MALE FACTOR FERTILITY EVALUATION
Dr. Burrows and the Arizona Andrology Laboratory and Cryobank (http://www.arizonaandrology.com) are dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of men with abnormal sperm parameters.
Couples who have been unable to conceive after several months of properly timed intercourse should initiate BOTH a male and female fertility evaluation.
When couple’s can’t get pregnant, the woman usually initiates medical intervention through her gynecologist.
Unfortunately, too often the male partners are ignored or bypassed not allowing several treatable conditions to be discovered.
50% of the time the man is responsible for the couple’s infertility.
Dr. Burrows gives lectures at both the regional and national level trying to bring awareness to the neglect of the male factor infertility evaluation and treatment.
The routine and nationally recommended male evaluation begins with two separate semen analysis by a qualified andrology lab, physical exam and routine fertility hormonal analysis.
Often, the man will have one semen analysis checked at his wife’s doctor and be given no follow-up even if an
abnormality is discovered.
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“Men would never approach their wife’s OB/GYN
for a prostate exam or erectile dysfunction, but why
they seem complacent to have their fertility treatment
done this way perplexes me.” |
Following two semen analysis, physical exam and andrologic hormonal testing, Dr. Burrows will then
make recommendations for medications, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements such as
ProxeedTM, or possibly additional studies that may lead to
surgically correctable sources of
subfertility. Most interventions are recommended for 3-month intervals, as the sperm life cycle is just under 3
months (http://www.testosterone-fertility.com).
Azoospermia (zero sperm seen) must be evaluated by a male fertility specialist as up to 25% of these men have an underlying genetic abnormality than can be inherited by their children. This population of men needs genetic testing prior to sperm acquisition procedures and assisted reproductive technologies.
Men who have been treated with chemotherapy or radiation who have zero sperm also need an evaluation and counseling.
Up to 40% of men with zero sperm seen will have pockets of sperm
production within their testis that can only be discovered through microscopic testicular extraction (TESE).
Sperm from these pockets can then be cryo-preserved or used immediately in conjunction with
In-Vitro Fertilization.
Dr. Burrows is one of less than 100 urologists in the U.S. who have taken extra time (fellowship) to learn the intricacies of male factor infertility.
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“My goal is to make couples aware that the male partners
need a fertility evaluation just like the women. Only by
evaluating and treating both partners can we improve the
rates of infertility treatment and possibly discover treatable
conditions.” |
Dr. Burrows is available for consultation either by phone or e-mail.
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