The World Health Organization defines infertility as no pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected intercourse, and the cause can lie with the man, the woman or both. Assessment of the man starts with his history, an examination and semen analysis, looking for causes such as varicocele, infection and hormone problems.
This section covers male infertility, varicocele, hypogonadism and men's reproductive health. See also our urology services.
References
Quick answer: Male hypogonadism means the body does not make enough testosterone, sperm or both. Symptoms include low sex drive, erectile problems, low energy, low mood and poor sleep. Diagnosis needs typical symptoms plus repeated morning blood tests. Testosterone therapy may help confirmed cases but is unsuitable for men who wish to father children. Review
Quick answer: Obstructive azoospermia means the testicles make sperm but a blockage stops it reaching the semen, for example after vasectomy, infection or a congenital absence of the vas deferens. The EAU Guidelines recommend microsurgical repair of the blockage where possible, or retrieving sperm directly from the epididymis or testicle for use with ICSI. Review
Male Infertility, Part 4: Treatment of Obstructive Azoospermia Read More »
Quick answer: Idiopathic male infertility means sperm count, movement or shape is reduced but no clear cause is found after full assessment. The EAU Guidelines say this applies to a large share of infertile men and may involve oxidative stress, sperm DNA damage, environmental exposures or genetic factors. Care focuses on lifestyle improvement and, when
Male Infertility, Part 3: Idiopathic Infertility and Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia Read More »
Quick answer: A varicocele is a swelling of the veins above the testicle, usually on the left, that can lower sperm quality. The EAU Guidelines advise treating it only when a man has a clinical varicocele, abnormal semen results and otherwise unexplained infertility. Infections of the prostate and other accessory glands are treated, though this
Male Infertility, Part 2: Varicocele and Male Accessory Gland Infections Read More »
Quick answer: The EAU Guidelines define infertility as a couple not conceiving within 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse; in male infertility the cause lies partly or wholly with the man. It is common and often treatable. Causes include testicular problems, blocked sperm ducts, hormone or genetic disorders, varicocele, past mumps or high fevers, and
Male Infertility, Part 1: Epidemiology, Aetiology and Risk Factors Read More »
Quick answer: A varicocele can affect fertility partly through excess reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative stress and damage to sperm DNA. According to the European Association of Urology guidelines, varicocele repair can improve oxidative stress and sperm DNA integrity, and treatment is recommended for a clinically detectable varicocele with abnormal semen analysis and otherwise
Varicocele and male infertility due to the formation of reactive oxygen species Read More »
Quick answer: Yes, misuse of anabolic steroids can cause male infertility. According to the NHS, it can reduce sperm count and lead to shrunken testicles and erectile dysfunction. The European Association of Urology guidelines advise infertile men to stop anabolic steroids for 6 to 12 months before other treatment is considered, under medical supervision. Male
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