Infertility is a public health problem that affects nearly one in six couples. In Geneva, this subject is at the heart of concerns and the university hospitals (HUG) are launching a new consultation dedicated to men. Free screenings are offered from November 29.
Guest on the Forum show on Sunday, Laurent Vaucher, doctor associated with the HUG urology department, explains that infertility is a problem that concerns the couple as a whole. “The investigation of the man is thus part of a global approach to evaluating infertility,” he explains.
When a couple does not have a pregnancy after a year of unprotected sex, it is called infertility. However, it is recommended for couples where the woman is approaching 40 to consult more quickly.
The causes of male infertility
The causes of male infertility are varied: congenital malformations such as non-descendence of the testicles, anatomical anomalies, hormonal imbalances, toxic effects of certain medications, infections, and genetic causes.
“Some causes are correctable, others are not,” specifies the specialist. Unfortunately, in one in two cases, male infertility cannot be explained, and we generally think of a genetic origin.
There is a category of men who, despite normal ejaculation, have no sperm. This represents 10% of infertile men
To form a mature sperm cell, it takes 72 days and approximately 2,300 steps, with each step coded by a different gene. Today, we only know about 300 or 400. “There is relatively little research carried out in this area,” adds Laurent Vaucher.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a very effective treatment for male infertility. Due to its success, most previous research was therefore discontinued.
The limits of current treatments
Despite available treatments, 10% of infertile men have no sperm, despite normal ejaculation. In this case, the doctor explains, that with certain surgical techniques, we can try to collect sperm from inside the testicle. “But sometimes we don’t find anything. And even when we do find some, in vitro fertilization doesn’t always work,” he adds.
To conclude, he affirms that lifestyle habits such as eating fast food, smoking, and certain pathologies such as diabetes can complicate male infertility. Although a better lifestyle can improve the quality of fertility, it is not necessary to make drastic changes to see improvements.
Comments collected by: Valentin Emery and Mehmet Gultas
Adaptation web: Miroslav Mares
