Four decades of experience
We’ve cared for individuals going male infertility, developing the clinical expertise to provide accurate diagnoses, thoughtful treatment recommendations, and compassionate care.
Understanding male infertility
Male infertility is more common than many people realize and can play a role when pregnancy isn’t happening as expected. At Everleap Fertility, we’ll work with you to understand what may be affecting your fertility and find a personalized path forward based on your diagnosis and family-building goals.
What is male infertility?
Male infertility, also called male factor infertility, refers to a health condition that can reduce a person’s ability to conceive with a female partner.
In heterosexual couples experiencing infertility, a male factor contributes to roughly half of cases. A comprehensive evaluation involves semen analysis testing as well as a consultation with a reproductive urologist who specializes in the male reproductive system, hormones, and sexual health.
Understanding what may be affecting your fertility is an important first step. Testing can help identify potential causes and guide treatment recommendations based on your individual needs and goals.
Treatment options for male infertility
Treatment for male factor infertility depends on what testing reveals and your fertility and family-building goals. Depending on the cause, the first step is a thorough evaluation by a reproductive urologist to optimize your reproductive health and devise a personalized treatment plan. Additional options may include medication, surgery, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), or procedures to retrieve sperm for use in treatment.
Experience you can trust
When you’re navigating male infertility, having the right team matters. We take a holistic, personalized approach that considers your hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive health. As part of a collaborative network of fertility specialists, you’ll receive individualized care backed by decades of collective expertise.
Research-driven care
Our physicians stay at the forefront of reproductive medicine through ongoing research, collaboration, and continuous education, bringing the latest evidence and treatment advances directly to our patients.
Holistic, personalized support
Fertility is connected to your overall health. Our holistic approach considers factors such as nutrition, metabolic health, lifestyle, and emotional well-being alongside your fertility care, helping create a plan that supports you as a whole person.
The text came through: ‘It’s me. I’m the problem. There was nothing. Zero sperm.’ Even with this diagnosis, I knew we were meant to be parents.”
Kristen & Nathan
Your guide to understanding male infertility
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What causes male infertility?
Male fertility depends on producing enough healthy sperm and successfully delivering it in semen. Problems with sperm production, function, or transport can affect fertility.
Common causes include:
- Low or no sperm count (azoospermia)
- Erectile or ejaculation problems
- Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
- Undescended testicles or testicular injury
- Hormone imbalances or genetic conditions
- Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy
- Lifestyle factors, including smoking, obesity, anabolic steroid or testosterone use, poor nutrition, stress, and substance use
- Age and certain infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
What are the symptoms of male infertility?
For many people, the only sign of male infertility is difficulty conceiving. It's recommended to seek an evaluation if pregnancy has not occurred after:
- 12 months of regular, unprotected sex if both partners are under 35
- 6 months if either partner is 35 or older
- Some people may also experience:
- Erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems
- Low sex drive
- Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicles
- Reduced facial or body hair
- Abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia)
- Low sperm count
- Recurrent respiratory infections or an inability to smell (in some genetic conditions)
How is male fertility diagnosed?
The first step in evaluating male fertility is usually a semen analysis, which measures the number, movement, and shape of sperm. Blood tests may also be recommended to check hormone levels or identify genetic conditions.
A semen analysis typically evaluates:
- Sperm count (concentration): How many sperm are present
- Motility: How well sperm swim
- Morphology: The size and shape of sperm
- Total motile sperm count (TMC): The number of moving sperm, an important predictor of fertility
- Volume and pH: Indicators of overall semen health
- Liquefaction: How quickly semen changes from thick to liquid, allowing sperm to move
- Your fertility specialist will review your results and recommend any additional testing or treatment if needed.
What do the different treatments for male infertility involve?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and your family-building goals. If testing identifies a concern, you may be referred to a reproductive urologist for additional evaluation.
Treatment options may include:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Places prepared sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in a laboratory, and an embryo is transferred to the uterus.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg during IVF, often when male infertility is a factor.
- Medications: Abnormal hormones may involve prescription medications to optimize sperm production and testicular function.
- Varicocele repair: Surgery to treat enlarged veins in the scrotum that may affect sperm production.
- Sperm retrieval procedures (PESA, MESA, TESA/TESE, or microTESE): Surgical techniques used to collect sperm when it isn't present in the semen or when a blockage prevents sperm from being released.
- Your care team will recommend the treatment approach that's most appropriate for your diagnosis and reproductive goals.