Male fertility
Male fertility explained: semen analysis, common causes of male infertility, lifestyle factors, azoospermia and talking about testing.
New to the terms? Start with the glossary.
Guides about Male fertility
Reading a semen analysis report
A semen analysis measures volume, sperm count, movement and shape. Results vary from one sample to the next, so one unusual result is rarely the whole story and is usually repeated before decisions are made.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20265 min read
What causes male infertility, and how is it checked?
Male fertility can be affected by how sperm are made, how they travel, ejaculation and erection, hormones, genes, infections and some medicines. Often no single cause is found. A semen analysis and a careful history are the usual starting point, with referral to a urologist or andrologist when needed.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20265 min read
Male fertility and lifestyle: what the evidence says
Smoking, heavy drinking, a high body weight, heat, anabolic steroids, recreational drugs and some workplace exposures can all affect sperm. Because sperm take about two to three months to develop, changes take time to show. Evidence for fertility supplements is limited.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20265 min read
Talking to your partner about a semen test
A semen analysis is a simple, private test and a normal part of checking a couple, not a test of manhood. Bringing it up gently, explaining why both partners are tested from the start, and knowing what the test involves can make the conversation easier for both of you.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20265 min read
Azoospermia: when no sperm are found in the sample
Azoospermia means no sperm were seen in a semen sample. It needs a repeat test to confirm, and then tests to find out whether sperm are being made but blocked, or not being made in normal numbers. Depending on the cause, options can include treatment, surgical sperm retrieval or donor sperm.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20265 min read
Medically reviewed
Every guide is reviewed by Dr Shesha Sinha and shows its review date.
Sourced
Numbered references to guidelines and published research, at the end of every guide.
General information
Guides explain; they can't account for your history. Medical disclaimer