Surfcoast Fertility by Ballarat IVF

Male Infertility Testing Lara

Male fertility plays a key role in conception, making it important to understand.

Surfcoast Fertility by Ballarat IVF

Why Male Fertility Assessment Is Important

When it comes to conception, both partners play a part, making it valuable to assess the reproductive health of each individual. At Surfcoast Fertility, our local IVF clinic offers caring, patient-centred support to help you understand your fertility and plan a path forward.

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.

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.

Factors That May Contribute to Male Infertility

Male infertility is most commonly associated with low sperm counts, though the underlying causes may differ from person to person. For some individuals, the cause may be genetic, while for others it may develop following a trauma or infection affecting the testes or prostate.

Maldescended testes and prior hernia surgery are additional factors that may be associated with low sperm counts. Environmental factors may also contribute to male fertility concerns.

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

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

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

During a testicular biopsy, a needle is used to collect sperm directly from the testicle. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia to help minimise discomfort.

Microdissection TESE

Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (micro-TESE) is a surgical procedure used to locate and retrieve sperm directly from within the testicular tissue. It is generally recommended for men with very low or absent sperm production and is performed under general anaesthesia using a microscope to identify areas 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.

Surfcoast Fertility by Ballarat IVF

Male Infertility: Your Questions Answered

Is male infertility a common issue?

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

How is male infertility evaluated?

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

If the results of the initial test are abnormal, it is advisable to repeat the test. Should abnormal sperm counts be confirmed, additional blood tests may be needed 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 assess?

A semen analysis assesses several key 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.

Interpreting these results allows practitioners to better assess the likelihood of conception through treatments such as IVF, IUI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

What do average semen analysis results look like?

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

Sperm count, for example, generally has a normal value of 5 million+ sperm/ml, while sperm motility is considered within the normal range at 40%+ motile and 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 test may also detect sperm antibodies in the semen or blood. The presence of antibodies affects their ability 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.

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

Research indicates that in many cases, sperm may reappear following microsurgical vasectomy reversal. However, elevated levels of sperm antibodies may sometimes 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.

How is sperm DNA fragmentation defined?

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.

May a combination of treatments be of benefit?

Where appropriate, a combination of approaches may be explored when reviewing different treatment pathways. Our team will take the time to discuss the available options with you to support treatment planning and work towards improving the 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.

Surfcoast Fertility by Ballarat IVF

Explore Your Fertility Journey With a 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.