Male Infertility in Portland, Oregon (OR)
Treatment for male infertility depends on the underlying cause which
stem from problems with sperm formation, the transport of sperm to the
ejaculate, or the concentration of sperm in the semen. After diagnosing
the probable causes of your infertility, your doctor can create a
treatment plan that is right for you.
Your doctor may recommend
some lifestyle changes to enhance your fertility. Quitting smoking,
decreasing alcohol intake, reducing stress, eating healthy, losing
weight and exercising regularly are all recommendations your doctor may
make to improve sperm count and quality. Beyond that, about half of male
infertility cases can be corrected using medical therapies or surgery.
Assisted reproduction techniques (ART) can also help a couple conceive.
Medical Therapies for Infertility
Testosterone replacement therapy:
Medications to correct imbalances in sperm production can correct a low
sperm count or absence of sperm. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
is one therapy where a man is given injection of testosterone to
correct a testosterone deficiency.
Steroid therapy:
As a result of surgery (such as a vasectomy), some men develop
antibodies that attack their sperm cells. Steroid therapy for three to
six months can temporarily alleviate the condition and may enable to a
man to get his partner pregnant.
Retrograde ejaculation treatment:
Retrograde ejaculation is a condition whereby sperm enter the bladder
instead of passing into the ejaculate. Retrograde ejaculate treatment
may include medications like antihistamines and tricyclic
antidepressants which help keep the bladder closed during ejaculation.Surgical Treatments for Male Infertility
Varicolwctomy: An increase in temperature in the testicles can reduce sperm production. Your doctor may perform a varicolectomy
to remove large veins in the scrotum. This procedure may improve semen
quality in up to 70 percent of patients, as soon as 3 months after
surgery.
Transurethral resectioning of the ejaculatory ducts:
Surgery to remove blockages that affect semen flow may involve removing
part of the prostate gland to allow sperm to flow into the urethra.
This may be effective treatment in up to 50 percent of infertile men.
Vasectomy reversal:
If you have had a vasectomy, your doctor can perform a vasectomy
reversal to reconnect the vas deferens tubes which were previously
severed during your vasectomy. This procedure aims to restore fertility
by allowing sperm to re-enter your ejaculate once again.
Sperm retrieval:
In cases where it is not possible to correct the flow of sperm or
increase sperm count, sperm can be retrieved from either the testicle,
vas deferens, or in the case of retrograde ejaculate, from the bladder. Sperm can then be used in various assisted reproductive techniques to
help a couple conceive.
Your doctor will help you determine which male infertility treatments are right for you.
About Jason Hedges, MD, Ph.D.
Dr. Jason Hedges specializes in men's sexual health with a particular emphasis on vasectomy, vasectomy reversal, and erectile dysfunction. He has advanced fellowship training in these areas as well as a Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology. Dr. Hedges completed his B.S. at the University of Washington in Seattle, and received both his Ph.D. and medical degree from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. His residency in urology was completed at Oregon Health & Science University and the Andrology Fellowship training was received at the prestigious Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University in Chicago.
Dr. Hedges is committed to making men's sexual health needs easily accessible, efficient, and effective. He acknowledges that infertility and erectile dysfunction are by nature extremely personal, and can drastically affect a person's quality of life.
Featured Specialist for Male Infertility in Portland, OR
Jason Hedges, MD, Ph.D.
Call Now: (503) 836-7942
3303 SW Bond Ave. Portland, OR 97239-4501
By clicking the "Submit" button, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and to the use of cookies described therein. Please do not submit any Protected Health Information (PHI). We are committed to your privacy. By clicking Send Message you agree that the phone number you provided may be used to contact you (including autodialed or pre-recorded calls). Consent is not a condition of purchase.