Male Infertility IVF and ICSI
Almost all forms of male infertility can now be overcome with IVF
It is estimated that around 10% to 15% of all men are born with some level of male infertility.
Approximately one-third of a couple’s infertility can be solely attributed to male infertility.
IVF and ICSI for Male Factor Infertility
IVF and ICSI for Male Factor Infertility
Generally, male fertility potential cannot be enhanced through medication or surgical interventions such as varicocele removal.
However, with the use of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), all but the most severe forms of male infertility can be overcome.
During ICSI, a single live sperm is directly injected into the center of an egg. ICSI can be utilized even in cases where only occasional sperm are found in a semen sample.
There is mounting evidence that environmental factors have a significant impact on male reproductive health.
IVF can be used for moderately severe degrees of male infertility; more severe degrees will require the ICSI procedure.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection – ICSI
ICSI has allowed infertile men, who would not have been able to cause pregnancy in the past, to father children. ICSI can be used even if there are only occasional sperm found in a semen sample.
ICSI is also used for men with unproven fertility (never sired a pregnancy) and for couples with unexplained infertility.
In ICSI, a single live sperm is inserted directly into the center of an egg. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection requires a high degree of expertise and is performed with a special microscope and micromanipulators.
ICSI has been used extensively in Advanced Reproductive Treatments since 1993, and between one and two million babies have been born worldwide using ICSI.
Prerequisites for In Vitro Fertilization
Only a few treatment prerequisites are needed before the start of your treatment. They assess the egg and sperm quality and ensure that embryos can be accurately placed in a healthy uterus.
Female partner’s age
The probability of a successful IVF treatment becomes exceedingly low by age 44. You must be 43 and 11 months or younger at the time your IVF treatment begins. Patients who are 44 and older should strongly consider Donor Egg IVF as the most effective treatment option to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Female partner’s weight
Your BMI must be no greater than 31 for an adequate ovarian response and safety during the egg retrieval procedure. If your BMI is higher, please follow the IVF Diet and Lifestyle (PDF) recommendations as closely as possible. By doing so, you can achieve weight loss at an optimal rate, which could significantly improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Pathogen testing
This testing is required by the State of California. You and your partner (if applicable) must be tested for Hepatitis B-Surface Antigen, Hepatitis C-Antibody, HIV I&II, HTLV I&II (male partner only), and RPR.
Ovarian Reserve Assay (ORA)
ORA assesses the likelihood of producing normal-quality eggs. It involves measuring Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen, E2), and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) blood levels.
These test results are used to optimize ovarian stimulation.
Antral Follicle Count
The number of antral follicles (small fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries seen on ultrasound) in unstimulated ovaries is related to the quality of the eggs. Ideally, there should be approximately 20 antral follicles in both ovaries combined.
Uterine measurement and saline ultrasound
It is important to determine the length of the uterus in order to ensure the correct placement of embryos.
A saline ultrasound is utilized to rule out the presence of intrauterine polyps or fibroids.
Semen evaluation
The male partner’s semen will be evaluated at Bay IVF to determine the best laboratory method for semen preparation for egg insemination.
Parents’ genetic testing (optional)
All prospective parents should consider genetic screening for hundreds of the most common genetic diseases. Please inform us during your initial appointment at Bay IVF if you would like to have your blood sample sent for genetic screening.
IVF diet and lifestyle
Environmental factors have a significant impact on reproductive health. Please review the IVF Diet and Lifestyle document (PDF) for a comprehensive list of environmental reproductive health recommendations and a source for dietary supplements.
We are now almost always able to use the partner’s sperm to fertilize the eggs.
FAQ — Find Answers to Your Queries
Here are some of the most commonly asked fertility-related questions. A more comprehensive FAQ selection is available on the FAQ page.
Do medications used in the IVF treatment have any side effects?
Most patients should expect minimal, if any, side effects from the In Vitro Fertilization medications. You should be able to continue with your everyday activities during your treatment.
