% of patients. The repair also typically halts further testicular damage and improves Leydig cell function.
    • Persistent dilatation after repair is not unusual and does not necessarily represent surgical failure. Rather, the veins may remain clinically apparent owing to chronic stretching or thrombosis, even if venous reflux is no longer present. Semen analysis may show improvement as early as the 3-month follow-up visit.
  • Vasovasostomy or vasoepididymostomy
    • These microsurgical techniques are performed in patients with known epididymal or vasal obstruction, both congenital and acquired (eg, due to surgery, trauma, infection). Improved surgical techniques and the use of the operating microscope have improved the outcomes in patients requiring vasectomy reversal or those with primary vas obstruction.16
    • After scrotal exploration, the patency of the duct system proximal to the proposed site of anastomosis is confirmed by examination of expressed fluid for the presence of sperm. If no fluid is expressed, a 24-gauge angiocatheter with 0.1 mL of saline should be used to gently barbotage the proximal vas. If no sperm are observed, inspect the vasal fluid aspirated.
    • A thickened, white, toothpaste-like fluid usually contains no sperm or nonviable sperm fragments and is likely merely from the vasal epithelium, whereas a watery thin fluid often implies proximal patency.17 If viable sperm are observed, send an additional sample for cryopreservation prior to vasovasostomy. These sperm may be used for IVF or ICSI if the man remains azoospermic after the repair.
    • The patency of the distal duct system is confirmed by injecting 10 mL of sterile saline through the vas; if no resistance is encountered, the system is deemed patent. Alternatively, radiographic vasography or chromogenic vasography with methylene blue can be performed, with radiographic contrast visualized passing into the bladder or blue coloration of the urine proving patency, respectively. A 2-0 nylon suture can be passed into the vasal lumen to check the distance to obstruction if the above tests reveal distal blockage.
    • A vasovasostomy (see Image 7) is generally performed in 2 layers, the inner lining with interrupted 10-0 nylon suture and the outer layer with interrupted 9-0 nylon suture. Optimally, a tension-free, mucosa-to-mucosa, watertight anastomosis is created.
    • A vasoepididymostomy (see Image 8) is also closed in 2 layers. Factors that predict a more favorable outcome include a shorter time from the original injury/surgery, a vasovasostomy performed on one side rather than bilateral vasoepididymostomies, and reconstruction because of an infectious etiology rather than a surgical or idiopathic etiology.
    • When performing a vasoepididymostomy, an end-to-side technique is easier to perform and yields better outcomes than an end-to-end anastomosis. More recently, a triangular technique for vasoepididymostomy has been proposed.18 Although more motile sperm are present at the proximal epididymis in patients with ductal obstruction, the technique is easier and more successful if it is performed at the distal end.
    • A varicocelectomy and vasovasostomy should never be performed at the same time because of a risk of testicular atrophy.
  • Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts
    • Patients with a known or suspected obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts may be eligible for transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED), which durably improves semen quality in patients with ejaculatory duct obstruction.
    • In the operating room, with patients under spinal or general anesthesia, the resectoscope with a 24F cutting loop is used to excise the verumontanum of the prostate. Using the O'Connor drape to enable placement of a finger in the rectum to elevate the prostate may be helpful.
    • Resection is performed with care to avoid injuring the bladder neck or external sphincter.
    • Risks with this procedure include watery (urine) ejaculate, chemical or bacterial epididymitis due to reflux, bleeding, and retrograde ejaculation.
  • Sperm retrieval techniques
    • Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is performed at the time of testicular biopsy or as a separate procedure using the same technique.19
    • Testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) is less invasive that TESE but yields fewer sperm and is suboptimal in cases of nonobstructive azoospermia.19
    • Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) involves directly retrieving sperm from the epididymis. Sperm in the epididymis are more mature than that in the testis. Using a microscope, the epididymis is uncovered and incised to express sperm. Epididymal fluid is aspirated into a tuberculin syringe primed with human tubal fluid (HTF).
    • Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) involves direct sperm aspiration from the epididymis. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia in the office setting. While effective in sperm retrieval, this does not allow sampling from multiple sites and is associated with an increased risk of epididymal and testicular injury and secondary epididymal obstruction.
    • An autogenous spermatocele can be created in patients with an unreconstructable ductal system. A buttonhole is created within the viscera, and repeated percutaneous aspirations of sperm can be performed using ultrasonographic guidance. An intact tunica vaginalis with no adhesions is needed, so it is ideal for use in patients with normal spermatogenesis and a congenital absence of the vas. This procedure is rarely used.
    • An alloplastic spermatocele uses an artificial silicone sperm reservoir in place of the tunica vaginalis for sperm storage and subsequent retrieval. This technique has been unsuccessful so far.
