Male Factor Infertility (Nursing)

00:01 Now let's talk about male factor infertility.

00:06 So it's interesting when we talk about male factor infertility, because often we're testing the female for infertility, and she may go through an incredible amount of work up only to find that the cause is actually related to the male.

00:20 So now we know that whenever there's infertility suspected in a couple, the better option would be to test the male first.

00:28 Let's find out why.

00:30 The first thing we're going to do is do a semen analysis.

00:33 So within the semen analysis, we're going to be able to note, are the sperm active? Are they wiggling? Or are they asleep? Do they have 1 head? Do they have 2 or 3, which would be abnormal? Do they have one tail again, or do they have 2 or 3? So any abnormality in the sperm is going to affect its ability to fertilize an egg.

00:54 So that's a really good place and very important place to start.

00:58 An ultrasound will also be performed to really take a look at the vas deferens and to look at the testes and the scrotum to make sure they're not any structural anomalies that could cause problems for sperm transport.

01:10 Genetic testing is important because if there are any genetic abnormalities, such as Klinefelter syndrome, or anything like that, that can be passed on to the fetus.

01:19 If you remember from our bleeding and pregnancy lecture, the most common cause for miscarriage or loss is chromosomal abnormalities.

01:27 And absolutely the sperm can play a role in that.

01:31 A hormonal analysis is going to be important.

01:33 Males have to have sufficient production of testosterone in order to have normal sperm development.

01:40 If that's not there, this test will pick that up.

01:43 Looking at the causes for male infertility, you'll notice first off that 34% are the highest rate for male factor infertility is actually unexplained, very different than female.

01:56 But important to pay attention.

01:58 The number two cause is a Vericocele.

02:01 Now a Vericocele can cause sperm to actually be warmed up, and sperm can be too warm, and sperm that's too warm actually die and they're not really good at producing a pregnancy.

02:12 So that's the number two reason.

02:14 So make sure you take a look at this list.

02:17 Now there can also be other factors that cause male factor infertility.

02:22 There can be structural issues.

02:24 Again, this may have a lot to do with how the sperm moved through the vas deferens and through the urethra to be able to fertilize an egg.

02:32 There may be endocrine disorders.

02:34 Again, we're talking hormones here, they are the neurotransmitters that make things happen.

02:38 If something's off there, fertility will be affected.

02:42 And finally, sexually transmitted infections.

02:45 So sexually transmitted infections untreated can change the morphology of a sperm and can also scar tubes for the male as well.

02:54 Other issues that may need to be addressed for male factor infertility is nutrition.

02:59 Poor eating habits can also affect sperm development.

03:02 We want to think about genetic disorders, I mentioned Klinefelter syndrome before, this can definitely be an impact here.

03:10 Obesity and being overweight can affect sperm development, and also sperm transport.

03:15 So this needs to be investigated.

03:18 Steroid use which may be common for building muscle mass also can change the morphology and the number of sperm that are produced.

03:26 So knowing that a male is utilizing steroids could be important in making a diagnosis.

03:32 Also sperm quality.

03:33 So not just thinking of the number, but is it shaped the way it's supposed to be? And is it mobile? Or is it still? This matters.

03:42 And finally, any other medications that the client might be taking.

03:46 So we have to do a good history.

03:48 And don't forget to talk about things that are recreational or herbal use because that can play a role in fertility.