The inability to conceive a child can be a big, frustrating problem, and male infertility could be the reason behind it. According to the BDA (The Association of UK Dietitians), infertility has increased in the last decade, and male factor accounts for 50% of the cases.

Male fertility problems are mainly caused by low sperm production and abnormal sperm function. It also occurs due to chronic health issues, injuries, lifestyle choices, and other illnesses. The condition is so severe that it affects the ability of the male reproductive organ to impregnate a female. So, let’s understand in detail the male fertility problems, tests, treatments, and the next steps you could take to improve it.

Signs of Male Fertility Problems

There are many signs of a fertility problem in males that they might have experienced at one time or another. These include ejaculation problems, less sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and less volume of semen during ejaculation, pain in the testicle area, and gynecomastia (breast growth in men).

Delayed diagnosis, lifestyle stress, unhealthy eating habits, and stress could further increase the severity of fertility issues. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor and take the right steps.

Fertility problems for males

There are several terms related to problems arising from the shape, size, quantity, and structure of sperm and semen. Let’s have a clear understanding of the common male fertility problems through the table below:

Sr.No Term Issue
1 Aspermia It is a condition in which a male produces no semen
2 Oligospermia or Oligozoospermia When the sperm concentration is very low (less than 16million/ml)
3 Azoospermia When the male produces semen that has no sperms
4 Teratoozoospermia This condition refers to abnormal sperm morphology when at least 4% of sperm exhibit abnormal shape, size, or structure.
5 Necrospermia It is a condition where the majority of the sperm in semen are not alive.
6 Poor Viability Poor viability means very little (less than 54%) sperm in semen are alive and have membrane-intact spermatozoa.
7 Asthenospermia or Asthenozoospermia The condition refers to reduced sperm motility. This applies when fewer than 42% of sperm are swimming, and fewer than 30% are doing progressive swimming towards the egg.
8 Leucospermia or Pyospermia When the semen has a large quantity of white blood cells, more than 1 million/ml semen (happens due to infection)
9 Klinefelter Syndrome It is a genetic abnormality in which a male has an extra X chromosome. Effects include no production of sperm.

Tests for fertility problems in males

Semen Analysis

The first step in detecting fertility problems in males is a semen analysis. It checks the sperm count, mobility, and morphology. So, overall, this test is performed to check the health of the sperm and the issue behind the inability to cause a pregnancy.

DNA Fragmentation

Do you know what plays the biggest role in fertility? It is the DNA quality. A DNA that’s damaged or not in its best health can make conception very tough. Even if the semen quality looks normal, the DNA can change things drastically. In this advance analysis, you receive the Halosperm Assay and the TUNEL assay.

FISH Test

FISH test, also called Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation, is a cytogenetic test to find out the issues in chromosomes of the sperm. It is really helpful in cases of IVF failure and repeated miscarriage because chromosomal abnormalities could be the underlying reason for it.

Male Microbiome Test

The semen microbiome is often the most overlooked factor for male fertility problems. This test is used to detect microorganisms in semen that can interfere with fertility due to an imbalance or infection.

Advance testing

Advance testing helps to analyze male reproductive health. You get clear insights and improve your chances of conceiving. The best tests are DNA fragmentation, the male microbiome test, and the FISH test.

What advance testing helps with

  • Advance analysis helps with sperm health detection that goes way beyond sperm analysis.
  • You get fertility insights that help you understand the unexplained fertility.
  • Better fertility success due to better chances of natural conception and IVF success
  • Your sperm DNA health is affected by environmental factors, diet & health. You get better lifestyle planning.

What should be your next step?

Common male fertility problems can affect an individual’s mental health and bring stress in life. Therefore, the first step should be an expert consultation.

Male fertility is a complex thing, and a consultation with an expert can help you address the exact questions and recommend better treatment tests and plans. You can also receive a personalized nutrition plan to become fit and healthy, improving your sexual health. You can then book the required test and get the problem treated.

Final Words

Infertility affects nearly 1 in 7 couples in the UK, and around half the cases are probably due to male infertility. This number itself demonstrated the severity of the condition. So, it is ideal to choose an expert for diagnosis and effective treatment.

The one-to-one consultation at The Male Fertlity Clinic with senior embryologists can put you on the right track and resolve your problem. Take the right step for your sexual health with a discreet male fertlity test today!