Male Factor Infertility: Understanding, Diagnosing, and Treating a Common Fertility Challenge

staciaaaron
Aug 11
4 min read

Functional Beginnings | Frisco, TX

When couples face difficulty conceiving, the focus often falls on the woman’s reproductive health. However, research shows that male factor infertility contributes to around 40–50% of infertility cases. Understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for male infertility is a crucial step in helping couples build their families. At our wome

n’s health clinic in Frisco, TX, we approach fertility care as a shared journey—supporting both partners in finding answers and solutions.

What Is Male Factor Infertility?

Male factor infertility refers to a man’s inability to impregnate a partner after at least one year of regular, unprotected intercourse, due to issues with sperm production, function, or delivery. It can be the sole cause of infertility or occur alongside female factor infertility.

Healthy fertility in men depends on the production of functional sperm in adequate numbers, their ability to travel effectively through the reproductive tract, and their capability to fertilize an egg.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility can arise from a variety of factors, which are generally categorized as sperm production problems, structural blockages, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle and environmental influences.

1. Sperm Production and Quality Issues

Low sperm count (oligospermia)
Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)—sperm that don’t swim effectively
Abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia)—which can impair fertilization

2. Structural or Anatomical Issues

Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum, affecting temperature regulation and sperm production)
Blockages in the tubes that carry sperm
Undescended testicles

3. Hormonal Disorders

Low testosterone or other hormonal imbalances
Pituitary gland dysfunction affecting sperm production

4. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Smoking, excessive alcohol, or drug use
Obesity
Prolonged heat exposure (e.g., hot tubs, tight clothing)
Exposure to toxins or radiation

Risk Factors

Certain health conditions and habits can increase the risk of male infertility, including:

Chronic illnesses (diabetes, celiac disease)
Past infections (such as mumps orchitis)
Previous surgeries involving the reproductive tract
High levels of stress

Men over the age of 40 may also experience a gradual decline in fertility, with reduced sperm quality and increased DNA fragmentation.

Symptoms

Male infertility often presents without obvious symptoms—men may feel healthy but still have reduced sperm quality or count. However, in some cases, signs such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, swelling in the testicles, or decreased facial or body hair may indicate underlying issues.

Diagnosing Male Factor Infertility

A thorough evaluation is essential to identify the cause of infertility. Diagnosis may include:

Medical and sexual history review
Physical examination to check for anatomical issues
Semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology
Hormone testing for testosterone, LH, FSH, and prolactin levels
Genetic testing in cases of severe sperm abnormalities
Scrotal ultrasound to detect varicoceles or blockages

Semen analysis is often the first step, as it provides a clear picture of sperm health.

Treatment Options for Male Infertility

The right treatment depends on the cause of infertility, the couple’s overall health, and their fertility goals. Options include:

1. Lifestyle Changes

Adopting healthy habits can significantly improve sperm health:

Maintain a healthy weight
Stop smoking and limit alcohol
Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants
Reduce heat exposure to the groin area
Manage stress through exercise, meditation, or counseling

2. Medications

Hormonal treatments to correct imbalances
Antibiotics to treat infections
Medications for erectile dysfunction

3. Surgical Treatments

Varicocelectomy to repair varicoceles
Procedures to remove blockages in the reproductive tract

4. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)—placing sperm directly into the uterus
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)—retrieving eggs and fertilizing them in a lab
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)—injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, often used when sperm count or quality is very low

Emotional Impact and Support

Male infertility can be emotionally challenging, affecting self-esteem and relationships. Open communication with your partner and counseling can help you navigate these feelings. Many couples find comfort in knowing that infertility is a shared challenge—not a personal failing—and that modern medicine offers many pathways to parenthood.

When to Seek Help

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a year (or six months if the woman is over 35), it’s time to seek a fertility evaluation. Early testing can identify treatable issues and expand your options for starting or growing your family.

At our clinic in Frisco, TX, we provide a compassionate, whole-couple approach to fertility care. We work closely with reproductive specialists, urologists, and other providers to ensure every aspect of fertility is addressed.

Schedule a Discovery Call Today

Male factor infertility is more common than many realize—but it’s also highly treatable in many cases. If you suspect fertility challenges or simply want to understand your reproductive health better, now is the time to take action.

Schedule a discovery call with our women’s health team in Frisco, TX today to begin your fertility journey with expert guidance, personalized care, and hope for the future.

References:

American Urological Association. (2020). Male Infertility: AUA/ASRM Guideline. https://www.auanet.org
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Male infertility. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility
American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2022). Infertility: An Overview. https://www.asrm.org
World Health Organization. (2021). WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. https://www.who.int