We are proud to announce that Castle Connolly has recognized Dr. Catenacci as a 2025 Top Doctor!
We are proud to announce that Castle Connolly has recognized Dr. Catenacci as a 2025 Top Doctor!
Our doctors combine cutting-edge treatments with a compassionate, personalized approach to help you overcome male factor infertility. Rest assured, you’re not alone and, at Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, we promise to deliver a treatment plan that gives you the best possible outcome.
Male infertility is a complex condition with a variety of potential causes. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial in determining the most effective treatment plan. While infertility is often thought of as a female issue, male factor infertility contributes to nearly half of all cases. By identifying the specific causes, we can better address the challenges and work towards a successful outcome.
Hormonal Issues: Hormones play a vital role in sperm production and overall reproductive health. Low testosterone levels or imbalances in other hormones, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), can significantly impact sperm production and quality.
Structural Problems: Structural issues in the reproductive tract, such as blockages or the presence of a varicocele (enlarged veins within the scrotum), can hinder sperm delivery or production. These conditions may require surgical intervention or other medical treatments to restore normal function and improve fertility outcomes.
Genetic Factors: Genetic abnormalities can affect sperm production or function, leading to infertility. Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome or Y chromosome microdeletions can impact a man’s ability to produce healthy sperm. Genetic testing can help identify these issues and guide treatment decisions.
Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle choices play a significant role in male fertility. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and high levels of stress can all negatively affect sperm quality and quantity. Making positive changes in these areas, such as adopting a healthier diet, quitting smoking, and managing stress, can enhance fertility and overall health.
To identify male factor infertility, we always start with a semen analysis. The results from that test will help us know whether further testing should be done so that ultimately, we can create an individualized treatment plan that’s right for you.
The most important parameters in a semen analysis are:
Concentration (often called “count”) – how many sperm are in each ml of semen?
Motility – what percent of them are swimming forward?
Morphology – what percent of them are normally shaped?
In addition to semen analysis, diagnosing male infertility often involves advanced diagnostic tools to uncover underlying issues. Hormone testing helps identify imbalances that could affect sperm production, while genetic testing can detect chromosomal abnormalities impacting fertility. A scrotal ultrasound provides detailed imaging of the reproductive structures, revealing potential issues like varicocele or blockages. These comprehensive evaluations allow us to tailor a precise and effective treatment plan for each individual.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): For men with moderately low sperm counts and/or motility, we’ll often recommend IUI for several months, before moving on to IVF with ICSI.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): ICSI is a very effective method to fertilize eggs in the IVF lab that involves injecting sperm directly into an egg.
Ready to take the next step toward your path to parenthood? Our doctors are here to answer all your questions and concerns so that you can move forward with confidence. Contact Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago today for more information about male fertility care or to schedule a consultation at one of our fertility clinics in Chicago, Downers Grove, Arlington Heights or Gurnee, IL.
