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Male Infertility Testing Torquay

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

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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.

Male Infertility: What You Need to Know

Male fertility is often overlooked. Aside from difficulty conceiving, there may not be any other noticeable signs of male fertility issues, meaning it may go undetected until you try to start a family.

In a number of cases, male infertility may be linked to lower sperm counts or reduced sperm motility. This does not mean that a couple is unable to conceive, however it may play a role in delays when trying to achieve 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.

Maldescended testes and hernia surgery are also linked to low sperm counts. In addition to these, environmental factors may also have an impact on 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

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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 (PESA) is a minimally invasive procedure in which sperm is retrieved directly from the epididymis using a fine needle. It is typically recommended for men who have had a vasectomy or experience an obstruction preventing 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

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

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 considered for men who have previously undergone testosterone replacement therapy.

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Your Male Infertility Questions Answered

Is male infertility a common issue?

Male infertility is indeed a common concern. Research suggests that 30% of fertility issues may be attributed to male factors.

How is male infertility assessed?

The most widely used method for assessing male infertility is a semen analysis test, during which scientists assess sperm quality across a number of measures, 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?

During a semen analysis, several key areas relating to sperm quality are assessed, including:

Volume of the semen sample
Sperm count
Motility
Morphology
Sperm antibodies

The presence of anti-sperm antibodies is most commonly associated with a previous vasectomy and may influence 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 do average semen analysis results look like?

Rather than being viewed in isolation, semen analysis results are usually considered as a whole. That said, there is a typical measure for each individual factor.

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, 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.

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 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.

What are the options for men who have had a vasectomy and wish to regain fertility through microsurgery?

Research shows that in many cases, sperm may reappear following microsurgical vasectomy reversal. However, sometimes high levels of sperm antibodies may be present, which may reduce 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.

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.

May a combination of treatments be of benefit?

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.

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.

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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.