What Is Male Infertility

1. What Is Male Infertility? Causes, Symptoms, and Testing Explained By Andrology – Experts in Male Infertility Testing and Care Introduction Having children is a dream for many people. But sometimes, couples find it hard to get pregnant. In some cases, the problem may be with the male partner. This is called male infertility. It is more common than you might think. At Andrology, we help men understand their fertility and offer simple and private male infertility testing. In this blog, we’ll explain what male infertility is, what causes it, what signs to look for, and how testing works. What Is Male Infertility? Male infertility means that a man has a problem with his ability to make a woman pregnant. This could be because of low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or other issues in the reproductive system. In about 1 out of 3 infertility cases, the problem is due to male factors. Sometimes, both partners may have fertility issues. Male infertility is not the same as being sterile. Many men with infertility can still become fathers with the right help and treatment. What Causes Male Infertility? There are many reasons why a man might have fertility problems. These causes can be physical, medical, lifestyle-related, or even genetic. 1. Low Sperm Count This means the man has fewer sperm than normal. Less sperm means fewer chances for one to reach and fertilise the egg.

2. 2. Poor Sperm Quality Sometimes sperm may be the wrong shape (abnormal morphology) or not move properly (low motility). This makes it harder to reach the egg. 3. Blocked Tubes Sperm travels through tiny tubes in the testicles. If these tubes are blocked, sperm cannot come out during ejaculation. 4. Hormonal Imbalance The body needs the right balance of hormones to make healthy sperm. Problems with hormones like testosterone can cause infertility. 5. Infections Some infections like mumps, STIs, or urinary tract infections can harm sperm or block the tubes. 6. Injuries or Surgeries Injuries to the testicles or surgeries like vasectomy can affect sperm production or release. 7. Varicocele This is a swelling of the veins inside the scrotum (the sac holding the testicles). It can lower sperm count and quality. Lifestyle and Environmental Causes Some everyday habits and surroundings can also affect male fertility: ● Smoking and alcohol: These can reduce sperm health. ● Drug use: Recreational drugs can damage sperm. ● Obesity: Being overweight can cause hormone problems. ● Stress: Too much stress may lower sperm quality. ● Tight clothing or heat: Heat from laptops, saunas, or tight underwear may reduce sperm production.

3. ● Chemicals and toxins: Some jobs expose men to harmful substances that affect fertility. Symptoms of Male Infertility Most men with fertility issues don’t notice any symptoms. They may only realise there is a problem when trying to have a baby. But some signs to look for include: ● Trouble getting a partner pregnant after 12 months of trying ● Problems with sexual function (e.g. low sex drive or difficulty with erections) ● Pain or swelling in the testicle area ● Smaller than normal testicles ● Reduced facial or body hair (could signal hormone imbalance) If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get male infertility testing. What Is Male Infertility Testing? Male infertility testing helps find out what’s causing the problem. At Andrology, we make this process easy, respectful, and private. Most tests are quick and painless. Here are the main tests we do: 1. Semen Analysis (Sperm Test) This is the most common test. You give a semen sample, usually by masturbation in a private room. The lab checks: ● Sperm count: How many sperm are present ● Motility: How well the sperm move ● Morphology: The shape and structure of sperm

4. ● Volume: How much semen is produced ● Other factors: pH level, white blood cells, etc. This test gives a clear picture of your fertility health. 2. Hormone Testing A blood test checks levels of key hormones like: ● Testosterone ● LH (luteinizing hormone) ● FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) ● Prolactin Hormones control sperm production. If they are not balanced, that can cause infertility. 3. Physical Exam A doctor may check your testicles and penis for any lumps, swelling, or unusual signs. This helps spot conditions like varicocele or undescended testicles. 4. Ultrasound Scans An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the scrotum or prostate. It can detect blockages, fluid buildup, or other problems. 5. Genetic Tests (if needed) If sperm count is very low or zero, genetic testing might be done. Some genetic problems can affect fertility. This test is usually done with a blood sample. 6. Testicular Biopsy (rare cases)

5. In special cases, a small sample of tissue is taken from the testicle. This helps find out if sperm are being made at all. When Should You Get Tested? It’s a good idea to get tested if: ● You’ve been trying for 12 months without success ● You’ve had past infections or injuries to the testicles ● You have erection or ejaculation problems ● You have concerns about sperm health or fertility At Andrology, we offer private, professional male infertility testing with fast results and full support. Can Male Infertility Be Treated? Yes! Many men with fertility problems can still become fathers. Treatment depends on the cause. Common treatments include: ● Lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, healthy diet) ● Hormone therapy ● Medication for infections ● Surgery for blockages or varicocele ● Assisted reproductive techniques (e.g. IVF, ICSI) ● Sperm donation (in rare cases) We work closely with each patient to find the best plan.

6. How Andrology Can Help At Andrology, we are specialists in male fertility. Our team is kind, professional, and here to help you on your journey to parenthood. Here’s what we offer: ✅ Discreet and easy male infertility testing ✅ Fast and accurate results ✅ Expert medical advice ✅ Personalised treatment plans ✅ Support from start to finish You are not alone. We are here to guide you every step of the way. Final Thoughts Male infertility can be stressful, but it’s not the end of the road. With the right testing and care, many men go on to have children. If you are worried about your fertility, don’t wait. Get in touch with Andrology today and book your male infertility testing. It’s the first step toward understanding your fertility and finding the right solution.