Male fertility issues

Male fertility issues

Learn more about the different causes of male infertility.

Did you know that male infertility is now the most common reason for couples to seek fertility treatment?

It is thought to be the cause of around half of all fertility problems.

But the good news is that in most cases, male infertility is treatable with the right diagnosis, support and treatment.

Typical causes of male infertility include:

  • Blockages or absence of tubes affecting the transport of sperm
  • Issues with sperm production resulting in no sperm, low sperm count or abnormal sperm shape
  • Hormonal problems, present at birth or caused by lifestyle issues such as steroid use, which affect sperm production

Explore some of the most common male fertility problems and learn more about male fertility health.

Common causes of male infertility

Low sperm count (Oligospermia)

A low sperm count is when the amount of sperm in your ejaculate is lower than it should be, fewer than 15 million sperm per ml of semen. A low sperm count can make it harder to conceive as there are less sperm to try to fertilise the egg.

No sperm (Azoospermia)

Azoospermia is when there is no sperm present in your ejaculate. This could be caused by blockages in the tubes that transport sperm. Azoospermia can be treated using surgical techniques to extract sperm from within the testicular tissues.

Abnormally shaped sperm

Abnormal sperm morphology is when your sperm is not shaped normally. If sperm head and tail is abnormal, it is less likely to reach the egg and successfully fertilise it. 

Variocele

Variocele are varicose veins of the testes and are thought to affect around one in 10 men. Depending on their severity, they can cause low sperm production and poor sperm quality.

Poor sperm motility

Sperm has to be able to 'swim' to reach the egg. Poor sperm motility means your sperm is not moving as it should be, meaning there is less chance of conception.

Sperm tube blockages

A blockage or obstruction in the tubes that transport sperm, caused by previous vasectomy, injury or infection, can significantly affect fertility resulting in low sperm count or no sperm at all. 

Book a male fertility assessment

Find out about the health of your sperm with a comprehensive male fertility assessment.

We not only check your sperm count, shape, mobility and more, but also look at your lifestyle and overall health, to make sure there is nothing that could cause fertility issues for you now and in the future. 

If a fertility issue is found, our specialists will advise next steps. Whether that involves treatment when you are ready to conceive, or expert advice to help you conceive naturally.

Book your male fertility assessment
Book a male fertility assessment