Male Infertility

What is Male Infertility?

About 15% of couples are unable to conceive through sexual activity. In roughly one-third of these cases, the difficulty is related to a male fertility issue. Male infertility can result from several different conditions that affect sperm production or function.

Problems with sperm cells are the most common cause. For example, producing too few sperm lowers the chances of fertilization. In other cases, sperm may have abnormal shapes or reduced motility, which prevents them from reaching or fertilizing the egg.

Other possible causes of male infertility include:

• Varicoceles

• Retrograde ejaculation

• Autoimmune disorders

• Hormonal imbalances

• Chromosomal abnormalities

Certain medications can also affect fertility. Treatments for conditions such as arthritis, depression, digestive disorders, and high blood pressure may interfere with sperm production or function. If you’re experiencing difficulty conceiving, a medical evaluation can help identify potential causes and guide appropriate treatment options.

How is Male Infertility Diagnosed?

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a year without success—or for six months if your partner is age 35 or older—it may be time to schedule a fertility evaluation.

A semen analysis is the most common test used to assess male fertility. During this test, you provide a semen sample that is analyzed in a laboratory to evaluate sperm count, movement (motility), shape (morphology), and overall quality.

Your doctor may also recommend additional testing to identify possible underlying causes of infertility. These tests can include blood work to evaluate hormone levels or screen for genetic conditions. In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or procedures like a testicular biopsy may be recommended to closely examine the testicles and determine how well sperm is being produced.

How is Male Infertility Treated?

Our team develops personalized treatment plans to address the underlying causes of male infertility. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment options may include:

• Varicocele Repair: If a varicocele is affecting blood flow to the testicles and impacting sperm production, surgical correction may help restore normal circulation and improve fertility.
• Transurethral Resection of the Ejaculatory Ducts: This procedure can open blocked ejaculatory ducts, allowing sperm to properly mix with semen during ejaculation.
• Vasectomy Reversal: If you previously had a vasectomy but wish to have children, vasectomy reversal surgery can reconnect the vas deferens and restore the flow of sperm.

In addition to medical and surgical treatments, your care team can provide guidance on lifestyle factors that support healthy sperm production. When needed, they may also coordinate care with specialized fertility clinics and provide referrals for assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

If you’re concerned about male infertility, schedule an evaluation to discuss your options and develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals.