Male Fertility
Could the issue be male factor infertility?
Common Signs and Symptoms:
Many men may not have symptoms, but include:
- Difficulty conceiving
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Testicular pain or swelling
- Hormonal symptoms
Common Causes of Male Infertility
PCOS can affect fertility by disrupting ovulation, causing hormonal imbalances that make it harder to predict fertile windows, and in some cases may increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation
- Hormonal imbalances
- Difficulty predicting fertile windows
- Increased risk of miscarriage in some cases
What Causes Low Sperm Count?
Testing Options for Male Infertility?
- Semen analysis
- DNA Fragmentation
- Hormone testing
- Physical exam
- Genetic testing (when needed)
- Ultrasound Can
Can you have male factor infertility with a totally normal semen analysis?
Yes, after a normal semen analysis, a DNA Fragmentation test should be ordered to test for sperm abnormailites that cannot be detected with a semen analysis which can be the cause of your infertilty. Treatment
When to Seek Fertility Care
Treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications
- Surgery (such as varicocele repair)
- *IUI
- *IVF with ICSI
*While IUI and IVF with ICSI don’t treat the underlying cause of male infertility, they help overcome it by using a prepared sperm sample to achieve fertilization. The sperm is collected, processed, and then used during the female partner’s treatment cycle.
When to See a Fertility Specialist
- Trying to conceive for 6–12 months
- Abnormal semen analysis
- History of testicular issues
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
Meet Your Doctor
Aykut Bayrak, MD, FACOG
Dr. Bayrak works closely with patients to create individualized treatment plans based on symptoms, fertility goals, and long-term reproductive health. Request
Answers: Testing Options for Male Infertility?
- Semen analysis: Evaluates sperm count, movement (motility), and shape (morphology) to assess overall sperm health.
- DNA fragmentation: Measures the integrity of sperm DNA, which can impact fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy outcomes. this is usually the 2nd step after semen analysis.
- Hormone testing: Checks hormone levels, including testosterone, to identify imbalances that may affect sperm production.
- Physical exam: Allows the doctor to assess the testicles and surrounding structures for abnormalities such as a varicocele.
- Genetic testing (when needed): Identifies inherited conditions that may affect sperm
Answers: What Causes Low Sperm Count?
- Varicocele: One of the most common and treatable causes of low sperm count. is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins that can occur in the legs. These enlarged veins can raise the temperature around the testicles and affect sperm production, leading to lower sperm count, reduced motility, or abnormal sperm shape in some men.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity, poor diet, marijuana use, and stress can all impact sperm production. Hormonal imbalances: Low testosterone or issues with hormone signaling can affect sperm production.
- Heat exposure: Frequent hot tubs, saunas, laptops on the lap, or occupations with high heat exposure.
- Medications or testosterone use: Testosterone therapy, anabolic steroids, chemotherapy, and certain medications can lower sperm count.
- Prior infections: Past infections, including STIs or mumps, may affect sperm production or cause blockages.
- Blockages in the reproductive tract: Can prevent sperm from being released normally.
- Genetic conditions: Less common, but may play a role in severe cases.
- Age-related decline: Sperm quality can decrease over time, though usually less dramatically than egg quality.
