Treating a low sperm count with injectable fertility medications for men
When a semen analysis reveals a low sperm count, fatherhood is still possible. Our Las Vegas male fertility specialists can prescribe injectable fertility medications for men that improve sperm count. In some cases, these medications can help hopeful parents conceive naturally. For other patients, our doctors may also recommend IUI or IVF.
What are injectable fertility medications for men?
In addition to oral medications such as Clomid for men, our Las Vegas male fertility specialists can prescribe male fertility injections. Patients often ask, “What is the best injection for male infertility?”
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) can improve testosterone levels and sperm count. The way these injectable fertility medications for men work is simple.
- While hCG acts on luteinizing hormone (LH), hMG affects both LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
- In response to these hormonal changes, the testes make their own testosterone and produce more sperm.
Some patients only take hCG. However, others may also need hMG or Clomid to improve their sperm count. Our team works with each patient to determine the ideal treatment plan.
Why don’t doctors prescribe testosterone to improve sperm count?
It’s common to think taking testosterone will help a low sperm count. Taking synthetic testosterone can actually decrease sperm count in men, though. It’s the same reason why birth control pills that contain estrogen prevent pregnancy.
- Both testosterone supplements and estrogen birth control pills artificially elevate hormone levels.
- With testosterone, the brain thinks the body has enough of this hormone. As a result, it reduces LH and FSH levels. The result is a lower sperm count.
For this reason, our Las Vegas male fertility specialists don’t prescribe supplemental testosterone to improve a low sperm count.
What other treatments work with male fertility injections?
Some patients who take injectable fertility medications for men may not need any other fertility treatments to father a child. However, other hopeful fathers can benefit from types of assisted reproductive technology.
- Surgical sperm retrieval
- Intrauterine insemination
- In vitro fertilization
- Preimplantation genetic testing
If male fertility injections aren’t enough to improve sperm count, parenthood is still often possible using donor sperm. Thankfully, the right treatment plan can allow most patients to conceive using their own sperm.
The Fertility Center of Las Vegas is here to be an oasis of hope on your journey to bring home a baby. Contact us to learn more about male fertility treatments from our experienced and caring doctors.
