MALE FERTILITY TESTING
Male infertility refers to a man's inability to contribute to conception after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. It is estimated that male factors contribute to infertility in approximately 40-50% of cases, either as a sole cause or in combination with female factors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects about 15% of couples worldwide, with male infertility being a primary factor in about 20-30% of these cases.
What Causes Male Infertility?
Male infertility can result from a variety of medical, lifestyle, and environmental factors. For successful conception, the male reproductive system must produce healthy sperm, ensure proper sperm transport, and deliver them to the female reproductive tract. Disruptions in any of these steps can result in infertility.
1. Sperm Production Issues
Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia): A man is considered to have a low sperm count when he has fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
No Sperm (Azoospermia): A condition where no sperm is present in the ejaculate due to blockages, hormonal imbalances, or testicular failure.
Poor Sperm Quality: Sperm may have abnormal shapes (teratospermia) or poor motility (asthenospermia), which affect their ability to reach and fertilize the egg.
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2. Hormonal Imbalances
The production of sperm is regulated by hormones like testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Disorders in these hormones can disrupt sperm production and function.
Hypogonadism (low testosterone) can lead to reduced libido and sperm production.
Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels) can interfere with testosterone production.
3. Structural and Anatomical Issues
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Varicocele: An enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, which raises the temperature of the testes, negatively affecting sperm production. Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility.
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Obstructions in the Reproductive Tract: Blockages in the vas deferens, epididymis, or ejaculatory ducts can prevent sperm from being transported. These blockages may result from infections, surgeries, or congenital conditions like cystic fibrosis.
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Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism): A condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum during fetal development, leading to impaired sperm production.
4. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
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Smoking: Reduces sperm quality and count by introducing harmful chemicals into the reproductive system.
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Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Impairs testosterone production and affects sperm quality.
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Drug Use: Anabolic steroids and recreational drugs like marijuana and cocaine can decrease sperm production and function.
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Obesity: Leads to hormonal imbalances, reducing testosterone levels and affecting sperm quality.
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Heat Exposure: Prolonged exposure to heat sources such as hot tubs, saunas, and laptops can reduce sperm production by elevating scrotal temperature.
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Environmental Toxins: Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals can negatively impact sperm health.
5. Genetic Factors
Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY), can impair testicular function.
Y-chromosome microdeletions can lead to reduced sperm production.
Genetic mutations, such as those associated with cystic fibrosis, can cause blockages in the reproductive tract.
6. Sexual Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): The inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse.
Premature Ejaculation: Can prevent sperm from being deposited deep into the female reproductive tract.
Retrograde Ejaculation: A condition where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra during ejaculation.
Symptoms of Male Infertility
Male infertility often goes unnoticed until a couple experiences difficulty conceiving. However, certain symptoms may suggest underlying issues:
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Reduced sexual drive (libido)
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Erectile dysfunction or difficulty maintaining an erection
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Swelling, pain, or lumps in the testicles
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Low ejaculate volume or changes in semen consistency
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Decreased facial or body hair, which may indicate hormonal imbalances
Diagnosis and Testing for Male Infertility
Diagnosing male infertility involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and specific tests to identify the underlying causes.
The doctor will inquire about the man’s medical history, previous injuries or surgeries, lifestyle habits, and any exposure to environmental toxins.
This includes evaluating the genitals for any structural abnormalities, such as varicocele or undescended testicles.
A comprehensive analysis of semen is the cornerstone of male infertility diagnosis. It examines:
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Sperm count, motility, morphology (shape), and overall health.
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Semen volume and pH.
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Presence of white blood cells, which may indicate infection.
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Blood tests to measure levels of testosterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin to identify hormonal imbalances affecting fertility.
Ultrasound or MRI may be used to evaluate the reproductive organs for abnormalities or blockages.
Recommended for men with very low sperm counts or azoospermia to identify chromosomal abnormalities or Y-chromosome microdeletions.
Treatment Options for Male Infertility
The treatment for male infertility depends on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle changes, medications, surgical interventions, or advanced assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
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Quitting smoking and alcohol.
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Managing weight through a healthy diet and exercise.
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Avoiding heat exposure and environmental toxins.
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Hormonal therapy to address testosterone deficiency or other hormonal imbalances.
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Antibiotics for infections affecting the reproductive system.
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Varicocele Repair: A minimally invasive procedure to improve blood flow and lower scrotal temperature.
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Vasovasostomy: Surgery to reverse vasectomy or repair blockages in the vas deferens.
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Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is collected, prepared, and directly placed into the uterus during ovulation.
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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus.
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Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is directly injected into an egg during IVF, especially useful for severe male infertility.
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Sperm Retrieval Techniques: Methods like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) can retrieve sperm for IVF in men with azoospermia.
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In cases where no viable sperm is available, couples may opt for donor sperm to achieve pregnancy.
Infertility can be emotionally challenging for men. Counseling and support groups can help address feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, improving overall mental well-being.
Male Fertility Testing FAQs
Can't find the answer to your question? Contact us here.
Male infertility is when a man has trouble contributing to conception, even after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Surprisingly, male factors are involved in 40-50% of infertility cases, making it a critical part of the puzzle when couples face challenges conceiving.
If you and your partner have been trying for over a year without success—or just six months if your partner is over 35—it’s time to test. Even if there are no obvious symptoms, testing ensures you aren’t overlooking any hidden factors.
It’s simpler than you might think! Testing usually involves a quick physical exam, a detailed medical history, and a semen analysis. These provide vital clues about your reproductive health, with minimal hassle or discomfort.
Not at all! At Nicosia Fertility, we provide a private, respectful, and professional environment to make this process easy and stress-free. Plus, it’s one of the most effective ways to understand your fertility.
Male infertility can stem from low sperm count, poor sperm motility, hormonal imbalances, or even lifestyle factors like stress or smoking. The good news? Many of these issues are treatable with lifestyle changes, medications, or advanced reproductive techniques.
Absolutely! Smoking, heavy drinking, poor diet, and even sitting with a laptop on your lap too often can lower sperm quality. By making healthier choices, you can give your fertility a boost.
Don’t worry—there’s still hope! Advanced procedures like TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) or Micro-TESE can retrieve sperm directly from your testes, which can then be used for treatments like IVF or ICSI.
Most tests, like semen analysis and blood work, are completely risk-free. For minimally invasive procedures like TESA or MESA, any discomfort is usually mild and short-lived. Your doctor will walk you through everything to put your mind at ease.
We combine advanced diagnostics, state-of-the-art technology, and a supportive, patient-focused approach. Our goal is to provide clear answers and practical solutions so you can take confident steps toward starting your family.
It’s simple! Contact us at Nicosia Fertility to schedule a consultation. We’ll guide you through every step with personalized care and expert advice, helping you move closer to your dream of parenthood.
Why Choose Nicosia Fertility?
At Nicosia Fertility, we specialize in diagnosing and treating male infertility with cutting-edge technology and personalized care. Our team of experts offers comprehensive evaluations, advanced ART solutions, and emotional support tailored to your unique needs. Together, we aim to overcome the challenges of male infertility and help you achieve your dream of parenthood.
