SPERM AUGMENTATION

Sperm dysfunction is a common finding in couples with infertility and/or problems consummating their relationships and it can have profound negative effects. At Aurora, we pride ourselves in our Specialist Andrology expertise and can we help address many of the commonly encountered sperm dysfunctions.

Sperm Quality

The quality of sperm determines to a large extent whether a man can father children and fertility specialists utilise such sperm assessments in determining the best fertility treatment options for men. Sperm quality assessment (semen analysis) generally includes evaluation of:

  • Sperm count – the number of sperm present in semen. It is generally accepted that a sperm count of 15 million sperm per ml of semen is compatible with fertility.
  • Sperm movement (motility) – the proportion of sperm moving in a forward direction (progressive motility). Only healthy sperm moving in a forward direction can travel to meet the egg and fertilise it to result in pregnancy. It is generally accepted that progressive sperm motility of 32% is compatible with fertility.
  • Sperm shape (morphology) – the proportion of normally shaped sperm. Only normally shaped sperm can achieve normal fertilisation of an egg that leads to pregnancy. It is generally accepted that sperm morphology of 5% or more is compatible with fertility.

Factors that impact sperm quality

Sperm quality can be affected by several factors ranging from inherited conditions to acute/chronic illnesses to lifestyle factors and these could be profound enough to shut down sperm production completely.

  • Inherited factors – some inherited conditions impair production of sperm in the testis (these include genetic conditions like Klinefelter’s syndrome); abnormal testosterone production impairs testicular function and reduces sperm production (such as hypogonadism); absent testis or tract for sperm to pass through (such as in cystic fibrosis).
  • Acute/Chronic illnesses – any severe acute/chronic illness can impair sperm production from the testis and/or sperm function (ability to locate and fertilise an egg).
  • Lifestyle factors – these are by far the most common factors impacting sperm function. Sperm production and function depend on very delicate physiological processes that can be impacted negatively by diverse lifestyle factors including:
  • Nutritional – wrong dietary intake (for instance binging on fast foods)
  • Weight – excessive body weight fluctuations and extremes of body weight (under and over normal ranges) are detrimental to sperm production
  • Smoking – cigarette smoking is detrimental to sperm production and function; use of cannabis is particularly detrimental to sperm function even with normal semen parameters
  • Alcohol – excessive alcohol consumption impacts negatively on sperm production and function with binge drinking particularly harmful
  • Stimulants – excessive caffeine intake may have a detrimental impact on sperm function
  • Stress – excessive stress negatively impacts both sperm production/function and consummation of relationships

How can Aurora help?

Aurora has Specialist Andrologists with robust knowledge of sperm production/function and experience of dealing with sperm dysfunction. We have evolved a number of approaches to managing sperm quality issues for clients including:

  • Lifestyle modification and support – we have specialist lifestyle coaches that work with affected clients to effect change
  • Nutritional interventions – our Nutritionist works out the best nutritional package for clients irrespective of ethnicity/culture and supports them to achieve necessary goals
  • Hormone replacement therapy – our specialist Andrologists have a wealth of experience of hormone replacement therapy for sperm augmentation
  • Complementary therapies – these can be stress-relieving and include reflexology and acupuncture
  • Surgery – ranging from simple sperm aspiration to testicular sperm extraction