Male Fertility: How It’s Tested and Treated
By MFC Staff
When people think about fertility challenges, the focus often falls on women. But did you know that male factors contribute to infertility in about 40–50% of cases? The good news is that many of these issues can be diagnosed and treated with the right care.
Here’s a look at how male fertility is typically evaluated and the treatment options available.
How Male Fertility is Tested
1. Medical History
The first step is simple: learning about overall health, medications, prior surgeries, lifestyle habits, and family history.
2. Semen analysis (SA)
This is the most common and important test. A semen analysis looks at:
- Sperm count (how many sperm are present)
- Motility (how they move)
- Morphology (their shape and structure)
- Volume and consistency of the semen
3. Abnormal SAs
For abnormal SAs, a physical exam may also check for conditions like varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) that can affect sperm production.
4. Hormone Testing
Blood tests can measure hormones like testosterone, FSH, and LH, which play a key role in sperm production.
5. Genetic testing (when needed)
If sperm counts are very low or absent, genetic testing can help identify underlying causes such as an abnormal karyotype or what is termed a “microdeletion” (a small mutation) of the Y (male) chromosome.
6. Imaging Tests
Sometimes, ultrasounds are used to check for blockages or structural concerns in the reproductive tract.
How Male Fertility is Treated
1. Lifestyle and medical management
Sometimes the path to improvement starts with everyday habits. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco, and managing stress can all support fertility. However (and this is important), for men with documented “male factor” (abnormalities on a semen analysis) it is important to understand reasonable expectations for lifestyle interventions. Talking with a qualified provider is recommended to avoid unnecessary potential stress by delaying medical interventions when indicated. Treating underlying health conditions (like diabetes or thyroid issues) is also important.
2. Medications
Certain specific underlying causes of abnormal semen production may be responsive to hormonal medications. Infections can sometimes be treated with antibiotics.
3. Surgical options
Procedures like varicocelectomy (repairing varicoceles), correcting blockages, or surgically retrieving sperm directly from the testicles may be recommended.
4. Inseminations and assisted reproductive technology (ART)
These two options are common solutions to male factor infertility:
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Healthy sperm are isolated and placed directly into the uterus.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Eggs and sperm are combined in the lab to create embryos. This is often with the use of ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) where a single sperm is injected into a single egg.
The Bottom Line
Male fertility challenges are more common than many people realize—but they’re also very treatable. With proper testing and a personalized treatment plan, many men can overcome fertility struggles and grow their families.
If you have questions or concerns about male fertility, our team at Marin Fertility Center is here to guide you with compassion and expertise.