Surfcoast Fertility by Ballarat IVF

Male Fertility Assessment Anglesea

Having an understanding of male fertility is an important part of the conception journey.

Surfcoast Fertility by Ballarat IVF

Why Male Fertility Assessment Is Important

Both partners may contribute to the conception process, which is why assessing the reproductive health of each is so worthwhile. At Surfcoast Fertility, our local IVF clinic is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centred care to help you better understand your fertility and explore your options.

Understanding Male Infertility

Male fertility concerns are often not identified until a couple begins trying to conceive. Beyond difficulty achieving pregnancy, there may be no other obvious signs, meaning the issue may go unnoticed for some time.

Lower sperm counts or reduced sperm motility are among the more common factors associated with male infertility. While these findings do not rule out the possibility of conception, they may contribute to a longer time in achieving pregnancy.

Potential Causes of Male Infertility

Low sperm counts are among the most common factors associated with male infertility, and the reasons behind this may vary considerably between individuals. In some cases, the cause may be genetic, while in others it may arise following a trauma or infection in the testes or prostate.

Low sperm counts may also be associated with maldescended testes and hernia surgery. Beyond these physical factors, environmental influences may also play a role in 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

Surfcoast Fertility by Ballarat IVF

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 fertility concerns may find that supporting their overall health and well-being may assist with sperm count. This could involve lifestyle adjustments, as well as the incorporation of male fertility vitamins or antioxidants.

PESA

Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) is a minimally invasive procedure whereby sperm is retrieved directly from the epididymis via a fine needle. It is generally recommended for men who have previously 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

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.Hormonal treatments may also be applicable for men with a history of testosterone replacement therapy.

Surfcoast Fertility by Ballarat IVF

Male Infertility: Your Questions Answered

How common is male infertility?

Male infertility is more common than many people may realise, with 30% of fertility issues being linked to male factors.

What methods are used to assess male infertility?

The semen analysis test is the preferred method for assessing male infertility. During this test, scientists evaluate sperm quality, including shape, count, and motility, as well as the possible presence of sperm antibodies.

Should the initial test return abnormal results, it is important that the test be repeated. If abnormal sperm counts are confirmed upon retesting, additional blood tests may be required to further assess testicular function.

Occasionally, a urologist or andrologist may recommend obtaining a testicular tissue sample for microscopic evaluation.

What does a semen analysis assess?

A semen analysis looks at a number of important areas related to sperm quality, including:

Volume of the semen sample
Sperm count
Motility
Morphology
Sperm antibodies

Anti-sperm antibodies are most commonly linked to a previous vasectomy and may have an influence on fertility outcomes following vasectomy reversal.

A thorough understanding of these results may assist practitioners in assessing the likelihood of conception through treatments such as IVF, IUI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

What do average semen analysis results look like?

While semen analysis results are generally considered together rather than in isolation, there is a typical benchmark for each area being 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.

Another important factor is sperm morphology, which relates to the shape and size of sperm. Generally speaking, greater than 4% normal sperm forms is regarded as being within the average range.

Finally, the semen analysis may also detect sperm antibodies in the semen or blood, the presence of which may affect sperm motility and their ability to fertilise eggs.

Are there any other tests used to assess male infertility?

Alongside a semen analysis test, your fertility doctor will take into account your medical history as part of a comprehensive assessment. Should the findings indicate a need, additional tests and minimally invasive procedures, such as ultrasounds, may be considered and discussed during your consultation.

Is it possible for men who have had a vasectomy to regain fertility through microsurgery?

Available research suggests that sperm may reappear in many cases following microsurgical vasectomy reversal. That said, high levels of sperm antibodies may be present in some instances, which may have an impact on the likelihood of natural conception.

Up until seven years post-vasectomy, a reversal may assist. Beyond this time, a sperm retrieval procedure with IVF and ICSI may be the most appropriate course of action.

What is sperm DNA fragmentation?

Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to breaks or damage that occur within the DNA of sperm. Although some level of DNA fragmentation is present in all sperm, some men may experience higher-than-normal levels, which may have an impact on fertility outcomes. In such cases, antioxidants may also be worth considering.

May a combination of treatments be of benefit?

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 is it appropriate to 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.

Surfcoast Fertility by Ballarat IVF

Explore Your Options With a Fertility Doctor

For those finding it difficult to conceive, a fertility check may be a valuable first step. At Surfcoast Fertility, we understand the challenges that fertility concerns can bring, and we are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to support you through the process. Feel free to contact our team with any questions or to book an appointment.