Understand Male Factor fertility | Dr Simon Nothman
Male factor infertility

is more common than you might think.

Male factor infertility is recognised as a factor in about half of all couples having difficulty getting pregnant, and is the sole or primary cause in 20-25%
Male factor infertility

Female factor infertility

Unexplained infertility

What is male infertility?

Male infertility is a common issue, affecting around 10-15% of men trying to conceive. It refers to the inability of a man to impregnate his female partner after at least 1 year of regular, unprotected sex. While male infertility can be distressing, many treatment options are available that can improve the chances of conception. Early evaluation and management by a specialist are important to maximize fertility potential.

Common causes

In about 50% of infertility cases, the cause is unknown (idiopathic). Other common causes include varicocele (enlarged veins in the testicle) in 40% of cases, hormonal imbalances, and blockages in the reproductive tract. Symptoms can include inability to conceive, as well as issues like low sex drive, fatigue, and weight gain.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins can also impact fertility. Infections, certain medications, and age-related decline in sperm quality are additional factors. Comprehensive evaluation, including semen analysis and medical assessments, is crucial for diagnosing and addressing male infertility.

Treatment options

Treatment options are often determined by the underlying cause of the infertility. Typically a combination of approaches may be used. The more common approaches include:
Medications
Hormonal treatments may address imbalances affecting sperm production. Antioxidant supplements can improve sperm quality. Treatments for erectile dysfunction may also be required.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, and managing stress may also improve sperm quality and male fertility.
Surgery
Some surgical procedures include repair to address enlarged veins in the testicle, vasectomy reversal to restore fertility after a previous vasectomy, and procedures to remove blockages in the reproductive tract.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
Assisted reproductive technologies like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help bypass male infertility issues. ICSI involves directly injecting a single sperm into an egg, which is then implanted in the female partner.
Sperm Retrieval:
Surgical sperm retrieval methods, like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), can be used when sperm production or delivery is compromised.
The key is to work closely with a fertility specialist to determine the best treatment plan based on the individual case.

Boost your plans for a family.

with a discrete fertility assessment and sperm analysis. Starting a family can be more challenging than you expect. Begin on the right path today.
Appointments

© 2024 All rights reserved. Dr Simon Nothman. ABN 54 572 986 907