Male Infertility

Male fertility factors contribute to approximately one-third of infertility cases. If you and your partner are experiencing difficulty conceiving, the board-certified urologists at Urological Associates of Savannah provide comprehensive fertility evaluations and treatment options to help identify underlying causes and guide you toward effective solutions.

Questions and Answers

What is Male Infertility?

Approximately 15% of couples experience difficulty conceiving through regular sexual activity, and male factors contribute to a significant portion of these cases. Male infertility can stem from a variety of conditions that impact sperm production, quality, or function.

Issues involving sperm are among the most common causes. A low sperm count can reduce the likelihood of fertilization, while abnormalities in sperm shape or motility may prevent sperm from successfully reaching or penetrating the egg.

Additional factors that may contribute to male infertility include:

  • Varicoceles
  • Retrograde ejaculation
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Chromosomal abnormalities

Certain medications may also play a role. Treatments for conditions such as arthritis, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, and high blood pressure can interfere with normal sperm production or performance. If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, a thorough medical evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

How is Male Infertility Diagnosed?

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success for a year—or for six months if your partner is 35 or older—it may be appropriate to consider a fertility evaluation.

A semen analysis is typically the first step in assessing male fertility. This test involves providing a semen sample, which is then analyzed in a laboratory to measure sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and overall quality.

Depending on the findings, your physician may recommend further testing to identify potential underlying causes. This can include blood tests to evaluate hormone levels or screen for genetic factors. In some cases, imaging studies such as ultrasound or procedures like a testicular biopsy may be used to examine the testicles more closely and assess sperm production.

How is Male Infertility Treated?

Our team creates individualized treatment plans designed to address the specific causes of male infertility. Based on your diagnosis, recommended treatments may include:

Varicocele repair: Surgical correction of enlarged veins in the scrotum to improve blood flow and support healthy sperm production.

Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED): A procedure used to clear blockages in the ejaculatory ducts, allowing sperm to properly enter the semen.

Vasectomy reversal: A microsurgical procedure that reconnects the vas deferens, restoring the ability for sperm to be present in the ejaculate.

In addition to medical and surgical options, your care team may offer guidance on lifestyle changes that can help optimize fertility. When appropriate, coordination with specialized fertility centers can also be arranged, including referrals for advanced reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

If you have concerns about male infertility, scheduling an evaluation is an important first step toward understanding your options and developing a plan aligned with your goals.