How long does it take to complete a cycle of IVF?
It takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks from the beginning of your treatment to egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
Is the egg retrieval procedure painful?
Since we use strong pain and relaxation medications, your egg retrieval should be very comfortable. Most patients will sleep through the 5-10 minute procedure. Some may experience minimal menstrual-like cramping.
What is ICSI, and how does it affect my embryos?
In the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection procedure, a single sperm is inserted directly into the center of an egg. ICSI has been used extensively since 1993, and approximately 2 million babies have been born worldwide without significant side effects using ICSI.
I am over 40. Should I plan to do PGT?
You may consider adding Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to your In Vitro Fertilization or Donor Egg IVF treatment. If you do, you will not need to do amniocentesis if you conceive.
Adding PGT to these treatments has not been shown to reliably improve the probability of a successful outcome, but it can reduce the probability of a miscarriage.
How many embryos should we transfer?
We follow the recommendation of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine that most patients should transfer only one or two embryos. We will always provide guidance, but you will have the final say in whether to transfer one or two embryos.
Is bed rest recommended after an embryo transfer?
It is not recommended from the conception point of view. Recent studies showed that resting after embryo transfer decreases the probability of implantation. You should start moving around immediately after your transfer.
I am from the LGBTQ+ community. Can I have my treatment at Bay IVF?
Yes! We are proud of being one of the first Northern California fertility clinics to provide In Vitro Fertilization for lesbian partners. We are a very friendly LGBTQ+ fertility clinic that is quite versed in both lesbian IVF and Reciprocal IVF.
Meet Your Doctor
- Dr. Polansky received his medical diploma from Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, in 1978.
- After completing his OB/GYN residency at Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO, he graduated from the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellowship at Stanford University in 1985.
- In the same year, he co-founded the Stanford IVF Clinic.
- Dr. Polansky obtained board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1986 and became REI subspecialty board certified in 1988.
- In 1987, he left Stanford University and established Nova IVF.
- In 2011, he founded Bay IVF, where he provides advanced fertility treatments with a holistic approach, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques.
- Dr. Polansky personally performs ultrasound examinations, egg retrievals, embryo transfers, and ovarian and endometrial stimulations for his patients.
- He is deeply committed to his patients and is always ready to lend a helping hand.
Frank Polansky, M.D.
Initial Appointment Questions
When you call to schedule your consultation, one of our Front Office Coordinators will ask you a short series of questions regarding your reproductive history.
Your Initial Visit at Bay IVF
Attending a new patient appointment at a fertility clinic can be stressful. Our primary objective is to ensure that your initial visit is friendly and relaxing. We encourage you to ask questions at every step of the process.
1 — When You Arrive
You will be welcomed by one of the clinic receptionists. One of our nurses will measure your height and weight and take your blood pressure
2 — Meet Your Doctor
Dr. Polansky will ask you a series of clarifying questions and then provide you with a summary of the factors contributing to your infertility
4 — Exam Room
One of the nurses will escort you to an examination room. Your examination will begin with listening to your lungs and heart
3 — Ask Your Questions
You will then have a discussion with him about the most suitable reproductive treatment(s) for you. During this time, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have
5 — Ultrasound of the Ovaries
The next step is a pelvic ultrasound to examine the uterus and ovaries. This ultrasound will help determine the number of antral follicles present within the ovaries
6 — Financial Part
Following that, you will have a discussion with one of the financial advisors regarding the financial aspects of your treatment, including potential treatment financing options
8 — Support 24/7
If you have any questions after leaving the clinic, please feel free to reach out to us via phone call, text, or email. Open and discreet communication is an integral part of the care we provide at Bay IVF
7 — What About Time?
Your entire visit is expected to last approximately one hour
Schedule Your Initial Consultation With Dr. Polansky
Online (free) or In-Person
Call or Text Us: 650-322-0500
You can also complete the form below to request your initial consultationWe look forward to meeting you at Bay IVF and, when your treatment is successful, celebrating your new pregnancy!