Male Infertility

Another misconception regarding infertility is that it is always a female problem. In actuality, approximately 30-40% of couples that present to our clinic have male factor problems.

The first step required is a semen analysis. This simple test provides information about sperm count, motility, and morphology (shape). A simple semen analysis does not give any information regarding the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. IVF is the only test that can determine a sperm’s fertilization capability.

The sperm chromatin structure assay test determines the level of DNA fragmentation in the sperm. A normal semen analysis will not give any information regarding DNA fragmentation, nor does IVF give any insight into fragmentation levels. Men with high DNA fragmentation have similar fertilization rates as men with low DNA fragmentation. However, embryo quality and subsequent pregnancy rates are lower in the high fragmentation group.

Sperm is usually collected via ejaculation, but some men require testicular aspiration or biopsy to retrieve their sperm. Men that have had a previous vasectomy, or men with congenital absence of the vas deferens require testicular aspiration or biopsy for sperm collection.