RSS feedMale infertility testing and treatments
As specialists in this field, we offer the full spectrum of male infertility testing and treatments.
Male fertility problems are very common, affecting an estimated 2.5 million men in the UK. In almost half of all couples experiencing fertility problems, the cause is a male factor and even when there are female fertility difficulties, it may be beneficial to investigate, support and treat the man.
There are a wide range of causes and treatment of male infertility. As a specialist centre, lead by one of the UK’s most experienced microsurgeons in this field, we can offer reconstructive surgery if required and retrieve sperm from men with an absence of sperm in the ejaculate. We work closely with the Centre of Reproductive and Genetic Health at University College London Hospital to offer both the male and female partners a comprehensive service and full support.
Primary and secondary infertility
Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after regular unprotected sex for at least a year. 'Primary' infertility means failure to achieve a first pregnancy, 'secondary' infertility means failure to achieve a subsequent pregnancy. One in six couples will experience difficulty conceiving.
A male fertility problem is considered important in 40 to 50 per cent of these couples. In 15 per cent of couples it will be solely a male fertility problem and in around 25 per cent, there will be a problem for both male and female partners.
Causes of male infertility problems
There are a number of causes which can lead to male fertility problems.
Sperm problems (most common cause of infertility)
Problems with sperm numbers, movement and shape are the leading cause of male infertility. They include:
- Sperm becoming trapped inside the testicles.
- Antibodies that make the sperm clump together so they are unable to move properly.
- Sexually transmitted infections can damage the tubes where sperm is made and stored.
- Genetic causes, such as Klinefelters syndrome, which affects 1 in 600 men who have no sperm in their semen and two per cent with low sperm counts.
- If the testicles do not descend into the scrotum at birth, they are damaged by the higher temperatures inside the body. Subsequent fertility can be affected even if the problem is corrected before a child is two years old.
- Drugs used to treat cancer can cause short term and sometimes permanent damage to sperm.
Varicocele
This is the term used to describe a condition when the testicular veins which run up to the abdomen become enlarged. They are visible when the man stands up and more often develop on the left hand side rather than the right. The link between varicocele and fertility is much debated, because some men with the condition are able to conceive without problems. However, varicoceles are present in 30 to 40 per cent of men who experience fertility problems. It is understood to be because the varicoceles may heat up the testicles or impair their blood supply and therefore reduce fertility. The condition may be uncomfortable and painful and can be surgically treated in combination with fertility treatment.
Blockages and other obstructive problems
There are several causes for blockages of the sperm carrying tubes, which can result in male fertility problems.
- Trauma to the scrotum sack covering the testicles (this can follow fairly minor sporting injuries).
- Groin surgery (including hernia repair and fixation of undescended testicles).
- Infection, particularly following a sexual transmitted disease.
- Some men have congenital (present at birth) absence of the vas deferens on one or both sides. This is the tube that carries semen to the urethra, then on through the penis.
Medical conditions which can affect fertility
Fertility can be affected by a wide range of common medical conditions and diseases, including diabetes, kidney disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, neurological disorders and cancer. Stress and excess alcohol intake can also impact upon fertility.
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▸ Testing for male fertility at Harley Street Urology
▸ Male infertility treatments
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