Male Factor Infertility

Male infertility is the inability of a man to successfully fertilize a woman's egg. Male infertility can be caused by any number of factors, including low sperm motility, abnormal sperm shape, varicocele, and oligospermia (low sperm count). Find out about male factor infertility and treatment options, as well as how to locate a fertility specialist in your area.

Male Factor Infertility Causes

Male factor infertility refers to the failure of a couple to achieve conception due to problems specifically related to the man's sperm, seminal fluid, or reproductive organs. There are several conditions that contribute to male factor infertility.

Abnormal Semen

Abnormal semen can result from a variety of causes. Those who notice abnormal semen symptoms should schedule an exam with their physician to determine the causes of the condition and explore possible treatment options.

Abnormal Sperm

Abnormalities in men's sperm can cause fertility problems for males who suffer from this condition. Learn more about abnormal sperm and the infertility treatments available for this condition.

Azoospermia (No Sperm)

Azoospermia is a condition in which a man has no detected sperm present in the semen. Pregnancy with azoospermia is possible; there are several causes of the condition, many of them treatable.

Germ-Cell Aplasia

Germ-cell aplasia, or Sertoli-cell Only Syndrome (SCO), is a rare condition that causes male infertility. Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization can help some men who suffer from this condition. For others, fertility is not possible.

Low Semen Production

Low semen production can cause fertility problems because the lack of seminal fluid makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the woman's cervix. Low semen volume can be caused by a number of factors, including hormonal imbalances, obstructions, and infections.

Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)

Low sperm count, or oligospermia, is a common cause of male infertility. Fortunately, for many men, the condition can be treated within weeks simply by making lifestyle changes. Other men may require fertility treatment to increase their chances of conceiving a child.

Low Sperm Motility

Low sperm motility is a leading cause of male factor infertility; Find out how this condition can be diagnosed and which infertility treatment options are available to help men suffering from low sperm motility.

Varicoceles and Male Infertility

A varicocele is a condition in which abnormalities in the varicose veins of the spermatic cords are present. These problems can cause blockage of blood flow as well as over-dilation of the veins.

Common Male Infertility Treatments

Several different kinds of male infertility solutions are available to either improve male fertility or circumvent the fertility problem. Dietary and lifestyle changes - such as taking more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, and quitting any form of substance abuse - can generally improve male factor infertility related to low sperm count or sperm abnormalities. However, there are also assisted reproductive technologies available to aid in conception, specifically artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination involves the placement of sperm either directly in the cervix ("intracervical insemination") or into the uterus ("intrauterine insemination", or IUI). IUI is useful when the woman's cervical mucus is unreceptive, when donor sperm are required due to low sperm count or abnormal sperm shape, or when unexplained infertility exists in both partners.

Assisted Reproductive Technology

The majority of ART procedures now use in vitro fertilization with the woman's own eggs, which are fertilized in a laboratory. The best candidates for IVF are women with damaged fallopian tubes and couples dealing with male factor infertility or unexplained infertility.

In addition to ART, there are numerous male fertility drugs, fertility tests, and infertility treatments specifically for men.

Locate a Fertility Specialist in Your Region

If you think that male factor infertility may be affecting your chances of conception, contact a fertility clinic in DocShop's national network today. A male fertility specialist can help by running tests to diagnose potential infertility causes and provide assistance with male infertility solutions and treatment. Locate a male factor infertility specialist in your region today.