Male Infertility

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.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Infertility in Men

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:

• Difficulty conceiving after 6-12 months of unprotected sex
• Reduced sexual function (e.g. low libido, erectile dysfunction)
• Testicular pain or swelling
• Hormonal symptoms, including sparse facial or body hair
• Low sperm count

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.

What Causes Male Infertility?

Most infertile men have no symptoms. A diagnosis typically involves:

• Semen analysis to measure sperm count, motility, shape, and other factors.
• Repeat testing to confirm results, as sperm count can vary.
• Physical examination to identify any structural concerns.
• Hormonal and genetic testing to detect internal or inherited issues.
• Imaging or biopsy to explore blockages or check for sperm production.

If you’re concerned about your fertility, request an appointment with our team to discuss further.

Medical Causes of Male Infertility

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.

Medical causes may include:

• Azoospermia (no sperm in semen) of unknown cause.
• Hormonal imbalances
• Genetic conditions (e.g. Klinefelter syndrome)
• Undescended or damaged testicles
• Varicocele (enlarged scrotal veins)
• Infections (e.g. mumps or STIs)
• Retrograde ejaculation

Lifestyle and environmental factors include:

• Smoking, alcohol, or steroid use
• Obesity, chronic stress, and lack of exercise
• Heat exposure or use of hot tubs
• Pesticides, industrial chemicals, or heavy metals

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.

What to Expect from Male Fertility Screening

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 Options for Men

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)

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:

• IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): Eggs and sperm are combined outside the body, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus.
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg, often used when sperm quality is very low.

When to Get a Male Fertility Check

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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,