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Male Infertility Testing Werribee

Gaining insight into male fertility is an essential step towards conception.

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Understanding Why Male Fertility Assessment 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 offers supportive, patient-centred care to help you understand your fertility and plan your next steps.

Male Infertility: What You Need to Know

Male fertility is a factor that is often overlooked. In many cases, there may be no noticeable signs of male fertility concerns beyond difficulty conceiving, meaning the issue may go undetected until a couple begins trying to start a family.

Male infertility is often associated with lower sperm counts or reduced sperm motility. While this does not necessarily mean that conception is not possible, it may contribute to delays in achieving pregnancy.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility is frequently linked to low sperm counts, with causes that may differ from one person to the next. For some, a genetic factor may be involved, whilst for others, the condition may develop after a trauma or infection in the testes or prostate.

Maldescended testes and hernia surgery are also linked to low sperm counts. In addition to these, environmental factors may also have an impact on male fertility.

Environmental factors that may contribute to male infertility include:

Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Exposure to herbicides
Insecticides and volatile agents
Obesity
Excessive heating of the testes
Anabolic steroids

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Exploring Male Infertility Treatment Options

The treatment pathway for male infertility may vary depending on the underlying cause, your personal needs, and your preferences, with several potential options available.

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

Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration, commonly known as PESA, involves the retrieval of sperm directly from the epididymis using a fine needle. This minimally invasive procedure is generally recommended for men who have had a vasectomy or who have an obstruction that prevents sperm from being present in the semen.

Testicular Biopsy

A testicular biopsy involves the collection of sperm directly from the testicle using a needle. This procedure is generally carried out under general anaesthesia to assist in reducing discomfort.

Microdissection TESE

Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (micro-TESE) is a surgical approach used to locate and retrieve sperm from within the testicular tissue. Generally recommended for men with very low or absent sperm production, the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, with a microscope used to help identify the areas within the tissue most likely to contain viable sperm.

Hormone Treatment

In certain cases, concerns relating to male fertility may be associated with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. In these situations, hormone treatment may play a role in supporting sperm production.Hormonal treatments may also be applicable for men with a history of testosterone replacement therapy.

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Answering Your Male Infertility Questions

Is male infertility a common issue?

Yes, male infertility is a relatively common issue. In fact, male factors are thought to contribute to 30% of fertility issues.

How is male infertility evaluated?

A semen analysis test is generally the preferred approach for assessing male infertility. This test allows scientists to evaluate sperm quality, including shape, count, and motility, as well as the possible presence of sperm antibodies.

Where the initial test produces abnormal results, repeating the test is an important next step. If abnormal sperm counts are confirmed, further blood tests may be recommended to assess testicular function.

A urologist or andrologist may occasionally recommend a testicular tissue sample be obtained for microscopic evaluation.

What does a semen analysis test measure?

During a semen analysis, several key areas relating to sperm quality are assessed, including:

Volume of the semen sample
Sperm count
Motility
Morphology
Sperm antibodies

Anti-sperm antibodies, which are most commonly associated with a previous vasectomy, may influence fertility outcomes in the period following vasectomy reversal.

These results may assist practitioners in evaluating the chances of conception through treatment options such as IVF, IUI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

What are considered average semen analysis results?

Semen analysis results are generally considered together rather than in isolation, though there is a typical measure for each area assessed.

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, referring to the shape and size of sperm, is also an important consideration. A result of greater than 4% normal sperm forms is generally considered to be within the average range.

The test may also identify the presence of sperm antibodies in the semen or blood. Where antibodies are present, they may affect the ability of sperm to move and fertilise eggs.

What other tests may be used to assess male infertility?

Along with a semen analysis test, your fertility doctor 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.

For those within seven years of their vasectomy, a reversal procedure may be worth considering. Beyond this period, a sperm retrieval procedure combined with IVF and ICSI may be the most suitable pathway.

What is sperm DNA fragmentation?

Sperm DNA fragmentation is a term used to describe breaks or damage within the DNA of sperm. While a degree of DNA fragmentation is present in all sperm, some men may experience levels that are higher than normal, which may influence fertility outcomes. In these situations, antioxidants may also be of assistance.

Can combining treatments improve fertility outcomes?

In certain cases, a combination of treatment approaches may be worth considering when assessing different pathways. Our team will discuss the range of options available to assist with treatment planning and to support the best possible likelihood of success.

At what point should I seek support for male infertility?

If achieving pregnancy is taking longer than expected, seeking support or undergoing a fertility test may be a worthwhile consideration. Assessment may assist in identifying underlying conditions that could be playing a role in your difficulties.

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Explore Your Fertility Options With a Doctor

If you are experiencing difficulty conceiving, it may be worth exploring a fertility check. At Surfcoast Fertility, we recognise that fertility concerns can be a challenging experience, and we are here to offer caring, evidence-based support. Reach out to our team at any time with your questions or to arrange an appointment.