Condition guide
Male-factor infertility
A contributing factor in a large share of cases, and among the cheapest things to test for.
Written and reviewed by the MyBabyBridge editorial team · Last reviewed · 3 sources · General information, not medical advice. Our editorial standards
What it is
Male factor contributes to a large share of infertility, either alone or alongside a female factor. It is usually identified by semen analysis, which measures volume, concentration, motility, and morphology, and which should be repeated before conclusions are drawn because results vary between samples. Causes range from varicocele and hormonal problems to infection, prior surgery, genetic conditions, medication, and treatable lifestyle factors. Because the test is inexpensive and fast, doing it early prevents months of investigating only one partner.
Unfamiliar term? See the fertility glossary.
Signs people notice
Having one of these does not mean you have this condition, and having none does not rule it out.
- Often none at all — most men with abnormal results feel entirely well
- Difficulty conceiving after 12 months, or 6 months if the female partner is 35 or older
- Testicular pain, swelling, or a varicocele (sudden, severe testicular pain needs emergency care)
- Reduced libido, erectile difficulty, or reduced facial and body hair, which may suggest a hormonal cause
- A history of undescended testis, mumps orchitis, chemotherapy, or pelvic surgery
How it is diagnosed
At least two semen analyses, a physical examination by a urologist where results are abnormal, hormone testing, scrotal ultrasound when indicated, and genetic testing for very low or absent sperm counts.
Treatment paths that usually follow
- Treating a reversible cause, such as medication, infection, or a hormonal problem
- Varicocele repair in selected cases
- IUI where counts are only mildly reduced
- IVF with ICSI for significant male factor
- Surgical sperm retrieval where there is no sperm in the ejaculate
- Donor sperm, where appropriate and chosen
Each of these is explained in the treatment library. Which one is right depends on your age, your history, and your own priorities.
What to ask your clinician
- Has the analysis been repeated, and under what collection conditions?
- Should I see a reproductive urologist rather than only the fertility clinic?
- Is there a treatable cause here, or are we going straight to ICSI?
- Do my results warrant genetic or hormonal testing?
- What can realistically be changed in the next three months?
Sources
- Practice Guidance and Committee Opinions — American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Infertility and Fertility — Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Infertility — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
A diagnosis is a starting point, not a plan.
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