Male Infertility Treatments in London
It was clear that male infertility was totally ignored as a medical problem. A couple would be seen by a gynaecologist with little understanding of men’s health and either ICSI or donor sperm was the solution each time.Even Urologists seemed to take little interest into why men had an abnormal sperm count and what could be done to help our patients.I am a mother of four and family has always been my priority. I want nothing more than to help couples achieve a life birth and help them grow their families. I completely understand the importance and utter devastation that comes with infertility.
Your First Consultation: Understanding and Support
I like to see the couples together but understand that some men will prefer to be seen alone initially.
The first consultation involves taking a careful history and trying to work out if there is anything that has historically caused problems (previous surgery, infections, medication) and anything in your lifestyle now that we can try and change. You will then be examined and we will go through any of your investigations you have already organised. Wherever possible, I will not repeat investigations to try and minimise costs.
I have been speaking to male patients for more than 20 years on incredibly sensitive topics. I am fully aware of how uncomfortable this can be for patients but all my feedback has shown I am very good at putting men at ease and making the consultation comfortable. I have a psychology degree behind me however I think it is just my manner, experience and empathy that allows for a good experience for my patients.
Customizing Your Treatment Plan
What tests you require depend on a number of factors such as the concentration of sperm found in your semen analysis. For example, men with a concentration below 5 million/ml may require genetic testing.
Men with a low ejaculate volume, below 1.5mls, may require a prostate ultrasound or a urine test to check for retrograde ejaculation.
If you are found to have a varicocele we will discuss imaging and treatment options however your partner’s age and ovarian reserve will have an important influence on our decision for treatment.
We will work together to find the most appropriate and least invasive way of improving your fertility. It is incredibly nuanced as it depends on many factors including your partner and your history.
Exciting Advances in Male Fertility Care
The single most important change over the last decade is the distinction of male infertility. Men have historically been ignored with no investigation or aim to treat abnormal sperm counts. Couples pushed down the ICSI or donor sperm route with little interest in how the man may be influencing a couples problem. We recognise now that male infertility is a sign of poor male health and my aim is to improve this for the long term, in addition to helping couples become pregnant.
The use of microsurgery, which Pippa Sangster is a world expert in, has changed the landscape for men with non-obstructive azoospermia.
MicroTESE has led to increased chances of success of a positive surgical sperm retrieval.
Vasectomy reversal, epididimovasostomy and varicocele repair all require expert surgical proficiency and a surgeon who is well trained and regularly carries out these procedures. This is not a commonly found skill amongst general urologists.
Emotional Support During Your Fertility Journey
I hope that my experience will put you at ease instantly. Many couples will often report that they have just not been able to speak to a doctor who understands male infertility properly. You can be reassured you are in the best possible hands and I will work hard to ensure you have all the knowledge and information required to make the best decisions for your treatment plan.
This fertility journey can be incredibly difficult and I understand the pressures it puts on the patient as well as the couple. We can help with formal psychological counselling and linking you in with services to discuss alternative options such as donor sperm and adoption if necessary.