Male Factor Infertility: The First Checks To Make

Fertility is about teamwork, and we need to check both partners. A common misconception is that infertility is primarily a female issue. In reality, a male factor is a contributing cause in about half of all couples who struggle to get pregnant.

The main reason we start with the male partner is simple: the test is non-invasive, quick, and gives us a huge amount of information. Before a woman undergoes more complex and invasive investigations, a simple semen analysis can often give us a clear direction.

The semen analysis is the gold standard test for male fertility. The sample is produced and checked in a laboratory, where scientists look at three key parameters under a microscope.

First is concentration, or 'sperm count' – the number of sperm per millilitre. Second is motility, which measures what percentage of the sperm are moving effectively. Finally, we assess morphology, which is the shape and structure of the sperm. These three factors together give us a good picture of sperm health.

The causes of male infertility can be varied. They can range from underlying medical conditions, such as the effects of a previous infection or surgery, to genetic issues. However, very often, the cause is linked to lifestyle factors.

Things like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, being overweight, and recreational drug use can all negatively impact sperm production and function. The good news is that many of these are reversible with simple changes.