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Mount Gambier Male Infertility Testing

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

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Why Assessing Male Fertility Matters

Conception is a shared journey, and the reproductive health of both partners may play an important role. At Surfcoast Fertility, our local IVF clinic provides supportive, patient-centred care to help you gain a clearer understanding of your fertility and consider your next steps.

Male Infertility Explained

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.

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.

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.

Contributing environmental factors include:

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

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Treatment Options for Male Infertility

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

Supporting overall health may assist some men in improving their sperm count. This may include making lifestyle changes and taking male fertility vitamins or antioxidants as part of a broader approach to reproductive health.

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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Commonly Asked Questions About Male Infertility

How frequently does male infertility occur?

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

What does a male infertility assessment involve?

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.

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 is measured during a semen analysis test?

A semen analysis evaluates a number of key areas related to sperm quality, including:

Volume of the semen sample
Sperm count
Motility
Morphology
Sperm antibodies

The presence of anti-sperm antibodies is often associated with a prior vasectomy and may play a role in 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?

The results are usually considered together rather than in isolation. However, there is a typical measure for each.

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, which refers to the shape and size of sperm, is another important factor. Generally, greater than 4% normal sperm forms is considered 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?

Research suggests that in a number of cases, sperm may reappear following microsurgical vasectomy reversal. However, elevated sperm antibody levels may sometimes be detected, which may reduce the likelihood of achieving 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.

What does sperm DNA fragmentation mean?

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.

Is it possible for a combination of treatments to be beneficial?

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.

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 conceiving has proven difficult, a fertility check may be a worthwhile consideration. At Surfcoast Fertility, we understand that navigating fertility concerns can feel overwhelming, and we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to support you along the way. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment.