Family planning and facing challenges on the way can be a disturbing experience, but almost one out of every five couples struggling to conceive finds the cause to be the male partner. Some men do not even know whether they are fertile until they are actively trying to have a family, and it causes months of anxiety and emotional stress.

The advances of modern medicine have completely transformed how specialists identify and address fertility concerns in men, and what was once a taboo subject is now a thoroughly researched field with concrete solutions. Whether you have been having difficulties with conceiving or want to know about your reproductive health, fertility testing provides the definitive answers needed to gain confidence and be treated accordingly for male fertility problems.

How Male Fertility Works

The male reproductive system is a highly complex biological process that starts right inside the testicles and ends with the production of healthy sperm. The process of sperm production, also called spermatogenesis, takes about 72 days to complete, and in this period, primitive cells undergo transformation to mature sperm that can subsequently fertilise the egg.

Regulation of temperature is absolutely important during this process. It is why testicles remain outside the body, because the production of sperm is only possible at temperatures lower than the usual body temperature. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are the control centres, secreting hormones that signal the testicles to produce both testosterone and sperm. After maturation, the sperm move along the epididymis, where they acquire their motility, and mix with seminal fluid to become semen during ejaculation.

Common Causes of Male Fertility Problems

The male fertility issues have many different causes that have a great impact on the reproductive system. Common male fertility problems are:

  • Lifestyle-Related Causes
    Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and chronic stress all damage sperm quality by disturbing hormonal balance and increasing oxidative stress.
  • Medical and Health-Related Causes
    Varicocele, hormonal imbalances, testicular infections, and diabetes create conditions that impair sperm production and health.
  • Environmental and Occupational Factors
    Workplace exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and excessive heat can severely damage sperm development.
  • Genetic and Congenital Causes
    Chromosomal abnormalities like Klinefelter syndrome and Y-chromosome deletions fundamentally affect the body’s ability to produce viable sperm.
  • Sexual and Ejaculatory Disorders
    Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and retrograde ejaculation prevent proper sperm delivery, representing clear signs of male fertility problems requiring professional evaluation.

When Should a Man Get Fertility Testing?

Timing plays an important role in getting fertility testing. Couples are advised to seek assessment after twelve months of consistent unprotected intercourse without any results, but this is reduced to six months when the female partner is over 35 years. However, there are many cases of male problems with fertility issues that have to be tested earlier.

Men who have a history of undescended testicles, testicular trauma, or groin surgeries or those with sexually transmitted diseases, should get the test done before attempting conception. Those with sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction, sexual libido, or ejaculatory problems need immediate assessment. Cancer patients should also discuss openly before treatment, because the therapies may damage the production of sperm.

The entire process of sperm development takes three months, which can be useful in setting realistic goals about lifestyle change or medical intervention aimed at treating the fertility issue.

Semen Analysis: The First Step in Diagnosing Male Fertility Problems

A semen analysis is the foundation of diagnosing male infertility problems, and it provides vital information based on the laboratory analysis of the semen according to the guidelines of the WHO. Several parameters are assessed in the semen analysis. Those are:

  • Sperm concentration
    It is the count of sperm in a millilitre of semen.
  • Motility
    It is the percentage moving forward in a progressive direction.
  • Morphology
    It is the assessment of normal sperm shape and structure.
  • Volume
    This is the total volume of semen produced.

After the test, the results are ready within 2-3 days, providing clear baseline measurements. Since sperm parameters are always subject to change, specialists often request two analyses to validate results and build a solid diagnostic record.

Advanced Male Fertility Testing

Standard analysis shows the accurate results, but sometimes couples face infertility despite normal results. It is where advanced testing reveals deeper issues affecting reproductive health.

  • DNA fragmentation testing
    It is used to measure the genetic integrity of sperm cells, which is important in successful conception and lowering the risk of miscarriage. The clinic provides both Halosperm and TUNEL assays to provide a complete evaluation.
  • Male microbiome test
    The test detects microorganisms that may affect male fertility issues due to infection or imbalance.
  • FISH test
    This test identifies chromosomal abnormalities in sperm, which could be the cause of recurrent pregnancy loss or IVF failure.

Conclusion

Exploring the causes, testing options, and diagnostic options for male fertility problems will turn the uncertainty into actionable knowledge on your way to parenthood. If you are facing a similar problem or want to learn more about reproductive health, reach out to a professional clinic.

The Male Fertility Clinic is a specialist clinic that offers discreet, professional fertility testing for men across London and Manchester, providing comprehensive semen analysis results within 3 working days. The clinic also offers advanced testing options, including DNA fragmentation, microbiome testing, and FISH testing. We have an experienced team that upholds the highest clinical standards and patient confidentiality throughout the diagnostic process.

Ready to take the next step? Book your slot now, provide the sample, and get the results quickly.