Male Infertility Specialist Geelong
Male fertility plays a significant role in conception, so assessing the male partner is an important step.
Why Assessing Male Fertility Matters
Both members of a couple play a role in conception, which is why assessing the reproductive health of both partners is so crucial. At Surfcoast Fertility, our local IVF clinic in Geelong offers supportive, patient-centred care to help you understand your fertility and plan your next steps.
Male Infertility Explained
Male fertility is often overlooked. Aside from difficulty conceiving, there may not be any other noticeable signs of male fertility issues, meaning it may go undetected until you try to start a family.
In many cases, male infertility may be related to lower sperm counts or reduced sperm motility. This doesn’t mean a couple cannot conceive, but it may contribute to delays in achieving pregnancy.
Causes of Male Infertility
Low Sperm counts and reduced motility of sperm can contribute to a couple’s delay in conceiving.
Most often, male infertility is associated with low sperm counts. The causes of this may vary from person to person. For some, it may be genetic, while for others it develops after a trauma or infection in the testes or prostate.
Maldescended testes and hernia surgery are also associated with low sperm counts. Furthermore, environmental factors may also impact male fertility.
Contributing environmental factors include:
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Exposure to herbicides
- Insecticides and volatile agents
- Obesity
- Excessive heating of the testes
- Anabolic steroids
Male Infertility Treatment Options
There are several potential treatment options for male infertility depending on the cause, your needs, and your preferences.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Some men experiencing infertility may improve their sperm count by supporting their overall health. This may mean making lifestyle changes and taking male fertility vitamins or antioxidants.
PESA
PESA is a procedure used to retrieve sperm from men who have had a vasectomy or other blockage of the vas deferens. A fine needle is placed into the epididymis to aspirate tiny pockets of sperm.
Testicular Biopsy
A testicular biopsy is a procedure in which sperm may be collected directly from the testicle using a needle. This procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia to help reduce discomfort.
Microdissection TESE
Micro TESE involves a 2–3 hour operation under general anaesthetic by a Reproductive Urologist. A microscope identifies sperm-containing tubules in the testicular tissue. Prior fertility specialist assessment is recommended to maximise retrieval success.
Hormone Treatment
In some cases, male fertility concerns may be related to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. In these situations, hormone treatment may help support sperm production. Hormonal treatments can also be used for men who have previously used Testosterone replacement therapy.
Answering Your Male Infertility Questions
Is male infertility a common issue?
Yes, male infertility is a common issue. In fact, 30% of fertility issues are due to male factors.
How is male infertility assessed?
The preferred method of assessing male infertility is a semen analysis test. During this test, scientists assess sperm quality, including shape, number, and motility, as well as the possible presence of sperm antibodies.
If the initial test is abnormal, it is important to repeat the test. If abnormal sperm counts are confirmed, additional blood tests may be required to assess testicular function.
Occasionally, a urologist or andrologist may recommend obtaining a testicular tissue sample for microscopic evaluation.
What does a semen analysis test measure?
A semen analysis assesses several key areas related to sperm quality, including:
- Volume of the semen sample
- Sperm count
- Motility
- Morphology
- Sperm antibodies
The presence of anti-sperm antibodies is most commonly associated with a previous vasectomy and may influence fertility outcomes following vasectomy reversal.
Understanding these results helps practitioners assess the chances of conception through treatments such as IVF, IUI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
What do average semen analysis results look like?
The results are usually considered together rather than in isolation. However, there is a typical measure for each.
For instance, sperm count usually has a normal value of 5 million+ sperm/ml. Sperm motility has a normal value of 40%+ motile & 32%+ with good, progressive movement.
Sperm morphology, which refers to the shape and size of sperm, is another important factor. Generally, greater than 4% normal sperm forms is considered within the average range.
Finally, the test may also detect sperm antibodies in the semen or blood. The presence of antibodies affects their ability to move and fertilise eggs.
Are there any other tests used to assess male infertility?
Along with a semen analysis test, your fertility specialist will review your medical history as part of a comprehensive assessment. Depending on the findings, additional tests and minimally invasive procedures, such as ultrasounds, may be considered and discussed during your consultation.
Can men who have had a vasectomy regain fertility with microsurgery?
Research shows that in many cases, sperm may reappear following microsurgical vasectomy reversal. However, sometimes high levels of sperm antibodies may be present, which may reduce the likelihood of natural conception. Up until 7 years post vasectomy, a reversal can help. Beyond this time , a Sperm retrieval procedure with IVF and ICSI is the best course of action
What is sperm DNA fragmentation?
Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to breaks or damage within the DNA of sperm. While all sperm have some level of DNA fragmentation, some men experience higher-than-normal levels, which may impact fertility outcomes. In this situation, anti oxidants can also be of benefit
Can a combination of treatments be beneficial?
In some cases, a combination of approaches may be considered when reviewing the efficacy of different treatment pathways. Our team will discuss various options to support treatment planning and improve the likelihood of success.
When should I seek support for male infertility?
If pregnancy is taking longer than expected, seeking support or a fertility test may be worth considering. Assessment may help identify underlying conditions that may be contributing to your difficulties.
Explore Your Options With a Fertility Specialist
If you’re finding it difficult to conceive, it may be worth considering a fertility check. At Surfcoast Fertility, we understand that fertility concerns can feel challenging, and offer compassionate, evidence-based care to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions you have or to book an appointment.
