May 2025

How Sperm Blockage Affects Male Fertiflity

How Sperm Blockage Affects Male Fertility

Are you experiencing problems conceiving? Male-factor infertility can be a contributing factor. Remember that male fertility can be reduced by various underlying health conditions and infections. One such cause can be sperm blockage where the sperm flow inside the male reproductive system is physically obstructed. If you have been experiencing any symptoms of sperm blockage then you must seek early diagnosis and treatment to improve your fertility rates. Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar is a reputed fertility doctor in Siliguri who can identify the main cause of sperm blockage and advise the best treatment for it. With years of experience, she can precisely cure your condition while offering you the chance to enjoy parenthood. Through this blog, you can learn about the link between sperm blockage and infertility and its available treatment options. Understanding Sperm Blockage Sperm blockage is the most common male fertility issue where the sperm flow is obstructed. This blockage can happen in various areas of the male reproductive system which include epididymis, ejaculatory ducts, or vas deferens. Herein, you must know that there can be various underlying causes of sperm blockage such as infection in the testicular tubes, injury in these tubes, and vasectomy. Even in some cases, this sperm blockage can happen when there is a failed attempt of vasectomy reversal. Although the symptoms of sperm blockage are not prominent, there are certain signs which can help the doctor detect it. Some such signs indicating sperm blockage are pain during ejaculation, low sperm count, and reduced sperm volume. If any of these signs are noticed then Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar may advise diagnostic tests to determine the accurate cause and location of the blockage. Remember that ejaculatory duct obstruction is a common type of sperm blockage which can be a major male fertility concern. What Is The Relationship Between Sperm Blockage And Male Fertility? Here are some of the ways through which sperm blockage affects male fertility- 1. Obstructive azoospermia If you’re experiencing male infertility then a major cause can be obstructive azoospermia and this infertility issue is often associated with sperm blockage. Azoospermia mainly happens when sperm is produced effectively but cannot be ejaculated. Any blockage in the male reproductive tract is the key reason behind this condition which is stopping the sperm from traveling during ejaculation. As a result of this condition, your semen sample will have no healthy sperm which is required for fertilization. 2. Reduced sperm motility Sperm blockage is associated with reduced sperm motility which is a major element for a successful conception. Men suffering from the blockage often have sperm that have difficulty to move or swim effectively. This reduced motility makes the sperm harder to reach the eggs for fertilization. 3. Low sperm count Low sperm count is another side effect of sperm blockage that can make it harder to conceive. In low sperm count, a man has a very minimal amount of sperm in the semen sample which creates fertility problems. If you suffer from low sperm count then you can experience the symptoms of low sex drive, erection difficulties, and decreased facial hair.  4. Ejaculation problems Remember that even minute obstructions in the reproductive tract can lead to major fertility challenges among men. There are several types of ejaculatory problems which can severely compromise male fertility. One such condition is sperm blockage which can manifest with much pain during ejaculation. Therefore it becomes difficult to conceive through natural means. It causes effect at not only the physical level in relation to fertility but also induces much psychological stress which further perpetuates problems towards conceptions. 5. Reduced chances of fertilization Indeed, for conception to occur, the male must produce sperm capable of surviving for at least a short time up to the time when it has an egg from the female. Blockage in sperm somehow obstructs these aspects from coming into contact with each other during a fertilization process like sperm quality and its movement during transportation. With the blockage of these structures, male fertility rates decrease while chances of conception diminish. To facilitate maintaining fertility for a future healthy pregnancy, the causes or underlying factors need to be completely cured to ensure no more sperm blockages. How Sperm Blockage Is Treated To Enhance Fertility? The treatment for sperm blockage highly depends upon the severity and location of the obstruction. There are various available surgical and medical interventions that Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar may advise to treat these blockages effectively. ● Vasoepididymostomy The Vasoepididymostomy procedure is referred to as a microsurgical procedure for correcting sperm blockage that occurred due to infections and other reasons. In this process, the blockage is removed by joining the vas deferens to the epididymis. In some cases, this surgery can also be performed by doctors to reserve a vasectomy. ● Vasectomy Reversal Various surgical techniques are used for vasectomy reversal if it is found to be the main reason behind sperm blockage. This is a fertility-restoring surgery where the vas deferens is again reconnected so that it can transport the sperm for successful fertilization. ● TURED As said earlier Ejaculatory duct obstruction is the most common form of sperm blockage and to treat this condition, TURED (Transurethral Resection of the Ejaculatory Ducts) is performed by the doctor. In this minimally invasive procedure, a cystoscope is used to locate and remove any present obstructions in the ejaculatory ducts causing male fertility problems. This surgery increases your likelihood of a natural conception while allowing the sperm to follow normally. More than 75% of men who have undergone this surgery have experienced an improvement in sperm motility and count. ● Vasovasostomy Vasovasostomy is a minor form of surgery that is carried out to remove blockages in the vas deferens. Vas deferens, it has to be noted, is the most vital duct in the male reproductive system, the one responsible for carrying the sperm from the testis. Therefore, by removing blockages in such tubes, you can preserve your subsequent fertility, as sperm would now flow freely and reach the

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Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar IUI Success Rates How to Maximize Your Chances of Conceiving

IUI Success Rates: How to Maximize Your Chances of Conceiving

Fertility problems are not limited to the female gender; male problems could also be the reason for infertility. IUI (intrauterine insemination) is a cutting-edge medical therapy that can solve all these questions and help you ensure a healthy pregnancy. This artificial insemination procedure is done by injecting the sperm in the uterus directly, thereby raising the rates of successful implantation and pregnancy.   Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar is an experienced infertility doctor who has for years helped infertile couples to become parents using artificial insemination, executing the treatment and giving advice. In this blog, we will give insights into the various factors that decide the success of IUI and how you can hasten your pregnancy through IUI tactics. Details About The IUI Procedure IUI is generally a painless and outpatient procedure that is performed on the day of your ovulation. Before performing the process, the doctor will advise your partner to provide a sperm sample if you are not taking the help of donor sperm. Once the sperm sample is collected, it is then processed to collect a final sample of highly motile and healthy sperm. Herein, the collected sperm is transferred into a catheter which is then placed inside the uterus through the cervix. After this, the sperm is injected into the uterus. The entire procedure only takes a few minutes and after completion, the woman is advised to rest for a while. Factors Affecting IUI Success Rates In most cases, couples often need to undergo around three inseminations to get a successful pregnancy. This mainly happens due to various underlying factors that can interfere with IUI success rates. Some such factors include- ● Timing of the IUI process: One of the most important factors affecting IUI is the timing. It is vital for the IUI procedure to coincide with the ovulation stage for a positive result. If the process is not done during ovulation then the success rate of it drops significantly. ● Female factors: There are several female factors contributing to the reduced success rates of IUI. Starting from uterine abnormalities and fallopian tube blockage to endometriosis and poor ovarian function, there can be various related conditions associated with IUI success. ● Male factors: Just like female factors, in some cases, there can also be certain male-related factors that can decrease IUI success. This male factor is mainly related to the quantity, quality, and motility of the sperm as these parameters have a direct impact on IUI. ● Age: The chances of IUI success decline gradually as you age. As women cross the age of 35 it can impact their egg quantity and quality. With poor egg quality, the IUI success rates will also decrease. ● The underlying cause of infertility: Your IUI success rates can be negatively impacted by the underlying conditions causing the fertility issues. The success rate of the procedure will be different for women suffering from endometriosis, fallopian tube issues, cervical problems, and ovulation disorders. Tips To Maximize IUI Success Rates And Chances Of Conceiving As you now know egg quality, proper timing, and sperm quality highly affect IUI success rates. However, to prepare your body for the procedure and maximize the chances of a successful IUI, you can follow certain tips which are basically lifestyle modifications. Here are some such tips you can consider- 1. Follow a healthy diet During the IUI journey, it is vital for you to eat all the necessary fertility superfoods. Herein, you can consider maintaining a low-carb and high-fat diet which will help your body get all the necessary nutrients while ensuring hormonal function and reduced inflammation. Also aim to increase the intake of whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables during the treatment. 2. Lower the intensity of exercises Engaging yourself in strenuous activities during IUI then will most likely prevent the procedure. This is exactly why you are strongly advised to do only moderate exercises and besides light training, yoga, Pilates, stretching and Tai Chi seem to be the most suitable ones. However, you should also not ignore the fact that you need to be regularly active in your daily life because physical activity during IUI is like a must for your health. 3. Stress reduction The time of waiting between the IUI process and the pregnancy test may be in high spirits; however the stage can be stressful which can affect the functioning of all the organs. To reduce stress, you should use methods like breathing techniques, simple meditation, or long walks. 4. Stay away from hot bath The doctor’s guidance on saunas and hot tubs after IUI must always be followed. After this, it is then right to know that a sauna or hot bathing session is not to be had after the procedure because it may interfere with the implantation of the embryo in the uterus. 5. Take the prescribed female and male fertility supplements IUI involves fertility experts having the freedom of prescribing to you as for example, Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar could decide to prescribe vitamin D and various other supplements. These will help in maintaining the quality of the egg and sperm as well as in the successful implantation of the eggs if taken fully as prescribed. 6. Schedule regular check-ups Another tip to increase your chances of getting pregnant is scheduling regular check-ups. This is necessary for eliminating underlying conditions as well as monitoring the overall health prior to the actual procedure so that it is performed in the best way possible. 7. Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking Smoking and consuming alcohol can damage the success of the IUI cycle before and after. Hence, it goes without saying that you need to avoid drinking and smoking without fail, and that too with the egg and sperm quality in mind. 8. Choose a reputed fertility clinic To maximize IUI success rates, you should choose a recognized fertility clinic with high success rates. Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar’s fertility clinic is equipped with all the necessary equipment and a modern laboratory which will help

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