Male Infertility and IVF

What is the prevalence of male infertility?

• The true prevalence of male infertility is not clearly defined due to many factors including variation in the definition of infertility, differences in sources of data, and the population of data

• With the current data available, male infertility impacts 20% of couples who were actively trying to conceived (>12 months)

How is male infertility diagnosed?

Male infertility can be diagnosed by one or more of the following methodologies:

• Abnormal semen quality or sperm functional parameters

• Anatomical, endocrine, genetic, functional, or immunological abnormalities of the male reproductive system (including chronic illness)

• Sexual conditions incompatible with the ability to deposit semen in the vagina

Once male infertility is confirmed, what’s next?

• Identify potentially correctable conditions

• Determine if conditions are irreversible, but are amenable to assisted reproductive technology (ART) by using the sperm of the male partner

• Determine if conditions are irreversible and are not amenable to ART using sperm from male partner

• Assess for life- or health-threatening conditions that may underlie the infertility or associated medical comorbidities that require medical attention

• Assess for genetic abnormalities or lifestyle and age factors that may affect the health of the male patient or of offspring particularly if ART are to be employed

When would IVF be considered an option?

• IVF is typically indicated after specific treatment of male and female factors affecting fertility has been unsuccessful; OR

• If female partner has advanced aged; OR

• If severe male factor infertility (untreatable low sperm count) is present then direct treatment with IVF and micromanipulation such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) would be recommended

Last Reviewed: September 21, 2023