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IVF and reproductive medicine · Fertility

Male factor infertility

Understand sperm, hormonal or anatomical factors that can reduce male fertility.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Male factor infertility means a condition of the male reproductive system contributes to difficulty achieving pregnancy. It cannot always be reduced to one semen-analysis number.

Possible symptoms

It is often symptomless. Sexual difficulties, testicular pain or a lump, varicocele, a history of undescended testis or hormonal signs may occur.

Causes and associated factors

Sperm production or transport, obstruction, infection, varicocele, hormonal or genetic factors, medicines, heat, toxins and some medical treatments can contribute.

Diagnosis

Assessment combines reproductive and medical history, specialist examination and semen analysis. An abnormality is interpreted as a whole and often confirmed.

Tests

Semen analysis assesses count, movement and shape. Depending on results, hormone, ultrasound or genetic tests may be indicated; not everyone needs all of them.

Course of the condition

Parameters vary between samples. Some causes are treatable; others lead to discussion of assisted reproduction or donation, and no isolated result perfectly predicts fertility.

Care options

Care targets a correctable cause and modifiable health factors. Insemination, IVF, ICSI or surgical sperm retrieval may be discussed based on the assessment of everyone involved.

When to consult

Assessment of both partners is recommended. Seek earlier advice after chemotherapy, genital surgery, undescended testis, infection, trauma or a known abnormality.

Urgent help

Sudden severe testicular pain, a swollen testis, significant trauma or fever with pain needs urgent assessment.

Questions for your doctor

  • Which cause or combination of factors explains our fertility difficulty?
  • Which tests are genuinely useful before deciding?
  • Which options exist before or instead of IVF?
  • Which benefits, limits, risks and costs should we compare?
  • What support and reassessment timeline should we plan?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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