Patient's question:
Wife has never been pregnant.Doctor's answer:
In recent years, the number of male infertility patients has been increasing, especially in large cities where the incidence rate has been steadily rising. It is crucial to avoid misunderstandings in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, identify the causes as much as possible, and adopt targeted measures based on the specific circumstances of both partners to avoid unnecessary detours and achieve results more quickly. Below, we will discuss where these misunderstandings lie.1. Unclear Etiology Does Not Mean Incurable
Any treatment for a disease should first identify the cause before implementing targeted therapy to achieve satisfactory results. However, due to the relatively late development of urology and insufficient basic research, many male infertility cases cannot be definitively diagnosed, which poses significant challenges to treatment. This also creates opportunities for some unethical hospitals and doctors who prioritize their financial interests. Experts remind that for patients with unclear causes of infertility, neither giving up treatment nor blindly seeking help is advisable. Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment has shown good clinical efficacy.
2. Azoospermia Does Not Necessarily Mean Infertility
Since the world's first test-tube baby was born in 1978, assisted reproductive technologies have been widely developed, providing many severe oligozoospermia or azoospermia patients with the opportunity to have their own children. However, not all azoospermia patients have this option. First, further tests should be conducted to determine whether there are chromosomal abnormalities, genetic deletions in sperm production genes, or obstructive azoospermia. Once it is confirmed that test-tube can be performed, active treatment should be pursued to obtain more qualified sperm through epididymal or testicular puncture, maximizing the success rate of test-tube.
3. Normal Sexual Function Does Not Indicate Normal Fertility
In fact, male sexual function and fertility are entirely different concepts, involving completely independent mechanisms. A clear example is that many men who have already fathered children still suffer from sexual dysfunction. Conversely, azoospermia patients, as well as many congenital diseases such as chromosomal abnormalities, can exhibit strong libido, normal erection, and normal ejaculation but have no sperm in their semen. Therefore, normal sexual function does not necessarily mean normal fertility. For couples who have not used contraception for over 2 years and have not become pregnant, both partners should be tested together to avoid misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses and to seize the opportunity in time.
4. A History of Childbirth Does Not Mean Continuous Fertility
In fact, infertility is divided into primary and secondary infertility. Secondary infertility refers to individuals who have previously been able to conceive but are now unable to do so. Since female infertility is also divided into primary and secondary types, male infertility is similarly categorized. Cases of men who were able to reproduce in the past but later developed azoospermia have been frequently observed in clinical practice.
5. Oligozoospermia and Asthenozoospermia Are Not Absolute Infertility
Male infertility can also be classified as absolute or relative infertility. Many men, after one or more examinations confirming oligozoospermia or asthenozoospermia, persist in treatment while ignoring possible absolute factors (such as those related to the female partner), wasting time and money in the process. Theoretically, as long as there is one sperm with a complete and active morphology, pregnancy is possible, though the chances are low. For most patients with oligozoospermia or asthenozoospermia, maintaining a positive attitude and increasing the chances can still lead to pregnancy.