Male Infertility
Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Male factor infertility contributes to approximately 40% of all infertility cases. With modern diagnostic techniques and advanced treatments, most male fertility issues can be successfully addressed.
Book a Consultation
40%
Of infertility involves male factors
1 in 20
Men have low sperm count
90%+
Cases treatable with modern medicine
75%
Our success rate with ICSI
Common Male Fertility Conditions
Click on a condition to learn more about causes, symptoms, and treatment
Azoospermia
Azoospermia — the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate — affects 1% of men, but surgical sperm retrieval and ICSI can still achieve fatherhood.
Oligospermia (Low Sperm Count)
Oligospermia is a sperm count below 16 million per mL, reducing the chances of natural conception but treatable with IUI or ICSI-IVF.
Asthenozoospermia (Poor Sperm Motility)
Asthenozoospermia is when less than 42% of sperm are motile, limiting their ability to reach and fertilise the egg.
Teratozoospermia (Abnormal Sperm Morphology)
Teratozoospermia means most sperm have abnormal shape, reducing their ability to penetrate and fertilise an egg.
Varicocele
Varicocele is an enlargement of veins in the scrotum that raises testicular temperature and impairs sperm production and quality.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation causes semen to enter the bladder instead of exiting through the penis, but sperm can be retrieved from urine for IUI or IVF.
Male Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances in men — including low testosterone or high oestrogen — reduce sperm production and can often be corrected medically.
Asthenozoospermia
Reduced sperm motility impairs the ability of sperm to reach and fertilise the egg. Defined as <30% progressive motility by WHO 2021 criteria.
Teratozoospermia
High proportion of abnormally shaped sperm (<4% normal forms by strict Kruger criteria). Affects fertilisation capacity and embryo development.
Azoospermia — Obstructive
Complete absence of sperm in ejaculate due to a blockage in the ductal system, despite normal sperm production in the testes.
Azoospermia — Non-obstructive
No sperm in ejaculate due to impaired sperm production. Sperm may still be retrieved from the testis via mTESE in ~50–60% of cases.
Sperm DNA Fragmentation
High levels of DNA damage in sperm reduce fertilisation rates, impair embryo development, and increase miscarriage risk even with normal semen parameters.
Antisperm Antibodies
Immune antibodies that bind to sperm surface antigens, causing agglutination and inability to penetrate cervical mucus or zona pellucida.
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (Male)
Low pituitary gonadotropin secretion results in testosterone deficiency and absent or severely impaired spermatogenesis.
Cryptorchidism — Undescended Testis
Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum impairs sperm production. Risk of infertility and testicular cancer is increased.
Erectile Dysfunction and Infertility
Inability to achieve or maintain erection sufficient for intercourse prevents natural conception. Psychogenic and organic causes must be distinguished.
Male Hypogonadism
Inadequate testosterone production causes androgen deficiency and impaired spermatogenesis leading to infertility.
Klinefelter Syndrome (47,XXY)
The most common sex chromosome aneuploidy in males. Small testes, azoospermia, and low testosterone are the norm, but focal spermatogenesis allows sperm retrieval via mTESE in ~50% of cases.
CFTR Mutations and Male Infertility
CFTR mutations cause congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), resulting in obstructive azoospermia despite normal spermatogenesis.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
Understanding the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment
Sperm Production Issues
Low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology can significantly reduce the chances of natural conception.
Hormonal Imbalances
Imbalances in testosterone, FSH, or LH can disrupt sperm production and overall reproductive function.
Structural Blockages
Obstructions in the vas deferens or epididymis can prevent sperm from being present in the ejaculate.
Genetic Factors
Chromosomal abnormalities such as Klinefelter syndrome or Y-chromosome microdeletions can affect fertility.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, excessive alcohol, obesity, stress, and environmental toxin exposure can impair sperm quality.
Medical Conditions
Varicocele, infections, undescended testes, and certain medications can impact male reproductive health.
Diagnostic Tests
Our comprehensive male fertility evaluation includes
Semen Analysis
Complete evaluation of sperm count, motility, morphology, volume, and other critical parameters.
Hormone Panel
Blood tests measuring testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin, and thyroid hormones to assess hormonal health.
Scrotal Ultrasound
Imaging to detect varicocele, structural abnormalities, or obstructions in the reproductive tract.
DNA Fragmentation Test
Advanced test measuring DNA damage in sperm, which can affect fertilisation and embryo development.
Genetic Screening
Karyotyping and Y-chromosome microdeletion testing to identify genetic causes of infertility.
Post-Ejaculation Urinalysis
Test to check for retrograde ejaculation, where sperm enters the bladder instead of exiting the body.
Treatment Options
Personalised treatment plans based on your specific diagnosis
Lifestyle & Medical Management
Hormonal therapy, lifestyle modifications, and antioxidant supplementation to improve sperm quality.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
Washed and concentrated sperm are placed directly into the uterus during ovulation for mild male factor issues.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
Eggs are fertilised with sperm in the laboratory, suitable for moderate to severe male factor infertility.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
A single sperm is injected directly into the egg, ideal for very low sperm count or poor motility.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval
TESA, MESA, or micro-TESE procedures to retrieve sperm directly from the testes for men with azoospermia.
Varicocele Repair
Surgical correction of varicocele to improve sperm production and quality in affected men.
When Should You See a Specialist?
You should consult a male fertility specialist if:
Book a Male Fertility Evaluation
Confidential · We'll call you within 30 minutes
Get a Complete Male Fertility Evaluation
Our specialists provide confidential, comprehensive fertility assessments with advanced diagnostics
Book a Consultation