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Understanding male infertility

In heterosexual couples, about 50% of infertility cases involve a male factor, such as a low sperm count or poor sperm quality. Testing and treating male infertility, in partners and in single men planning to become fathers, is key to achieving and carrying a healthy pregnancy.

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How We Evaluate Male Fertility

Evaluation starts with a comprehensive semen analysis to see whether sperm count or quality may be affecting your chances of pregnancy. You’ll provide a semen sample at our clinic or a partner lab in a private, comfortable setting.

Our highly trained andrologists analyze the sample. The results tell us whether male factor infertility is playing a role and, if so, which next steps could help.

Treatment may be as simple as adjusting lifestyle habits or changing a medication. In other cases, it may involve IUI, IVF, or surgery, or a referral to a reproductive urologist who specializes in fertility. Wherever your results lead, your physician will make sure you understand your options and choose the right path for you.

To improve sperm health before IUI or IVF, your care team may suggest avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, eating well, and exercising regularly, along with other personalized recommendations. If a hormone imbalance is affecting your fertility, your physician may prescribe medication.

Some conditions, such as a varicocele, may need surgical treatment. Men with severe oligospermia (a very low sperm count) may benefit from surgical sperm retrieval combined with IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in which an embryologist selects one healthy sperm and injects it directly into an egg.

Should I be evaluated for male infertility?

Addressing male fertility is a vital part of every fertility workup. Many men can still achieve pregnancy with their own sperm, and approaches such as IVF with ICSI have been highly successful. Our team will work to improve sperm count and quality to give you the best possible chance of conceiving, with or without assisted treatment. Some patients with male factor infertility choose to use donor sperm. This decision can be emotionally challenging, and your care team at Sage Reproductive Center will support you through each choice.

Male Fertility Care Outcomes at Sage Reproductive Center

Male factor infertility plays a role for about 50% of couples, which makes semen analysis one of the most valuable tests for uncovering underlying fertility problems.

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Paying for male infertility treatment

Your coverage depends on your insurance plan, but affordable options exist. We’ll go over your benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and financing with you. At Sage Reproductive Center, pricing is always clear.

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Answers start with a simple test. Book your visit today.

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Male Infertility FAQs

Male infertility can stem from many causes. A semen analysis helps determine the issue so you and your physician can plan treatment. Possible findings include:

Low sperm count: A count below 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen is considered low. Sperm count drops naturally with age, but many other medical and environmental factors can contribute, and your physician will evaluate them.
Poor sperm quality: Sperm with reduced motility or abnormal morphology (how sperm move or how they’re shaped) are considered poor quality. Genetic, medical, and environmental factors can all play a part.
Azoospermia: Azoospermia means there is no sperm in the semen. It affects about 1% of men.
Varicocele: A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins in the scrotum. It can interfere with temperature control in the testicles and lower sperm quality.
Hormonal imbalance: Several hormones, including testosterone, influence male fertility. Imbalances can originate in many different systems of the body.
Environmental and lifestyle factors: Your environment and daily habits can affect fertility. Alcohol, smoking, and drug use can reduce sperm count and quality. Certain medications can also affect sperm, so be sure to go over your medication list with your physician. Your care team can suggest everyday changes that support fertility and can make a real difference on your way to a healthy pregnancy.