Male Infertility
Our urologists are dedicated to helping you achieve your goal of having a biological child.
Understanding Male Infertility
You probably didn’t expect any roadblocks when you and your partner decided to have a baby. But infertility — not becoming pregnant after a year of trying — affects an estimated one in seven U.S. couples. About half of the time, the male partner is a contributing factor.
Fertility in men depends on producing healthy sperm and making sure those sperm reach an egg. The main problems that disrupt this process are:
- Poor quality sperm, low sperm count, or no sperm in the semen.
- Structural changes that block the flow of semen, such as varicoceles.
- Sexual issues that affect sperm delivery, such as erectile dysfunction.
Many conditions can cause these problems, including chronic diseases, genetic disorders, illnesses, injuries, and infections. Medications, cancer treatments, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures can also play a role.
At Memorial Healthcare System, you’ll find exceptional care and support. We work with you to find what’s causing infertility and provide options for your next steps.
Diagnosing Male Infertility
Diagnosis starts with a detailed medical history and physical exam to evaluate your overall health and look for potential causes. A semen analysis is also a routine part of the initial assessment. This test looks at semen volume and composition, as well as sperm number, shape and movement.
Other tests your doctor may order include:
- Genetic tests to detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic changes
- Hormone tests to measure the levels of testosterone and other fertility-related hormones
- Post-ejaculation urinalysis to check for sperm in your urine
- Scrotal ultrasound to look at the structures inside your scrotum
- Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to examine your prostate and nearby tissues
- Testicular biopsy to look for sperm production in your testicles if there are no sperm in your semen
Male Infertility Treatments
Infertility treatment varies widely depending on the underlying cause. Even if there’s no clear cause, you may have options.
The main treatments include:
If you have a low sperm count or motility (sperm’s ability to move), you and your partner may still become pregnant. Your doctor will help you understand the chance of pregnancy based on your situation.
Your lifestyle and fertility are closely linked. To improve your chance of fathering a child, your doctor may recommend that you:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Eliminate exposure to toxic chemicals
- Exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol intake
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Reduce stress
- Stop drug use
Your doctor may prescribe medications for conditions that are affecting your fertility, such as:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hormone imbalances, such as low testosterone
- Reproductive tract infections
If you’re currently taking a medication that lowers fertility, your doctor may work with other providers to find an alternative. Never stop taking a medication without consulting your doctor first.
Surgery may be an option for specific causes of infertility. Our urologists are highly trained surgeons and use advanced microsurgical techniques to:
- Correct varicocele
- Remove cysts in the ducts that carry semen
- Reverse a vasectomy
Our urologists partner with reproductive endocrinologists across South Florida to extract sperm for ART procedures, including:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI), which delivers sperm directly into your partner's uterus.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF), which involves fertilizing an egg in a lab, and then placing the embryo in your partner’s uterus.
There are several methods for sperm extraction. In some cases, we may withdraw (aspirate) sperm using a needle. We also offer advanced microsurgical techniques to find and extract sperm. Microsurgery requires extensive skill and training and offers the best chance of sperm recovery with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment
Call Us: 305-682-2580Male Infertility: Why Choose Memorial Healthcare System?
Our men’s health program provides first-class care for male infertility that includes:
-
Specialized expertise
Our urologists have extensive experience in helping men increase their fertility so they can start or grow a family.
-
Complete testing
We offer comprehensive evaluations and testing to diagnose infertility and determine the underlying cause.
-
Advanced treatments
At Memorial, you have access to sophisticated microsurgical procedures to extract sperm for fertility treatment.
-
Patient-centered care
Your needs and concerns are critical and serve as a starting point for developing a personalized care plan.
Related Providers
-
Justin Dubin, MD Men's Health, Urology -
