Ballarat IVF - Fertility Clinic

Male Infertility

It is crucial to assess the male partner when a couple are trying to have a baby.


Low Sperm counts and reduced motility of sperm can contribute to a couple’s delay in conceiving.

The cause of a low sperm count may not always be determined. Low sperm counts may be genetic . Some men may have suffered trauma or infection in their testes or prostate leading to a low sperm count. Surgery for “mal descended testes, or hernia surgery, despite being performed expertly, is associated with low sperm counts . Some men may have environmental factor leading to low sperm counts and motility.

Common environmental factors contributing to low sperm counts include:



  • Smoking
  • Excessive Alcohol consumption
  • Exposure to herbicides, Insecticides and volatile agents
  • Obesity
  • Excessive heating of the testes
  • Anabolic (Body builder) Steriods


How is male infertility assessed?
A semen analysis test is the best way. Our scientists assess the shape ,number and motility of sperm, and the presence of antibodies. The results of a semen analysis can vary. If the initial test is abnormal, it is important to repeat the test.
If abnormal sperm counts are confirmed, additional blood tests may be required to assess the level of function of the testes. Occasionally a Urologist / Andrologist will advise the man to have a sample of testicular tissue taken to be assessed under a microscope.

What does a semen analysis test measure?

Per sample, this test measures:


Volume of the semen sample

  • sperm count   Normal value is 15 million+ sperm/ml
  • motility   Normal value is 40%+ motile & 32%+ with good, progressive movement
  • morphology (shape/size of sperm) Greater than 4% normal sperm shape
  • sperm antibodies that may be present in the semen or blood. Anti Sperm Antibodies can affect a sperm’s ability to move and their ability to fertilise an egg.

 

The most common cause of sperm antibodies is a previous vasectomy. It is often the reason why pregnancy doesn’t follow a successful vasectomy reversal.


Can men who have had a vasectomy have fertility restored by microsurgery?
Yes. In about 70% of cases sperm reappear, but in half of these, there are high levels of sperm antibodies which reduce the capability of the sperm to fertilise an egg.


Sperm DNA Fragmentation 

DNA Fragmentation is the description of cracks or breaks in the DNA of the sperm . Every sperm has some degree of DNA fragmentation. Some men have abnormally high levels of DNA fragmentation. This often goes along with having low sperm counts and is influenced by Environmental and Lifestyle factors.


How do I improve my Sperm count?

When a man’s sperm count is reduced, it’s important to optimise his overall physical health by giving attention to lifestyle and environmental factors, and taking Male vitamins, or anti Oxidants.

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