Male Infertility & Causes

Male infertility refers to a man’s inability to contribute to conception after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It can be caused by various factors, including issues with sperm production, sperm function, or sperm delivery.

In about 30-40% of cases that have trouble conceiving, male infertility is a contributing factor. At Perch Fertility, we recognize that infertility is not solely a female concern and provide services to help evaluate both partners in order to fully understand the root causes of fertility challenges.

At Perch Fertility, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. Our approach ensures that men receive the necessary care and attention, providing hope and clarity for those facing male infertility issues.

Understanding Male Infertility

Infertility affects both men and women. Male infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.

Male infertility is more common than many people realize. Studies show that in about 20% cases, male infertility may be the primary cause of infertility. Factors like age, lifestyle choices, and certain health conditions can all contribute to the likelihood of fertility issues.

However, it is important to note that infertility does not mean sterility. Many men with infertility issues can go on to father children with the appropriate medical interventions.

Our team provides a compassionate, personalized approach, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tests to identify the root causes of infertility and offering a wide range of treatment options to help you take the next step in your fertility journey.

Male fertility is a multifaceted process involving several vital steps:

Sperm Production: Healthy sperm production requires proper functioning of the male reproductive organs, adequate levels of hormones like testosterone, and normal development during puberty.
Sperm Transport: Sperm must be transported from the testicles to the ejaculatory ducts through a network of delicate tubes.
Sperm Count: Your semen must have a sufficient number of sperm for successful fertilization. A low sperm count, defined as fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or fewer than 39 million per ejaculate, can reduce the chances of conception.
Sperm Function: Sperm must be able to move (motility) and function normally to reach and fertilize an egg. Abnormal sperm morphology or motility can impair fertility.

If any part of this process is disrupted, it can cause male infertility. Understanding these factors is crucial for identifying potential causes and developing appropriate treatment plans.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

There are several reasons a man might experience infertility. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.

While the reasons for infertility can vary, several common factors may contribute to this condition.

Sperm Production Issues

For successful conception, a man needs to produce healthy sperm in adequate amounts. Various factors can disrupt sperm production, reducing fertility.

Low Sperm Count: A lower-than-normal sperm count means fewer sperm are available to fertilize an egg, significantly reducing the likelihood of conception. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors, or physical damage to the testicles.
No Sperm Production: Some men produce no sperm at all, a condition known as azoospermia. This can result from genetic conditions, blockages in the reproductive tract, or issues in sperm development that stop sperm from maturing.
Abnormal Sperm Morphology: Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of the sperm. It can affect the sperm's ability to swim effectively toward and penetrate the egg, reducing fertility.
Poor Sperm Motility: Motility refers to how well sperm can move. Poor motility means that sperm are either slow-moving or unable to swim efficiently, making it difficult for them to reach the egg for fertilization.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones play a critical role in regulating sperm production, and imbalances can significantly affect fertility.

Low Testosterone Levels: Testosterone is vital for sperm production. Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can lead to reduced sperm count, lower sperm quality, and decreased fertility.
Pituitary Gland Disorders: The pituitary gland produces hormones that signal the testes to create sperm. Disorders or tumors affecting this gland can disrupt hormone production, leading to impaired sperm development and low fertility.

Structural Problems

Certain structural issues in the male reproductive system can obstruct the movement of sperm or damage sperm production.

Varicocele: A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins in the scrotum, similar to varicose veins, which can cause poor sperm quality and lower fertility.
Blockages in the Reproductive Tract: Blockages in the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra can prevent sperm from mixing with semen, leading to infertility. These blockages can be caused by infections, surgeries, or congenital conditions.
Retrograde Ejaculation: In retrograde ejaculation, semen is ejaculated backward into the bladder instead of exiting through the penis. This may be caused by certain medications, surgeries, or nerve damage and reduces the sperm available for fertilization.

Genetic Disorders

Genetic factors play a role in male fertility. Certain conditions like Klinefelter syndrome can directly affect sperm production or function.

Men with Klinefelter syndrome are born with an extra X chromosome (XXY instead of XY). This condition causes abnormal testicular development and function, leading to low testosterone levels and erection problems.

Lifestyle & Environmental Factors

Environmental exposures and lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on male fertility.

Smoking & Alcohol Use: Smoking can decrease sperm motility and lower sperm count. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hormonal imbalances, lowering testosterone and sperm production.
Drug Use: Recreational drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and anabolic steroids can negatively affect sperm production, reduce sperm quality, and decrease fertility over time.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can lead to hormonal imbalances, such as higher levels of estrogen, which can reduce sperm count and fertility.
Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Pesticides, heavy metals, and chemicals can affect sperm production and function. Long-term exposure to these toxins may cause permanent damage to sperm quality.
Anabolic Steroids: These are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone. They are designed to promote muscle growth (anabolism) and enhance physical performance. Men using anabolic steroids often experience significant infertility, reduced or no sperm count, and testicular shrinkage.

Diagnosing Male Infertility

Diagnosing male infertility involves a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying causes affecting fertility. This can include tests to assess hormone levels and a physical examination to check for any abnormalities in the reproductive organs.

However, semen analysis is a crucial component of male infertility evaluations.

Semen Analysis

Semen analysis involves checking the semen sample for semen volume, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Abnormal findings in any of these areas may indicate a fertility issue.

At Perch Fertility, our approach is thorough, beginning with a detailed medical history and physical exam, followed by diagnostic tests designed to pinpoint specific issues related to sperm production, function, or delivery. We use advanced semen analyzers to give patients the highest level of diagnostic results.

Learn More About Semen Analysis

When to Seek Help for Male Infertility

It’s important to consult a fertility specialist if:

You have been trying to conceive for more than 6-12 months without success.
You have a known medical condition affecting fertility (e.g., history of varicocele, low sperm count).
You have a history of exposure to factors known to impact fertility, such as radiation or certain chemicals.

At Perch Fertility, we understand that male infertility can be overwhelming. Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing sensitive, compassionate care and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique situation.

Male Infertility Is Treatable

The good news is that most causes of male infertility are treatable, either through lifestyle changes, medications, surgical interventions, or assisted reproductive technologies like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

With proper diagnosis and treatment, many men are able to successfully conceive with their partner.

At Perch Fertility, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. Our team provides a compassionate, personalized approach, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tests to identify the root causes of infertility.

We offer a wide range of treatment options to help you and your partner take the next step in your fertility journey. Whether through lifestyle modifications, medical interventions, or advanced reproductive technologies, we can support you in building your family.

Consult Our Fertility Specialist in Englewood Cliffs, NJ

At Perch Fertility, we’re not just focused on protocols; we’re focused on you. Our unique, patient-centered approach means that we spend time understanding your story, your challenges, and your goals. With the latest in fertility diagnostics, personalized care, and cutting-edge treatments, we aim to make your dream of parenthood a reality.

Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or seeking advanced fertility solutions, our team can help. For appointments, please call Perch Fertility at 201-775-0003 or request an appointment online.