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Male infertility is defined as a man’s inability to achieve conception with a fertile female partner after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse—or after six months if the female partner is over 35. Around 1 in 20 Australian men experience fertility problems*. Male infertility contributes to 40–50% of all infertility cases. It may result from one or a combination of factors, such as hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, reproductive tract issues, or lifestyle and environmental factors.
Infertility in men often develops without obvious symptoms, but there are several key signs that may indicate underlying fertility problems. Recognising the symptoms of infertility in men early can lead to quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment. Some of the common presentations include:
While these are signs of male fertility issues, it’s also important to consider overall health and lifestyle. Early detection of fertility problems in men can improve outcomes with timely medical support.
Most infertile men have no symptoms. A diagnosis typically involves:
If you’re concerned about your fertility, request an appointment with our team to discuss further.
Male infertility can result from a range of medical conditions that affect sperm production, quality, or delivery. These issues may be present from birth or develop later due to illness or injury.
Male infertility is diagnosed by fertility specialists through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. The key test is a semen analysis, which measures sperm count, motility (how well sperm move), and morphology (sperm shape). These results help specialists identify potential issues and recommend appropriate treatment or further testing.
Male fertility screening is a diagnostic process used to assess a man’s reproductive health and ability to father a child. It involves reviewing medical history, evaluating sperm health, and identifying any underlying issues that may affect fertility.
Fertility treatment for men depends on the underlying cause of male infertility and may include lifestyle changes, medications to improve hormone levels or sperm production, or advanced assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF or ICSI.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) refer to medical techniques used to help individuals or couples conceive when natural conception is not possible. ART is often recommended in cases of male infertility, especially when sperm count, motility, or morphology is severely affected.
ART typically involves retrieving sperm and eggs and facilitating fertilisation in a lab. The two main types are:
If you’ve been trying to conceive for over 12 months without success–or after 6 months if the female partner is over 35 and you have concerns like low sperm count or reproductive health issues—it’s a good idea to get a fertility check. At First Step Fertility, your free consultation includes an initial assessment and guidance on the right tests to help create a personalised fertility treatment plan.
Book a Free Fertility Consultation with FSF today.
What is Oligospermia?
Oligospermia refers to a condition where a man has a lower than normal sperm count in his semen.
What can affect sperm motility in men?
Factors like infections, varicocele, poor diet, smoking, and hormonal imbalances can reduce sperm motility.
What are the major causes of low sperm count in men?
Low sperm count can be caused by hormonal issues, lifestyle factors, genetic conditions, or damage to the reproductive tract. It is not uncommon for the cause of a low sperm count to be unexplained.
Can a man recover from a low sperm count?
Yes, in many cases, low sperm count can improve with lifestyle changes, medications, or medical treatment.
When should a man see a fertility specialist?
If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse—or after six months if the female partner is over 35, it’s time to consult a fertility specialist. Our free fertility consultation can get you started.
* Australian Government’s National Male Health Policy,
You should seek expert fertility help if you are under 35 and have been unsuccessfully trying to fall pregnant for 12 months, or if you are over 35 and have been unsuccessful after six months.