Male Fertility

It is crucial to acknowledge that 30% of the couples we see have male factor infertility (usually sperm issues). It is usual for us to do a sperm test as part of our initial workup.

Let’s examine the most common male infertility issues, and what male fertility testing can tell us about sperm health:

Causes of male fertility Issues

Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia):

A low sperm count can be caused by lost of different things including hormonal problems, varicoceles (enlarged veins within the scrotum), certain infections resulting in temporary or permanent testicular damage, medications, chronic health conditions and using steroids from a gym. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and obesity also play a role. There are some genetic conditions that also lead to a reduction in sperm production (example Klinefelter’s syndrome). However it is very common for there to be no particular cause (idiopathic).

“With fertility issues, there can be an assumption that because it’s the woman trying for pregnancy, it must be her… But there could be a male fertility problem.” -Dr Erin Fuller

Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenospermia)

Poor swimming or reduced rapid movement can contribute to male infertility. Causes include structural abnormalities in the sperm tails, hormonal imbalances, antisperm antibodies (an immune reaction to the sperm) and a varicocele. Just like with low sperm counts often we don’t find a treatable cause.

Abnormal Sperm Morphology (Teratospermia):

This is where the sperm heads, midpiece or tail are abnormally shaped. These sperm are not able to fertiltise an egg naturally. Genetic abnormalities, environmental exposures to toxins and radiation, and the detrimental effects of specific medications can all contribute.

Male fertility testing

Are there any other tests to assess male Infertility?

While a semen analysis is often the primary fertility test for men, in certain cases we may suggest further male fertility assessments, such as hormone levels, sperm DNA damage levels, chromosome checks, Y chromosome microdeletion testing and scrotal ultrasounds.

How can we treat male factor infertility?

Sometimes we will recommend hormonal treatments & vitamins to try & improve sperm production. Hormonal treatments can include anastrozole, FSH injections & Ovidrel injections. Being healthy & taking sperm boosting vitamins is also recommended. Lots of men with sperm issues become fathers through intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection techniques ( a form of IVF).

Local Testing

Genea Newcastle was the first to introduce genetic testing and we are committed to providing fast and reliable Fertility Testing, IVF and Genetic Testing services for the Newcastle Area.

Book an Appointment

Call or fill in the contact form and we will confirm your appointment time promptly.

Our Specialists

All our doctors are fully accredited fertility specialists, so you can be assured of getting the best possible advice and treatment