  • Electroejaculation
    • Under general anesthesia, an unlubricated Foley catheter is placed in the bladder and a buffer (ie, HTF) is instilled through the catheter. A rectal probe is inserted with its electrodes positioned against the posterior seminal vesicles. Electrical stimulation is begun at 3-5 volts and increased as necessary.
    • Electroejaculation achieves up to a 90% sperm retrieval rate.
    • The penile vibratory stimulator has been shown to be a useful alternative to electroejaculation in select patients. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved this device for home use, using 2.2 mm at 100 Hz. This is associated with fewer adverse effects and lower morbidity costs less than electroejaculation. In addition, collection may occur at home instead of in the operating room.
  • Artificial insemination
    • Artificial insemination (AI) involves the placement of sperm directly into the cervix (ie, intracervical insemination [ICI]) or the uterus (ie, intrauterine insemination [IUI]). AI is most useful for couples in whom the postcoital test indicated no sperm, those who have very low sperm density or motility, or those who have unexplained infertility.
    • IUI allows the sperm to be placed past the inhospitable cervical mucus and increases the chance of natural fertilization. This results in a 4% pregnancy rate if used alone and a pregnancy rate of 8-17% if combined with superovulation. Both processes require semen processing.
    • Patients in whom IUI has failed 3-6 times should consider proceeding to IVF.
  • Assisted reproduction techniques: Patients with severe oligospermia, azoospermia, unexplained infertility, or known defects that preclude fertilization by other means are candidates for assisted reproduction techniques. Assisted reproduction techniques use donated or retrieved eggs that are fertilized by the male partner's sperm or donor sperm. The fertilized embryos are then replaced within the female reproductive tract. These techniques result in a 15-20% delivery rate per cycle and may eventually be successful in 50% of cases. However, the high cost and technical difficulty of the procedures generally preclude their routine use as first-line therapy.
    • In vitro fertilization
      • IVF involves fertilization of the egg outside the body and reimplantation of the fertilized embryo into the woman's uterus. Indications for IVF include previous failures with IUI and known conditions of the male or female precluding the use of less-demanding techniques.
      • IVF requires a minimum of 50,000-500,000 motile sperm, so it cannot be used in patients with severe oligospermia. Harvesting eggs initially involves down-regulating the woman's pituitary with a GnRH agonist and then performing controlled hyperstimulation.
      • Follicular development is monitored by ultrasonographic examination and by checking serum levels of estrogen and progesterone. When the follicles are appropriately enlarged, a transvaginal follicular aspiration is performed.
      • A mean of 12 eggs are typically retrieved per cycle, and they are immediately placed in an agar of fallopian-tube medium. Unlike sperm and embryos, oocytes do not tolerate freezing. After an incubation period of 3-6 hours, the donor sperm are added to the medium using approximately 100,000 sperm per oocyte. After 48 hours, the embryos have usually reached the 3- to 8-cell stage. Two to 4 embryos are usually implanted in the uterus, while the remaining embryos are frozen for future use. Pregnancy rates are 10-45%.
      • Overall, IVF is a safe and useful procedure. Risks include multiple pregnancies and hyperstimulation syndrome. Additionally, an increased risk of hypospadias occurs in boys (1.5% vs 0.3%), probably because of the increased maternal progesterone used for egg harvesting.20
      • Finally, the use of this technology has led to many ethical issues, such as the fate of embryos after divorce.
    • Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT): These procedures allow the placement of semen (GIFT) or a fertilized zygote (ZIFT) directly into the fallopian tube by laparoscopy or laparotomy. Success rates have been estimated to be 25-30% using these techniques. Unfortunately, these procedures require general anesthesia and have associated risks. Fertilization and implantation within the uterus are not guaranteed, and these procedures cannot be performed in patients with fallopian tube obstruction. GIFT and ZIFT are rarely used as a therapeutic option.
  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
    • ICSI involves the direct injection of a sperm into an egg under microscopy (see Image 9).
    • ICSI is indicated in patients who have failed more conservative therapies or those with severe abnormalities in which no other treatment would be effective, including patients with sperm extracted directly from the epididymis or testicle.
    • Oocytes are processed with hyaluronidase to remove the cumulus mass and corona radiata. A micropipette is used to hold the egg while a second micropipette injects the sperm. The oocyte is positioned with the polar body at the 6-o'clock or 12-o'clock position, and the sperm is injected at the 3-o'clock position to minimize the risk of chromosomal damage in the egg.
    • After incubation for 48 hours, the embryo is implanted in the woman. Van Steirteghem et al (1993) reported a 59% fertilization rate and a 35% pregnancy rate using ICSI in 1409 oocytes.21
    • Fresh or cryopreserved sperm appear to have similar success rates.22
    • The potential complications, ethical issues, and high costs of ICSI need to be considered and individualized.

