Male Infertility — Common Causes, Modern Diagnostics, and Treatments

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.

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.

Low sperm count

Low sperm count is one of the most common causes of male infertility. If the sperm count is below normal levels, it can make it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilise the egg.

Poor sperm motility

Even if the sperm count is normal, poor motility can prevent sperm from reaching the egg effectively.

Abnormal sperm morphology

Sperm with abnormal shape or morphology may struggle to swim toward and penetrate the egg, affecting 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.

Hormonal imbalances

Hormones regulate sperm production, and imbalances in testosterone, FSH, and LH can contribute to male infertility.

Varicocele

A varicocele occurs when veins inside the scrotum become enlarged and can interfere with sperm production.

Lifestyle factors

Smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, heat exposure, and stress can significantly affect male fertility.

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.

Semen analysis measures sperm count, motility, morphology, and overall semen volume. Hormone testing assesses testosterone, FSH, LH, and other reproductive hormones. Genetic testing can identify chromosome abnormalities or Y-chromosome microdeletions. Scrotal ultrasound can detect varicocele or blockages. Testicular biopsy may be performed when sperm are absent in semen.

Common male fertility treatments

There are several male fertility treatments tailored to each patient based on diagnosis.

Sperm retrieval techniques

PESA collects sperm directly from the epididymis for men with obstructive azoospermia. TESA uses a needle to extract sperm directly from the testicles. Micro TESE uses a microscope to locate sperm in the testes for men with non-obstructive azoospermia.

Advanced sperm selection techniques

PICSI selects mature sperm based on their ability to bind to hyaluronic acid. Microfluidics uses microchannels to select healthier sperm. MACS filters out sperm with damaged DNA. SpermSlow helps 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.

Sperm freezing collects and stores sperm before cancer treatment begins. It is ideal for cancer patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments and should be done before treatment starts. Frozen sperm can be stored for many years and used for future family planning.

Male infertility is common but often overlooked. With the right diagnostic approach and modern fertility treatments, effective solutions are available.

Looking for more information on male fertility treatment?

At Oval Fertility, male fertility is a priority. With accurate diagnostics and cutting-edge science, we offer sperm retrieval, precise sperm selection, and fertility preservation solutions. For more information on IVF for male infertility, contact our team.