Male Infertility
How common is male infertility?
Sadly it’s more common than people think. Male factor infertility is a primary or contributing cause in nearly 50% of infertility cases in couples. According to this study, it is a growing concern but despite this, there is still a tendency to focus on female fertility when problems arise.
Why is this?
- Approximately 1 in 14 men are affected by infertility.
- Sperm concentration, morphology, and semen volume have all been shown to have deteriorated drastically over the past decades.
- A common cause is when the valves in the testicular vein don’t work – this affects 15% of men. Other facts include smoking, alcohol consumption and age.
Polly Ford Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at Complete Fertility explains more:
"Understanding your fertility is a crucial step in planning for the future, whether you’re hoping to start a family soon or years down the line. Rather than waiting until you begin trying to conceive—when the process can take time—why not get a fertility check now? It gives you a clear starting point and the knowledge to make informed decisions. Even if the results are unexpected, there are many options available, and we’re proud to support men in overcoming fertility challenges."
The Importance of a Sperm Count
For men who are concerned about their fertility, a sperm count is a crucial first step in understanding their reproductive health. A semen analysis typically looks at several key factors:
- Sperm concentration – How many sperm are present per millilitre of semen. A normal count should be 16 million per millilitre.
- Morphology – The shape and structure of sperm, which is vital for sperm-egg interaction.
- Motility – The ability of sperm to move, essential for reaching the egg.
- Volume – The amount of semen produced.
- Sperm vitality – The percentage of live sperm in the sample.
Despite the availability of tests, many men never have their sperm count checked, often due to a lack of awareness. However, this simple test can offer significant insights into fertility potential.
