We are here to help   -   
Call 1800 309 0007
International Patients
Patient Login
Back to all blogs

Male Infertility — Common Causes, Modern Diagnostics, and Treatments

Dr. Sandeep Karunakaran
Dr. Sandeep Karunakaran
June 1, 2026
9
min Read
Male fertility treatment consultation

Male infertility can feel like a deeply personal and often unexpected challenge, with questions, worry, and uncertainty for many couples. It is important to know that you are not alone, and that male fertility issues are far more common than many people realise. With the right guidance, clear diagnosis, and tailored treatment, many men can find answers and move forward with hope. Here, we explore what causes male infertility, how it is diagnosed, and the latest treatment options:

1. Common causes of male infertility

Male infertility can be caused by a variety of factors that affect sperm production, sperm quality, or the ability to transport sperm. Understanding the root cause is essential to determining the right course of action.

Cause of male infertilityDescription
Low sperm count (Oligospermia) Low sperm count is one of the most common causes of male infertility. If the sperm count is below normal levels (generally fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen), it can make it difficult for the sperm to reach and fertilise the egg.
Poor sperm motility (Asthenozoospermia) Even if the sperm count is normal, poor motility (or slow-moving sperm) can prevent sperm from reaching the egg effectively. This can be a key factor in male infertility.
Abnormal sperm morphology (Teratozoospermia) Sperm with abnormal shape or morphology (e.g., two heads or no tail) may struggle to swim toward and penetrate the egg. This condition can impact fertilisation rates.
Blockages in the reproductive tract Obstructions in the vas deferens, epididymis, or other parts of the male reproductive tract can prevent sperm from being ejaculated. Common causes of blockages include infections, injuries, or vasectomy.
Hormonal imbalances Hormones regulate sperm production, and imbalances in testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and LH luteinising hormone can contribute to male infertility. Conditions, such as hypogonadism or pituitary disorders, may also impact sperm production.
Varicocele A varicocele occurs when the veins inside the scrotum become enlarged. It can potentially interfere with sperm production. The condition is quite common and can usually be addressed through surgical intervention.
Lifestyle factors Environmental factors and lifestyle choices can significantly affect male fertility:
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption can impair sperm production and quality.
  • Obesity is linked to lower sperm counts and poor sperm motility.
  • Heat exposure (e.g., from hot tubs or laptops) can also affect sperm production.
  • Stress can impact hormone levels that influence sperm production.

2. Modern diagnostics for male infertility

Accurate diagnosis is essential to identify the root cause of male infertility and determine the best treatment, such as IVF for male infertility. Precise diagnostics help ensure that no underlying issues are missed.

Diagnostic testDescription
Semen analysis The first test in male infertility diagnostics is a semen analysis. This test measures the sperm count, motility, morphology, and overall semen volume. It’s crucial in determining whether sperm quality is contributing to infertility.
Hormone testing Hormonal tests assess levels of testosterone, FSH, LH, and other hormones involved in sperm production. Abnormal hormone levels may indicate issues with the testes or the pituitary gland.
Genetic testing Genetic tests can identify specific chromosome abnormalities or Y-chromosome microdeletions that may contribute to male infertility. This is especially important for men with low sperm counts or those who have failed other treatments.
Scrotal ultrasound A scrotal ultrasound is used to detect physical issues such as varicocele or blockages in the reproductive tract. This test provides images of the testes, epididymis, and vas deferens.
Testicular biopsy If sperm are absent in the semen (azoospermia), a testicular biopsy may be performed to check for sperm production in the testes. This procedure is often combined with advanced sperm retrieval techniques for assisted reproduction.

3. Common male fertility treatments

There are several male fertility treatments that are tailored to meet the needs of each patient based on their specific diagnosis.

Sperm retrieval techniques

For men with obstructive azoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), sperm retrieval procedures are used:

  • PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration): Sperm is collected directly from the epididymis for men with obstructive azoospermia.
  • TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration): A needle is used to extract sperm directly from the testicles.
  • Micro TESE (Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction): A more precise method used for men with NOA, where a microscope is used to locate sperm in the testes.

Advanced sperm selection techniques

Once sperm are retrieved, selecting the healthiest sperm is crucial for successful fertilisation:

  • PICSI (Physiological ICSI): This method selects mature sperm based on their ability to bind to hyaluronic acid. This improves fertilisation chances in IVF.
  • Microfluidics: This technique mimics the natural selection process by using microchannels to select the healthiest sperm.
  • MACS (Magnetic-activated cell sorting): Sperms with damaged DNA are filtered out to improve fertilisation and pregnancy outcomes.
  • SpermSlow: A method that gently slows mature sperm to help select the best sperm for ICSI in cases of poor fertilisation.

Male oncofertility

For men undergoing cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, sperm freezing is an essential step to preserve fertility before starting treatment. This helps men have children in the future, even after fertility-damaging treatments.

‍

Key takeaways:

  • Sperm freezing (cryopreservation): A process that involves collecting and storing sperm before cancer treatment begins to ensure fertility is preserved for future use.
  • Ideal for cancer patients: Men undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or other gonadotoxic treatments that could affect sperm production.
  • Time-sensitive: It’s crucial to freeze sperm before beginning treatment to avoid the risk of infertility.
  • Long-term storage: Frozen sperm can be stored for many years and offer flexibility for future family planning.
  • Personalised care: Fertility experts provide guidance on the best sperm preservation options tailored to each individual’s treatment timeline and fertility goals.

Male infertility is a common but often overlooked factor in fertility struggles. However, with the right diagnostic approach and modern fertility treatments, there are effective solutions available. Whether you are facing low sperm count, poor motility, or blockages, male fertility therapy options such as sperm retrieval and advanced sperm selection can significantly improve your chances of conception.

Looking for more information on male fertility treatment?

At Oval Fertility, we understand that male fertility is often overlooked, and we make it a priority. With accurate diagnostics and cutting-edge science, we offer a range of solutions to treat male-factor infertility, from sperm retrieval to precise sperm selection techniques. Our evidence-based protocols ensure that every aspect of male fertility care is handled with the utmost care and expertise.

‍

What we offer:

  • Advanced diagnostic testing: In-depth semen analysis, genetic testing, and hormone evaluations to accurately diagnose fertility challenges.
  • Sperm retrieval techniques: Options such as PESA, TESA, and Micro TESE for men with obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia to ensure that viable sperm can be collected.
  • Sperm selection technologies: We use PICSI, Microfluidics, MACS, and SpermSlow to select the healthiest sperm and improve fertilisation chances and overall success rates.
  • Male oncofertility: For men undergoing cancer treatment, we offer sperm freezing to preserve fertility before starting chemotherapy or radiation.

For more information on IVF for male infertility, contact our team.

Dr. Sandeep Karunakaran
Dr. Sandeep Karunakaran
June 1, 2026
Share this post

It starts with a question. Our fertility experts
take it from there.

By submitting your information, you:
  • Accept Oval’s Privacy Policy and T&C.
  • Understand your data is secure and will not be shared
  • Consent to be contacted by Oval via WhatsApp
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Abstract blurred close-up of intertwined human bodies with skin tones blending softly.
No items found.