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Male Fertility Assessment Ocean Grove

Gaining insight into male fertility is an essential step towards conception.

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Understanding Why Male Fertility Assessment 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.

An Overview of 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.

In many cases, male infertility may be related to lower sperm counts or reduced sperm motility. This doesn’t mean a couple cannot conceive, but it may contribute to delays in achieving pregnancy.

Factors That May Contribute to 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.

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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Exploring 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 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 (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

Some male fertility concerns may be related to the functioning of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, and in these instances, 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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Male Infertility: Your Questions Answered

How common is male infertility?

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

What does a male infertility assessment involve?

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 is measured during a semen analysis test?

A semen analysis assesses several 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.

These results may assist practitioners in evaluating the chances of conception through treatment options such as IVF, IUI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

What can I expect from average semen analysis results?

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

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 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.

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 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 a combination of treatments be beneficial?

In certain cases, a combination of treatment approaches may be worth considering when assessing different pathways. Our team will discuss the range of options available to assist with treatment planning and to support the best possible likelihood of success.

At what point 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 Fertility Options 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.