Male reproductive health expertise

If you are unsure of the current status of your fertility we suggest arranging an appointment for a Male Fertility Assessment. You can arrange an appointment through our online booking system or by calling the clinic directly at 0161 300 2730.

Your everyday habits play a major role in sperm health. Factors such as alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, smoking, stress, and poor sleep can all negatively affect sperm quality and overall fertility. The good news? Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference.

• Stay Physically Active

Aim to exercise regularly or increase your daily movement. This could be as simple as taking a brisk walk each day, going to the gym, cycling, or playing a sport you enjoy. The key is consistency, choose activities that fit your lifestyle and that you’ll stick with long term.

• Manage Stress Effectively

Ongoing stress can impact hormone levels and overall reproductive health. Make time for activities that help you unwind, whether that’s socialising with friends, reading, practising mindfulness, or improving your work-life balance.

• Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Drinking excessive alcohol may lower testosterone levels and reduce semen quality. Keeping your intake within recommended limits can help protect your fertility.

• Prioritise Quality Sleep

Establish a consistent sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Create a restful sleep environment and limit screen time before bed to support healthy hormone production.

• Consider Targeted Supplements

If you’re concerned about fertility, speak with a healthcare professional. They can advise whether supplements may be appropriate for your individual needs.

• Stop Smoking

Smoking can damage sperm DNA and reduce sperm quality. If you’re planning to conceive, quitting at least three months beforehand may help improve outcomes.

Most often, sperm is collected with masturbation. The sample is collected in a clean dish, privately, in room near the laboratory. If the sample is gathered at home or some place else, it must be delivered within 1 hour.

If needed, sperm can be collected surgically through a process called Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR).

Sperm can be frozen and safely stored for many years without a set expiration date. When preserved correctly, frozen sperm remains viable long term.

It’s important to note that the freezing and thawing process can slightly affect sperm quality. However, many individuals still achieve successful pregnancies using frozen samples.

Sperm banking is often recommended before medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, that may impact fertility. This allows teenagers and young adults to preserve the option of having biological children in the future.

Some men also choose to freeze sperm before a vasectomy, providing the possibility of fathering a child later if their circumstances change.

Azoospermia is a medical condition in which no sperm are present in the ejaculate. It is a recognised cause of male infertility and is typically identified through a semen analysis.

There are two main types of azoospermia:

• Obstructive azoospermia – This occurs when sperm are being produced but a blockage prevents them from entering the semen.
• Non-obstructive azoospermia – This happens when the testicles produce very little or no sperm due to an issue with sperm production itself.

A healthcare professional can perform further testing to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.