Male Infertility: What Every Couple Should Know When Trying to Conceive

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For many couples trying to conceive, fertility challenges are often assumed to be female-related. In reality, male infertility contributes to nearly 40–50% of all infertility cases, either as the sole factor or alongside female factors. Understanding male fertility—and when to seek expert evaluation—can help couples reach answers faster and build a more effective treatment plan.

At Reproductive Partners Fertility Center San Diego (RPSD), our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to fertility care, ensuring that both partners are evaluated early and thoroughly.

What Is Male Infertility?

Male infertility occurs when issues with sperm production, function, or delivery reduce the chances of fertilizing an egg. It is typically diagnosed through a semen analysis, which evaluates:
  • Sperm count
  • Sperm motility (movement)
  • Sperm morphology (shape)
  • Semen volume and quality

Abnormal results don’t always mean pregnancy is impossible—but they do signal the need for further evaluation.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility can stem from a variety of medical, lifestyle, and environmental factors, including:
  • Hormonal imbalances affecting testosterone or sperm production
  • Varicoceles, or enlarged veins in the scrotum that impair sperm health
  • Genetic conditions that affect sperm development
  • Prior infections or surgeries involving the reproductive tract
  • Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, heat exposure, stress, and poor sleep
  • Environmental exposures, including certain medications, toxins, or anabolic steroids

Identifying the underlying cause is key to determining the most effective treatment.

When Should Men Get a Fertility Evaluation?

Men should consider a fertility evaluation if:
  • Pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months of unprotected intercourse (or 6 months if the female partner is over 35)
  • There is a known history of testicular injury, surgery, or cancer treatment
  • Sexual dysfunction or hormonal symptoms are present
  • A partner has already been diagnosed with infertility

At RPSD, we encourage early testing for both partners to avoid delays and unnecessary treatments.

How Male Infertility Is Treated

Treatment options depend on the cause and severity of infertility and may include:
  • Lifestyle modifications to improve sperm health
  • Medical therapy for hormonal imbalances
  • Surgical correction of varicoceles
  • Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IUI or IVF, including advanced lab techniques like ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)

RPSD’s on-site, CAP-accredited laboratory allows for precise sperm evaluation and advanced embryology techniques—all under one roof.

The Importance of a Team-Based Fertility Approach

Fertility is a shared journey. Addressing male fertility early not only improves outcomes—it can also reduce emotional stress and shorten time to pregnancy. At RPSD, our physicians collaborate closely to create personalized treatment plans that reflect each patient’s unique needs and goals.

If you’re trying to conceive or planning for the future, a fertility evaluation can provide clarity, reassurance, and a clear path forward. Male fertility testing is simple, informative, and an essential part of comprehensive fertility care.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Reproductive Partners Fertility Center San Diego today.