Prostate adenoma and male infertility

Prostate adenoma, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is one of the most common urological diseases in middle-aged men. It is related to the proliferation of glandular or connective tissue in the prostate, which can remain asymptomatic for a long time. However, at more advanced stages, the adenoma can not only reduce the man's quality of life but also have a serious impact on his reproductive function.

Causes of prostate adenoma development

The frequency of diagnosing hyperplasia increases significantly with age: it is detected in one in four men before the age of 50, in half of men before 60, and in eight out of ten men after 70. The main causes are age-related hormonal changes, as well as concomitant diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. Lifestyle and bad habits also play an important role: sedentary lifestyle, irregular sexual activity, alcohol abuse, and smoking.

Symptoms and complications of BPH

At an early stage, the disease may not cause pronounced symptoms. However, as the volume of the gland increases, symptoms related to urinary flow obstruction appear. These include difficult and intermittent urination, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, a frequent and uncontrollable urge to urinate, especially at night. Bladder irritation is accompanied by irritating symptoms that disrupt the man's usual rhythm of life.

One of the most severe complications is acute urinary retention, a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention. It can be triggered by stress, hypothermia, intense physical exertion, or alcohol consumption.

Influence of prostate adenoma on male fertility

Benign prostatic hyperplasia can be a factor in male infertility. The enlargement of the gland mechanically makes ejaculation difficult, reduces the volume and quality of sperm, and alters sperm motility. In some cases, obstacles to the flow of the ejaculate form, making conception difficult or even impossible.

However, modern medicine offers effective means to preserve and restore fertility. At early stages, drug treatment aimed at reducing inflammation and improving the composition of the ejaculate is possible. In cases of concomitant infertility, assisted reproductive methods are considered. Men with BPH may be recommended IVF with egg donation or IVF with double donation, as well as ICSI, which is the direct injection of a sperm into an egg.

Particular attention should be paid to sperm cryopreservation, which is recommended before the onset of disease progression or before surgical treatment. This allows for the preservation of the chances of becoming a father in the future, even in cases of significant reproductive function disorders.

Diagnosis of the disease

At the first signs of difficult urination and lower abdominal pain, it is necessary to consult a urologist. The diagnosis includes a clinical examination (digital rectal exam), pelvic organ ultrasound, flowmetry, determination of residual urine volume, and retrograde and micturition urethrography. A blood test to determine the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level is mandatory to exclude any malignant process. Laboratory analyses of urine (urine culture) and biochemical blood analyses are also conducted.

Treatment methods for BPH

The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the disease, the severity of symptoms, and the overall condition of the patient. Conservative treatment is used in mild and moderate cases. This includes taking alpha-blockers, which relax smooth muscles, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which help reduce prostate volume.

If medications are not sufficiently effective, minimally invasive surgical interventions are considered: transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser vaporization, or radiofrequency ablation. These procedures allow for the removal of excess tissue and restore normal urine flow without prolonged hospitalization.

Where to get help

The reproductive medicine clinic "Natuvitro" offers comprehensive assistance to men facing issues related to prostate adenoma and fertility disorders. It provides a complete diagnosis, combining urological and reproductive approaches, and the treatment aims not only to eliminate the symptoms of the disease but also to achieve the main goal: to become a parent. Through individual therapeutic schemes, modern equipment, and participation in IVF and ICSI programs, even in complex clinical cases, the patient has a real chance to fulfill his desire to have children.