Condition
Male Infertility
We evaluate and manage male-factor infertility, including hormonal, anatomical, and surgical causes.
Common symptoms
- Difficulty conceiving
- Hormonal symptoms
- Prior testicular surgery or trauma
About half of fertility issues involve a male factor, and most male factor issues are evaluable and often treatable. A urologist who specializes in male reproduction is the right partner if you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success.
When to seek evaluation
Couples who have been trying for 12 months without success should both be evaluated. If the female partner is over 35, that timeline drops to 6 months. Earlier evaluation is appropriate if there is a known risk factor (prior testicular surgery, chemotherapy, undescended testicles, etc.).
How we evaluate
The cornerstone is a semen analysis — we use it to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology. We pair it with hormonal labs (testosterone, LH, FSH, prolactin), a focused exam, and in some cases a scrotal ultrasound or genetic testing.
Treatment options
- Lifestyle changes — heat exposure, alcohol, weight, certain medications
- Hormonal optimization (clomiphene, hCG, anastrozole)
- Varicocele repair — outpatient surgery for varicose veins around the testicle, which can significantly improve sperm quality
- Surgical sperm retrieval for use with IVF when sperm production is severely impaired
- Coordination with reproductive endocrinology when assisted reproduction is appropriate