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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.

Understanding Male Infertility

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.

Potential 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 associated with low sperm counts. Furthermore, environmental factors may also impact 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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Possible Treatment Options for Male Infertility

Depending on the cause of male infertility, as well as your individual needs and preferences, there are a number of potential treatment 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

PESA, or Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration, is a minimally invasive procedure in which a fine needle is used to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis. This procedure is typically considered for men who have undergone a vasectomy or who have an obstruction that may prevent sperm from appearing in the semen.

Testicular Biopsy

A testicular biopsy is a procedure whereby sperm may be collected directly from the testicle via a needle. To help reduce discomfort, this procedure is generally performed under general anaesthesia.

Microdissection TESE

Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction, or micro-TESE, is a surgical procedure in which sperm is located and retrieved directly from within the testicular tissue. It is generally considered for men with very low or absent sperm production, and is performed under general anaesthesia using a microscope to help identify areas most likely to contain viable sperm.

Hormone Treatment

Male fertility concerns may, in some cases, be linked to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Where this is the case, hormone treatment may assist in supporting sperm production.For men who have previously used testosterone replacement therapy, hormonal treatments may also be an option worth considering.

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Your Male Infertility Questions Answered

How frequently does male infertility occur?

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

What methods are used to assess male infertility?

The most widely used method for assessing male infertility is a semen analysis test, during which scientists assess sperm quality across a number of measures, including shape, count, 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 assess?

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 do typical semen analysis results indicate?

Rather than being viewed in isolation, semen analysis results are usually considered as a whole. That said, there is a typical measure for each individual factor.

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, that is, the shape and size of sperm, is another key factor assessed during the analysis. Greater than 4% normal sperm forms is generally considered to fall 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.

Are additional tests available for assessing 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 microsurgery assist men who have had a vasectomy in regaining fertility?

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.

Where a vasectomy was performed within the last seven years, a reversal may be a viable consideration. For those beyond this timeframe, a sperm retrieval procedure in conjunction with IVF and ICSI may be the most appropriate path forward.

What does sperm DNA fragmentation mean?

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, antioxidants may also be of benefit.

May a combination of treatments be of benefit?

A combination of approaches may be considered in some cases when evaluating different treatment pathways. Our team will discuss the various options available to support treatment planning and assist in improving the likelihood of a successful outcome.

When is it appropriate to 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 Options With a Fertility Doctor

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 we 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.