Male Infertility

Approximately 15 percent of couples trying to conceive a child have infertility issues. In about one-third of these cases, male infertility, which may be due to a number of factors, is the sole cause of the problem. When a couple has trouble becoming pregnant, both partners have to be evaluated to determine where the problem is. In many situations, a combination of factors may be responsible for the difficulty.

Causes of Male Infertility

There are many reasons a male may be infertile. Sexual dysfunctions, such as premature or retrograde ejaculation, may be the problem, since both conditions interfere with the normal delivery of sperm. Other causes of male infertility include:

  • Low sperm count or no sperm present in semen (azoospermia)
  • Problems with sperm motility, volume or viscosity
  • Blocked sperm ducts, variocele, or undescended testicles
  • Certain chronic illnesses or infections
  • Genetic defects
  • Prior surgery or injury to the groin area
  • Exposure to toxins, radiation, or chemotherapy

Lifestyle choices may also result in male infertility. The problem may be caused by excessive use of alcohol, smoking, use of steroids, marijuana or other recreational drugs, or by excessive exposure to heat, such as in saunas or hot tubs.

Diagnosis of Male Infertility

In order for the cause of male infertility to be determined, the patient has to undergo a complete medical examination, including blood tests and urinalysis. In addition, it is necessary for the doctor to take a complete medical history.

In most cases, in order for the doctor to make a definitive diagnosis, one or more of the following tests is also necessary:

  • Scrotal or transrectal ultrasound
  • Post-ejaculation urinalysis
  • Testicular biopsy
  • Specialized sperm function tests

Testing of hormone levels and genetic testing may also be needed.

Treatment of Infertility

Depending on the cause of male infertility, there are several treatments available. When the problem is a sexual dysfunction, like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, or medication may be helpful.

At other times, artificial insemination is all that is required to solve the problem. There are, however, situations that are more complex and require one of the following approaches:

  • Surgery to correct a varicocle or obstructed vas deferens
  • Hormone treatments
  • Antibiotic administration to treat an infection
  • Assisted reproductive technology (ART)

ART treatments involve obtaining sperm for fertilization from either normal ejaculation, surgical extraction or a sperm donor.

Additional Resources

Our Urologists

Kevin Asher, MD

Kevin Asher, M.D. graduated from Towson University and Columbia University Medical School. He completed his residency in Urology at Boston University and has completed a fellowship in Urologic Oncology at the Nati

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Aaron Berkenwald, M.D.

Dr. Berkenwald received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and he completed his surgical and urological residency at Lahey Medical Center. He graduated summa cum laude from Nor

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Stephen Gallo, MD

Dr. Gallo received his BA Degree from Johns Hopkins University and his medical degree from New York Medical College. He completed his training in urology at New York Medical College. Dr. Gallo is the Chief of Urol

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Andrew Kim, MD

Dr. Kim received his medical degree from University of Maryland School of Medicine, and he completed his surgical and urological residency at University of Maryland Medical Center. He earned his BS degree in Mecha

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Joshua Pagar, MD

Dr. Pagar received his medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine, and completed his surgical and urological residency at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics, Columbia, MO. He earned his M

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Joseph Sarcona, MD

Dr. Sarcona received his medical degree from New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, and he completed his surgical and urological residency at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY. He earned his BS degree in Neurosci

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Jonathan Starkman, MD

Dr. Starkman received his bachelor of science degree in molecular biology, from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI. He completed his train

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William Swanson, MD, MBA

Dr. Swanson received his bachelor of arts degree, with honors and in biology, from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts. He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1995, where

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Michael Zavaski, MD

Dr. Zavaski received his medical degree from University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and he completed his surgical and urological residency at Harvard Program in Urology- Brigham and Women's Hospital in Bost

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