Creator: Dr. Payal Bajaj
Published: 2024-10-29T11:05:38+00:00

How Does IVF Work for Men with Low Sperm Count?

Nandi IVF Clinical Series • Dr. Payal Bajaj

Key Medical Takeaways

Essential highlights by Dr. Payal Bajaj

Male infertility is a common challenge faced by couples trying to conceive. One of the most frequent causes of male infertility is low sperm count, or oligospermia, which can make natural conception difficult. Fortunately, advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART) have provided hope to couples dealing with infertility. One of the most effective treatments for male infertility, particularly low sperm count, is in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This process, often combined with specialised techniques like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), has helped countless couples achieve pregnancy. In this blog, we will dive into the details of how IVF works for men with low sperm count, the techniques used to improve the chances of success, and the factors that can affect the outcomes.

Understanding Low Sperm Count

Low sperm count, or oligospermia, means that a man produces fewer sperm than what is considered normal. A healthy sperm count is typically over 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen, and anything below this is considered low. In some cases, men may have severe oligospermia, where the sperm count is even lower than 5 million per millilitre. A low sperm count reduces the likelihood of sperm reaching and fertilising an egg naturally. However, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of conception entirely. IVF, combined with advanced techniques, can significantly improve the chances of fertilisation, even when sperm count is low.

How Does IVF Help Men with Low Sperm Count?

IVF can be highly effective for couples where male infertility is an issue, including low sperm count. Here's how the process works:

Sperm Collection

For men with low sperm count, the first step in the IVF process is sperm collection. This can be done through a regular semen sample or more advanced methods if necessary:

Ejaculation: In many cases, even men with low sperm counts can produce enough viable sperm for IVF through a semen sample provided by ejaculation.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval: For men with extremely low sperm count or no sperm in their ejaculate (a condition known as azoospermia), surgical methods like Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) or Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) may be used to extract sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis.

Egg Retrieval from the Female Partner

While sperm is collected from the male, the female partner undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs. Medications are given to stimulate the ovaries, and the eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

For men with low sperm count, a specialised technique called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is often used during IVF. In a traditional IVF process, sperm are mixed with eggs in a lab dish, allowing fertilisation to occur naturally. However, with ICSI, a single healthy sperm is injected directly into the egg using a fine needle. This ensures that even when sperm count is low or motility is poor, the sperm has a higher chance of fertilising the egg. ICSI is a game-changer for men with low sperm counts, as it bypasses the need for large quantities of sperm and directly facilitates fertilisation.

Embryo Development

Once the sperm fertilises the egg, the resulting embryo is monitored for several days in a laboratory. Typically, the embryo is observed for 3 to 5 days to ensure it is developing properly before it is ready for transfer.

Embryo Transfer

Once a healthy embryo has developed, it is transferred into the female partner’s uterus in a simple, painless procedure. After this, the hope is that the embryo will implant in the uterine lining and result in a successful pregnancy.

What Are the Success Rates of IVF for Men with Low Sperm Count?

The success rates of IVF with ICSI for men with low sperm count are generally positive, as this technique dramatically increases the chances of fertilisation. Studies show that fertilisation rates with ICSI can be as high as 70-80%, even when the sperm count is low. The overall success rate of IVF depends on several factors, such as the woman’s age, the quality of the eggs, and other health factors. However, ICSI has proven to be an effective solution for couples dealing with male infertility. IVF Cost and Charges in Delhi For couples considering IVF in Delhi, it's essential to understand the potential costs involved. IVF Cost in Delhi can vary depending on the clinic, the specific procedures used, and whether techniques like ICSI or sperm retrieval are required. On average, IVF Charges in Delhi range from INR 1,20,000 to INR 2,50,000 per cycle. However, additional procedures like ICSI, TESE, or PESA may increase the total cost.

Conclusion

For men with low sperm counts, IVF offers a promising solution. This advanced reproductive technology allows even a single healthy sperm to fertilise an egg, overcoming the barriers posed by male infertility. IVF has helped millions of couples achieve their dreams of parenthood, even when faced with the challenge of low sperm count. While IVF is highly effective, the process can be emotionally and financially demanding. It’s essential to consult with a fertility specialist to determine the best course of action based on your individual situation. With the right approach, many couples dealing with male infertility can experience the joy of a successful pregnancy. If you're considering IVF and want expert advice, contact Nandi IVF. We are one of the leading IVF centers in Delhi. Visit us today for a consultation!

Medically Reviewed & Authored By

Dr. Payal Bajaj

MBBS, DGO, Fellowship in ART (Germany & Japan)

Senior IVF & Embryology Consultant with over 20+ years of specialized clinical experience in reproductive endocrinology, blastocyst culture, and complex recurrent IVF failure cases. Over 10,000+ healthy babies delivered.

View Doctor Profile Book Private Consultation