Consultations

  • Geneticist
    • A genetics consultation may be indicated in patients with a known or suspected genetic cause of infertility and in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia or severe oligospermia (<5 million sperm/mL). In addition, in the era of IVF and ICSI, determining the risks of passing on chromosomal abnormalities to a potential offspring is important.
    • Use a peripheral karyotype and a PCR-based evaluation of the Y chromosome to evaluate for microdeletions. Patients with nonobstructive azoospermia have a 13-17% chance of genetic abnormalities, 4-16% of which are due to Klinefelter syndrome and 9% are due to a partial Y deletion.
    • Patients with CBAVD nearly uniformly have a mutation in the CFTR gene. An estimated 50-82% of men with CBAVD have a genital-only form of CF, which may manifest in patients with only one copy of the abnormal CF gene. In contrast, patients with clinical CF usually have 2 copies of the abnormal gene.
    • As for men who do have the digestive and pulmonary complications of CF, technology is allowing them to live longer. These men are now candidates for assisted reproductive techniques. The female partner must be evaluated for a CFTR gene mutation before attempted fertilization to determine the risk of producing offspring with CF, which is an autosomal recessive trait.
  • Endocrinologist
    • Patients with severe oligospermia or azoospermia should be evaluated with a hormonal evaluation.
    • Patients with unexplained hypogonadism or hyperprolactinemia should undergo a CT scan or MRI of the sella turcica to evaluate for a pituitary tumor.
    • Abnormalities may indicate the need for a formal endocrinology consultation.

Diet

  • A diet high in antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E has been proposed to improve the quality of sperm by decreasing the number of free radicals that may cause membrane damage.
  • Additionally, the use of zinc, fish oil, and selenium has been shown to be of benefit in some studies.23

Activity

  • Patients should limit the use of potentially spermatotoxic substances such as cigarettes, marijuana, and anabolic steroids. Environmental exposures to harmful substances and/or conditions should be minimized.
  • The optimal timing to perform intercourse for conception is every 2 days at mid cycle.
  • The use of spermatotoxic lubricants should be avoided.

Medication

The goal of pharmacotherapy is to improve sperm count.

Androgens

These agents are used as replacement for primary hypogonadism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and delayed puberty.


Testosterone (Andro-LA, Androderm, Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone)

Promotes and maintains secondary sex characteristics in androgen-deficient males.

Adult

Enanthate: 1 mL = 200 mg IM once q2-4wk
Propionate: 25-50 mg PO/IM 2-3 times per wk
Cypionate: 50-400 mg IM q2-4wk (100 mg/mL or 200 mg/mL)
Patch: 5 mg/d at 10 pm to mimic normal circadian rhythms

Pediatric

Delayed puberty: 50-200 mg IM q2-4wk of long-acting formulations enanthate or cypionate

May increase effects of anticoagulants; decreases clotting factors 2, 5, 7, and 10, leading to increased risk of bleeding; decreases need for insulin and PO hypoglycemics

Documented hypersensitivity; severe cardiac or renal disease; benign prostatic hypertrophy with obstruction; males with carcinoma of the breast; undiagnosed genital bleeding

Pregnancy

X - Contraindicated; benefit does not outweigh risk

Precautions

Anabolic effects may enhance hypoglycemia; monitor hand and wrist q6mo to determine rate of bone maturation; testosterone cypionate contains benzyl alcohol, which has been associated with fatal gasping syndrome in premature infants; may cause hypercalcemia in immobilized patients because of increased osteolysis; long-term use may lead to peliosis, hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, jaundice, oligospermia, and BPH; causes sodium and water retention, possibly potentiating edema and congestive heart failure in cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease; alters cholesterol metabolism; at high doses, polycythemia has been observed; may lead to increased number and duration of erections; the PO testosterone is not well-absorbed in a high percentage of men; testosterone levels should be checked to monitor for adequate replacement

Estrogen receptor blockers

These agents cause increased hypothalamic secretion of GnRH owing to blockage of estrogen inhibition.


Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene)

Stimulates release of pituitary gonadotropins.

Adult

25 mg/d PO for 25 d, then off 5 d

Pediatric

Not established

Danazol may reduce response to clomiphene

Documented hypersensitivity; liver disease; abnormal uterine bleeding; uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction

Pregnancy

X - Contraindicated; benefit does not outweigh risk

Precautions

Visual symptoms and abdominal pain may occur

Dopamine antagonists

These agents are ergot derivatives and dopamine receptor agonists. They act on postsynaptic dopamine receptors while causing no effect on other anterior pituitary functions. Mimic dopamine action of inhibition of prolactin release.


