If you and your partner have been finding it harder to conceive than you expected, you might be surprised to learn that male fertility factors are involved in roughly half of all cases. Yet for many men, fertility is not something they've ever thought much about – and when concerns do arise, it can be difficult to know where to start, or even feel comfortable asking for help. That's completely understandable, and it's exactly why having the right specialist in your corner matters so much.
Fertility is a shared journey, and understanding your own reproductive health is not only worthwhile – it's empowering. Dr Mandana Master provides a warm, non-judgmental space where male fertility concerns are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and approached with the same care and expertise she brings to every patient.
Male infertility is more common than many people realise, and in most cases it comes down to issues with sperm – their production, quality, or ability to reach and fertilise an egg.
Sometimes routine testing doesn’t reveal a clear cause. This doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be done. A more thorough specialist review often sheds new light, and there are still treatment pathways worth exploring to help you conceive.
A lower than normal number of sperm in the ejaculate reduces the chances of one successfully fertilising an egg. In some men, no sperm are present at all, a condition known as azoospermia, which may be caused by a blockage or by the testes not producing sperm.
Even when sperm numbers are healthy, sperm need to be able to swim effectively to reach the egg. Poor motility, meaning sperm that move inefficiently or erratically, can significantly reduce the chances of natural conception.
Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of sperm. A high proportion of abnormally shaped sperm can make fertilisation more difficult, though it’s worth knowing that some degree of abnormality is considered normal.
Testosterone and other reproductive hormones play a central role in sperm production. Low testosterone, elevated prolactin levels, or thyroid dysfunction can all affect fertility, but are often very treatable once identified.
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins. It’s one of the most common causes of male infertility, as it can raise the temperature around the testes and impair sperm production. Fortunately, most cases of varicocele can be effectively treated to restore fertility.
Certain chromosomal conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome, or genetic mutations affecting sperm production can be identified through specialist testing and may inform treatment decisions.
Smoking, excessive alcohol, anabolic steroid use, obesity, and prolonged exposure to heat or certain chemicals can all have a meaningful impact on sperm health. Many of these can be addressed with the right guidance, improving sperm health and overall wellbeing.
Getting clarity starts with the right tests. Dr Mandana takes a meticulous, comprehensive approach to investigating male fertility, making sure you understand every step and what it means for you.
Male fertility testing is guided by your personal or family medical history, and any symptoms that may indicate an underlying disorder.
The cornerstone of male fertility assessment, evaluating sperm count, motility, morphology, and other key parameters.
To measure testosterone and other vital reproductive hormones, as well as thyroid function, helping identify hormonal contributors to sperm problems.
Including karyotyping or sperm DNA fragmentation analysis, where indicated.
To identify varicoceles, structural abnormalities, or other physical causes of male infertility.
To check for retrograde ejaculation, where sperm travel backward into the bladder rather than forward, if medical history indicates this is a possibility.
Targeted advice on weight, nutrition, alcohol, smoking, heat exposure, and supplement use, all of which can make a measurable difference to sperm quality.
Hormonal treatments or other medications to address underlying causes such as low testosterone, elevated prolactin, or infection.
Varicocele repair, procedures to address obstructions, or surgical sperm retrieval techniques can improve sperm production and or be used alongside assisted reproduction in appropriate cases.
When natural conception isn’t happening on its own, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) offer real, well-established pathways forward – and for male factor infertility specifically, modern techniques mean that even quite significant sperm issues no longer have to stand in the way of fathering a child.
Often the most effective technique where male fertility is the primary concern. A single healthy sperm is selected and injected directly into an egg, bypassing the need for sperm to reach and penetrate the egg unassisted.
Allows sperm to be retrieved directly from the testes or epididymis tubes and used immediately with ICSI, in the case of azoospermia.
A simpler, less invasive option in which a prepared and concentrated sperm sample is placed directly into your female partner’s or surrogate’s uterus around the time of ovulation. It’s most suitable where sperm count and motility are only mildly reduced.
Involves fertilising eggs with sperm in a laboratory setting before transferring the resulting embryo to the uterus of your female partner or surrogate.
Dr Mandana will talk through all of these options with you honestly and clearly, helping you and your partner (if conceiving as a couple) understand which approach is most likely to give you the best chance of success, and why.
If you need specialist advice and care for achieving your family building goals, you’ve come to the right place. Get in touch with Dr Mandana Master at Embrace Fertility today.
