Male infertility
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Last reviewed: April 2022
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Male infertility - MyDr.com.au
Male infertility is a major factor in 30-50 per cent of difficulties conceiving. It usually results from low numbers of, or poor quality, sperm.
Read more on myDr website
How to talk about male infertility | Healthy Male
Conversations about infertility can be challenging and emotionally charged. It can be tough on relationships, but honest and respectful communication can help you and your partner navigate the experience as a team. Here’s your guide to talking about male infertility.
Read more on Healthy Male - Andrology Australia website
Male infertility: Symptoms, causes & diagnosis | Healthy Male
As a male, your fertility generally depends on the quantity and quality of your sperm. If the number of sperm you ejaculate is low, or if the sperm are of a poor quality, it will be difficult, and in some cases impossible, to get pregnant. In most cases, there are no obvious signs of infertility.
Read more on Healthy Male - Andrology Australia website
Infertility in men - Better Health Channel
A couple isn't suspected of fertility problems until they have tried and failed to conceive for one year.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
How to get ready to be a dad
Here is what you need to know about how to get ready to be a dad and give your baby the best start in life.
Read more on Your Fertility website
Sperm health | Healthy Male
If you’re planning on having a child, it’s just as important for you be healthy as it is for your partner. Many things can damage your sperm, including being overweight, smoking, older age, and exposure to harmful chemicals. These factors won’t just reduce the chance of pregnancy – they can also affect the health of your baby.
Read more on Healthy Male - Andrology Australia website
Fertility tests and treatments
There are different tests available to determine your fertility, and a number of fertility treatments available to both and your partner if you are struggling to fall pregnant.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Infertility
Many people take time to fall pregnant, but infertility is when a woman doesn't fall pregnant after having 12 months of regular unprotected sex.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Semen analysis | Healthy Male
Semen analysis is when freshly ejaculated semen is tested in a laboratory, and the number, shape and movement of sperm are measured under a microscope. This analysis is an important part of diagnosing male infertility.
Read more on Healthy Male - Andrology Australia website
Suspecting infertility | VARTA
What are the causes? Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of unprotected sex. If you have been trying to have a baby for a year or more, it is time to speak to your GP. If you are over 35, you should see a doctor if you have been trying to conceive for six months or more. About one in six Australian couples experience fertility difficulties. There are many reasons for this, some relating to the male partner, some to the female partner, and sometimes both. For many people, there is no medical explanation as to why they can’t conceive. This is referred to as unexplained infertility. A diagnosis of infertility often comes as a shock and can be emotionally challenging. Unlike other adverse life events, which may have a clear resolution, infertility is uniquely distressing because it can last for many years and the outcome is uncertain. If you suspect a fertility problem, talk to your GP who will guide you through the steps of an infertility investigation. There are many reasons why pregnancy does not occur. About 20 per cent of infertility cases are due to male factors and 30 per cent are due to female factors. Sometimes both partners have a fertility problem, and in about 20 per cent of cases, there is no apparent cause of infertility (idiopathic or unexplained infertility). Many people are delaying starting a family beyond their most fertile years. If you are unable to conceive due to social circumstances, such as relationship, age, financial or practical reasons, and are concerned about your fertility declining, you might want to consider fertility preservation (e.g. freezing eggs or sperm for future use). The Better Health Channel has helpful information on infertility in men and infertility in women. Getting help Speak to a GP The first point of contact should be your GP who will start an infertility investigation. This involves a detailed medical history and a physical examination of both partners and some basic tests to make sure that the woman is ovulating and that the man produces sperm. If everything seems in order, your GP may advise you to keep trying for a little longer before consulting a fertility specialist. However, if your test results indicate a problem, your doctor will refer you to a fertility specialist straight away. The fertility specialist will do more tests to establish the cause of infertility and determine the type of fertility treatment you may need. The chance of fertility treatment working has greatly improved since the late seventies when the first IVF baby was born. Although your chance of having a baby with fertility treatment depends largely on factors that are beyond your control, there are some things that you can do to improve the odds. The lifestyle factors that influence the chance of natural conception for both men and women also affect your chance of success through fertility treatment. Finding a fertility specialist Fertility treatment is physically and emotionally demanding, and depending on your needs it can be expensive, so it is important to find a clinic and doctor that is right for you. You can ask your GP for advice about choosing a fertility specialist, but you can also do your own research before committing to a doctor and clinic. You can find out more about choosing a fertility clinic here. Finding a fertility counsellor If you want to speak to a private counsellor specialising in infertility, the Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association (ANZICA) has a list of independent counsellors. You can also ask your fertility clinic about the counselling sessions included as part of your treatment.
Read more on Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority website
Top results
Semen analysis - Pathology Tests Explained
Why and when to have semen analysed
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website
Luteinising hormone (LH) - Pathology Tests Explained
Why and when to get tested for LH
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website
Prolactin - Pathology Tests Explained
Describes how prolactin testing is used, when prolactin testing is done, and what the results of prolactin testing might mean.
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website
Leprosy: How Much do you Really Know? | Ausmed
Leprosy is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), which multiples slowly and progressively affects cooler body tissue (e.g. skin, testes, superficial nerves, eyes). It is a chronic disease that is most common in the tropics and subtropics
Read more on Ausmed Education website
17-Hydroxyprogesterone - Pathology Tests Explained
The 17-OHP test may be used in a person with symptoms suggestive of CAH to help determine if they have the condition
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website
