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Male Factor Infertility

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Defining Infertility

When couples face challenges trying to conceive, male factor infertility is involved in nearly 40–50% of cases. At NCCRM, we believe fertility is a shared journey, and we provide thorough evaluations and treatment options for men who want to build or grow their families.

Whether the cause is low sperm count, poor motility, or a prior vasectomy, our experienced team is here to uncover the root issue and guide you toward the best solution.

Understanding Male Factor Infertility

Male infertility refers to any health issue in a man that lowers the chances of his female partner becoming pregnant. Most commonly, it’s due to problems with the quantity or quality of sperm.

Sometimes the cause is easy to identify and treat; in other cases, a combination of testing and advanced reproductive techniques is necessary to achieve pregnancy.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

  • Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)
    Fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen may reduce the chance of fertilization.
  • Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenozoospermia)
    Sperm must swim efficiently to reach and fertilize the egg. Poor motility can prevent this from happening.
  • Abnormal Sperm Morphology
    Misshapen sperm may not be able to penetrate the egg.
  • Blockages or Obstructions
    Physical blockages in the vas deferens or epididymis can prevent sperm from leaving the body.
  • Hormonal Imbalances
    Conditions affecting testosterone or pituitary hormones can reduce sperm production.
  • Genetic Conditions
    Chromosomal abnormalities or Y chromosome deletions may impair fertility.
  • Infections or Injury
    STIs, mumps (post-puberty), or trauma can lead to inflammation or obstruction in the reproductive tract.
  • Lifestyle Factors
    Smoking, alcohol, drug use, obesity, high heat exposure, and stress can all affect sperm health.

Diagnosis of Male Infertility

At NCCRM, we offer a comprehensive male fertility work-up that includes:

  • Semen Analysis
    Evaluates sperm count, motility, morphology, volume, and other markers of fertility.
  • Hormone Testing
    Assesses levels of testosterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin to detect underlying endocrine disorders.
  • Genetic Testing
    Recommended if sperm count is extremely low or there is no sperm present.
  • Ultrasound
    Used to detect blockages, varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), or anatomical abnormalities.
  • Medical History Review
    We examine past surgeries (like vasectomy), infections, medication use, and family history.

Treatment Options at NCCRM

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. We tailor each plan based on test results, goals, and partner fertility.

  • Lifestyle Modifications
    Nutritional support, weight loss, supplements, and eliminating harmful habits can improve sperm quality.
  • Medical Therapies
    Hormonal treatments may help regulate testosterone or correct endocrine issues that affect sperm production.
  • Surgical Correction
    Varicocele repair or procedures to remove obstructions in the reproductive tract.
  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
    • IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) for mild male factor infertility
    • IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)—sperm is injected directly into the egg for cases of very low count or motility

Specialized Procedures for Severe Male Factor Infertility

Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (Epid ASP)

Epidid ASP (or PESA) is a minimally invasive procedure to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis, used when sperm cannot be found in the semen due to a blockage or vasectomy.

When it’s used:

  • After a vasectomy when reversal is not desired
  • In cases of congenital absence of the vas deferens
  • When sperm is being retrieved for IVF with ICSI

How it works:

  • A fine needle is used under local anesthesia to aspirate sperm from the epididymis
  • The procedure is quick, with minimal discomfort
  • Retrieved sperm can be used fresh or frozen for later use in IVF

Benefits:

  • Avoids the need for major surgery
  • Excellent option for patients with an irreversible blockage
  • Can be coordinated with the female partner’s egg retrieval

Infertility After Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a form of permanent contraception, but circumstances and goals can change. If you’ve had a vasectomy and now want to conceive, NCCRM offers two options:

  1. Vasectomy Reversal
    A microsurgical procedure that reconnects the vas deferens to allow sperm to reenter the ejaculate.
    • Most successful when done within 10 years of the vasectomy
    • Recovery time is minimal, and natural conception may be possible afterward
    • Semen analysis is performed post-recovery to evaluate success
  2. Sperm Retrieval + IVF (Epid ASP or Testicular Sperm Extraction – TESE)
    A good option if:
    • Reversal is not preferred or unsuccessful
    • The female partner has additional fertility factors
    • IVF is being pursued for other reasons
  3. Retrieved sperm is used in combination with ICSI to fertilize eggs in a controlled lab setting.

Emotional and Relationship Support

Male infertility can affect confidence, emotional well-being, and relationships. At NCCRM, we support the whole person, not just the medical issue. We offer:

  • Fertility counseling referrals
  • Support group access for couples and individuals
  • Compassionate care that includes both partners in the fertility journey

 

Take the First Step Today

If you or your partner is struggling to conceive, don’t wait to get answers. Male fertility is just as important to evaluate as female fertility—and the sooner we understand what’s going on, the sooner we can offer solutions.

Understanding male factor infertiliity
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