Male infertility: How specialised IVF techniques improve sperm quality, chances of conception

While in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is widely known to address female infertility, it plays an equally important role in treating male-specific fertility problems, including poor sperm quality or low sperm count (Image: Canva)

IVF, combined with specialised techniques like ICSI and advanced diagnostics, provides a comprehensive approach to addressing male infertility. By focusing on improving sperm quality and employing tailored interventions, IVF offers couples a viable path to parenthood.

Male infertility, accounting for nearly 40–50 percent of infertility cases, can feel overwhelming. But advances in IVF are turning challenges into opportunities for parenthood, says Dr Nishi Singh, Head of Fertility, Prime IVF, Gurgaon. “While in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is widely known to address female infertility, it plays an equally important role in treating male-specific fertility problems, including poor sperm quality or low sperm count,” she adds.

With advanced methods like ICSI and sperm retrieval techniques, IVF offers a targeted and effective approach to overcoming male infertility. These interventions, says Dr Singh, help address issues with sperm quality and significantly improve the chances of conception. “One of IVF’s key strengths lies in its ability to isolate and work with the healthiest gametes sperm in men and eggs in women. In cases of male infertility, where sperm may have low motility, abnormal morphology, or a reduced count, this precision allows specialists to choose the most viable sperm for fertilisation. This approach minimises the risk of failed fertilization and improves overall success rates,” she says.

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Advanced IVF techniques include thorough diagnostic testing and continuous monitoring of sperm quality. “Tests assess parameters such as sperm count, motility, DNA integrity, and morphology. Based on the results, specialists can recommend the most appropriate course of action, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), which involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to bypass challenges like poor motility or abnormal sperm structure,” adds Dr Singh.

Medications can be a vital first step in improving sperm quality before IVF. “Also, hormonal therapies, such as hCG, FSH, or clomiphene citrate, are used to address imbalances and stimulate sperm production. By optimising sperm health, these treatments can increase the chances of success in assisted reproduction," she says.

Additionally, for men with azoospermia (absence of sperm in the ejaculate), surgical sperm retrieval techniques like TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration), PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration), or MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) provide viable options. “These procedures extract sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis, enabling specialists to proceed with IVF or ICSI. The choice of procedure depends on the underlying cause of azoospermia, such as blockages or non-obstructive issues” suggests Dr Singh.

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Furthermore, semen washing is a critical step during IVF or ICSI, especially for cases involving infections, antibodies, or poor sperm viability. “This process separates healthy, motile sperm from contaminants and seminal fluid, ensuring that only the best-quality sperm are used for fertilisation. This technique is particularly important when sperm quality is compromised, as it enhances the likelihood of successful fertilisation,” suggests the expert.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.