Infertility

What is male infertility?

Male infertility refers to a man’s inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female partner after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. It is often related to issues with sperm production, sperm function, or sperm delivery.

What causes male infertility?

Common causes include:

• Low sperm count (oligospermia) or absence of sperm (azoospermia)

• Abnormal sperm shape or motility

• Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)

• Hormonal imbalances

• Genetic conditions (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome)

• Infections affecting the reproductive tract

• Ejaculation problems or blockages

• Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol, heat exposure, anabolic steroids)

How is male infertility diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically begins with:

• A detailed medical and sexual history

• Physical examination

• Semen analysis to evaluate sperm count, shape, and motility
  Additional tests may include:

• Hormone testing

• Genetic testing

• Scrotal ultrasound

• Testicular biopsy (in some cases)

What treatments are available for male infertility?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Lifestyle modifications (e.g., quitting smoking, weight loss, limiting heat exposure)

• Hormonal therapy for hormonal imbalances

• Surgery to repair a varicocele or remove obstructions

• Treatment for infections

• Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as:

  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF)

  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Can male infertility be prevented?

While not all causes are preventable, men can reduce risk by:

• Avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol, and recreational drugs

• Maintaining a healthy weight and diet

• Managing chronic medical conditions like diabetes

• Avoiding hot tubs, saunas, and tight underwear that increase scrotal temperature

• Using protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

When should a man see a urologist for infertility?

Men should see a urologist or fertility specialist if:

• They’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success

• They have a history of testicular or prostate issues

• There’s known low sperm count or other abnormalities in semen analysis

• There is a family history of infertility or genetic disorders