Bromocriptine (Parlodel)

Semisynthetic ergot alkaloid derivative with strong dopamine D2-receptor agonist and partial dopamine D1-receptor effects. Therapeutic range is usually 5-7.5 mg/d. Administer with meals to decrease nausea.

Adult

1.25 mg PO hs and increase to 2.5 mg bid; not to exceed 15 mg/d

Pediatric

Not established

Toxicity may increase with ergot alkaloids; amitriptyline, butyrophenones, imipramine, methyldopa, phenothiazines, and reserpine may decrease bromocriptine effects

Documented hypersensitivity; ischemic heart disease; peripheral vascular disorders

Pregnancy

B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals

Precautions

Caution in renal or hepatic disease; causes severe GI disturbances (eg, nausea), which many cannot tolerate; risk of first-dose symptomatic hypotension; leads to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nasal congestion

Gonadotropins

These agents stimulate production of gonadal steroid hormones.


Menotropins (Pergonal, Repronex)

Stimulate spermatogenesis. Contain 75 IU of FSH and 75 IU of LH per vial.

Adult

0.5 vial IM 3 times/wk

Pediatric

Not established

Documented hypersensitivity; infertility disorders other than hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Pregnancy

X - Contraindicated; benefit does not outweigh risk

Precautions

Documented lack of pituitary function; adverse effects include gynecomastia, breast pain, mastitis, nausea, and abnormal lipoprotein fraction


Human chorionic gonadotropin (Novarel, Profasi, Pregnyl)

Polypeptide hormone produced by the human placenta. Composed of an alpha and beta subunit. Alpha is identical to LH and FSH. Effects are similar to that of LH (stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone). Has other uses and only use in testicular function is described here.

Adult

500-1000 U 3 times per wk IM for 3 wk, then 2 times per wk for 3 wk; alternatively, 4000 U can be used 3 times per wk for 6-9 mo, then 2000 U 3 times per wk for 3 mo

Pediatric

Not established

Documented hypersensitivity; prostatic carcinoma; precocious puberty

Pregnancy

X - Contraindicated; benefit does not outweigh risk

Precautions

Caution in asthma, seizure disorders, renal disease, and migraine; adverse effects include headache, irritability, restlessness, and gynecomastia; use with HMG only under supervision of fertility experts

More on Infertility, Male

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Treatment & Medication: Infertility, Male
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References
Further Reading
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Further Reading

For additional information, see Medscape’s Male Infertility Resource Center

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Keywords

male infertility, infertility, difficulty conceiving, sperm formation, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, oligospermia, too few sperm, low sperm count, azoospermia, sperm transportation, no sperm in the ejaculate, sperm motility, sperm morphology, gonad, testis, testes, testicles, fertilization, impotence, semen analysis, spermatogenesis, cryptorchidism, diethylstilbestrol, DES, testicular torsion, retrograde ejaculation, in vitro fertilization, IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, ICSI, testicular cancer, hypogonadotropism, testicular atrophy, cystic fibrosis, hypogonadism, anejaculation, electroejaculation, sperm retrieval, orchitis, varicocele, pretesticular infertility, testicular infertility, posttesticular infertility, primary infertility, secondary infertility, idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, prolactinoma, Klinefelter syndrome, assisted reproduction, hypospermatogenesis, Sertoli-cell-only syndrome, germinal cell aplasia, varicocelectomy, testicular biopsy, vasovasostomy,vasoepididymostomy, transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts, TURED, artificial insemination

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Jonathan Rubenstein, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco
Jonathan Rubenstein, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Urological Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Robert E Brannigan, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Robert E Brannigan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Medical Association, American Urological Association, Chicago Medical Society, Endocrine Society, and Illinois State Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Daniel B Rukstalis, MD, Director of Urological Services, Geisinger Medical Center, Geisinger Medical Group
Daniel B Rukstalis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Surgeons, American Urological Association, New York Academy of Sciences, and Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

Mark Jeffrey Noble, MD, Consulting Staff, Urologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Mark Jeffrey Noble, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Urological Association, Kansas Medical Society, Sigma Xi, Society of University Urologists, and Southwestern Oncology Group
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

J Stuart Wolf, Jr, MD, FACS, David A Bloom Professor of Urology, Director, Division of Minimally Invasive Urology, Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical Center
J Stuart Wolf, Jr, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Urological Association, Catholic Medical Association, Endourological Society, Society for Urology and Engineering, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, and Society of University Urologists
Disclosure: Terumo Corporation Consulting fee Consulting; Omeros Corporation Consulting fee Consulting

Chief Editor

Stephen W Leslie, MD, FACS, Founder and Medical Director of the Lorain Kidney Stone Research Center, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Medical College of Ohio
Stephen W Leslie, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, American Urological Association, National Kidney Foundation, and Ohio State Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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