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Male Infertility Testing Lorne

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

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Understanding Why Male Fertility Assessment Matters

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

It is not uncommon for male fertility to be overlooked. Outside of difficulty conceiving, there may be no other apparent indicators of male fertility concerns, which means it may remain undetected until you begin trying to have a child.

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.

What May Cause 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

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Male Infertility Treatment Options

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 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, short for Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction, is a surgical procedure that involves locating and retrieving sperm from within the testicular tissue. This procedure is typically recommended for men who have very low or absent sperm production, and is carried out under general anaesthesia with the assistance of a microscope to identify areas most likely to yield 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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Commonly Asked Questions About Male Infertility

Is male infertility something many men experience?

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?

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.

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.

There are occasions where a urologist or andrologist may recommend obtaining a sample of testicular tissue for microscopic evaluation.

What can a semen analysis test tell us?

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.

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 typical semen analysis results indicate?

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.

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.

Sperm antibodies in the semen or blood may also be detected during the test. The presence of such antibodies may impact the ability of sperm to move and fertilise eggs.

What other assessments may be involved in evaluating 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 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.

A vasectomy reversal may be a suitable option for those within seven years of their procedure. For those beyond this timeframe, a sperm retrieval procedure alongside IVF and ICSI may be the most appropriate course of action.

Can you explain 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, antioxidants may also be of benefit.

Can combining treatments improve fertility outcomes?

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 should I seek support for male infertility?

Where pregnancy is taking longer than expected, it may be worth seeking support or considering a fertility test. An assessment may help to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the challenges you are experiencing.

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Explore Your Options With a Fertility 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.