Male Infertility: Your Journey to Parenthood
Male infertility is a significant factor in many couples’ struggles to conceive. Contrary to popular belief, it affects approximately 7% of men and contributes to up to 50% of infertility cases.
At Fertility First, we understand the challenges you may be facing. Our dedicated team of experts is committed to providing comprehensive care, support, and advanced treatments to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.
1 in 6 couples have difficulty falling pregnant. Our vision is to transform what we know about our biology and reshape the conversation around infertility.
Anne Clark
Medical Director, Fertility First
The Breakdown on Male Infertility
What is male infertility?
Almost a third of fertility problems are related to male factor. A man’s fertility will rely on the quantity and quality of his sperm and it is estimated that approximately one in 20 men in Australia will have a decreased sperm concentration. Male fertility can be affected by problems with sperm production or physical issues. Studies have revealed that approximately two thirds of men with fertility problems will have a sperm production issue which could range from low sperm production to no sperm being produced at all, to poor motility, functionally impaired antibody production or morphologically abnormal sperm being produced.
Due to the fact that the examination of the male is relatively non-invasive, this is often the first test performed when investigating the cause of infertility.
How is male fertility tested?
At Fertility First, our highly experienced andrology scientists will assess male fertility through a semen analysis and sperm antibody testing to measure the key parameters of semen known to impact fertility. All male fertility tests in our NATA accredited laboratory follow the guidelines and assessments set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
What is Halosperm assay?
Fertility First offers patients the option of the Halosperm assay which is used to assess the fertility potential of sperm by determining the percentage of sperm that contain fragmented and damaged DNA.
The Halosperm assay provides invaluable information about the quality of the DNA inside the sperm’s chromosomes and helps to provide clinical diagnosis and the management of male infertility. Find more information on Halosperm below.
When choosing a fertility clinic in Sydney, it’s important to consider the success rates, as well as the quality of care.
What's next?
Book Appointment
To schedule a semen analysis, Halosperm assay, or HBA test, please call Fertility First on (02) 9586 3311 or fill out our online contact form. We offer appointments throughout the week to accommodate your schedule. Please note that appointments must be made at least 2 days in advance due to preparation requirements.
Prepare for Your Test
To ensure accurate results, please abstain from ejaculation for 2-7 days before your appointment. Sufficient semen volume is required to perform all tests.
Please note that the reagents required to perform the assays are very expensive and must be prepared the day prior to your test. A cancellation fee of $450 will be applied if your appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice to the laboratory. Here is a full list of Fertility First costs.
Please note that the reagents required to perform the assays are very expensive and must be prepared the day prior to your test. A cancellation fee of $450 will be applied if your appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice to the laboratory. Here is a full list of Fertility First costs.
Male Infertility Frequently Asked Questions
Fertility First offers patients the option of the Halosperm assay which is used to assess the fertility potential of sperm by determining the percentage of sperm that contain fragmented and damaged DNA. The Halosperm assay provides invaluable information about the quality of the DNA inside the sperm’s chromosomes and helps to provide clinical diagnosis and the management of male infertility.
The Halosperm assay determines the percentage of sperm that contain fragmented DNA in the sperm’s chromosomes. These chromosomes make up the male half of any potential pregnancy or child. Fragmented DNA in sperm is DNA which is ‘broken’ in one or many areas. As DNA is the genetic material which is passed on to a child from its biological parents, ‘broken’ sections can have adverse effects on resulting embryos and can result in genetic defects in the child.
In addition, published research has extensively demonstrated that the higher the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation, the lower the chance of pregnancy occurring naturally or after fertility treatment and the higher the risk of miscarriage (up to 4 times higher risk) if a pregnancy does occur.
Upon entering the female reproductive tract, the sperm will undergo a maturation process which will allow them to successfully fertilise the egg. Just like people who reach puberty at different times, so do sperm. If a sperm matures too early, it will not reach the egg and it will die before it has a chance to fertilise the egg.
Sperm that matures too late will not be capable of fertilisation, even if they come into contact with the egg. When the mature sperm reaches the egg, it will bind to the “protective shell” or the eggs’ zona pellucida and through a series of chemical reactions and physical force it will be able to penetrate and fertilise the egg. The protective granuloma cells surrounding the egg produce a protein called Hyaluronan and the mature, functional sperm cells will express receptors for this protein and bind to it during the fertilisation process.
The Hyaluronan Binding Assay (HBA test) will allow the andrology scientist to quantify the percentage of the sperm that can bind to this protein, revealing the percentage of a man’s sperm that is mature. This test can help determine which treatment to apply to a patient. Binding scores that are low are generally recommended for ICSI in conjunction with a viscous medium that allows the embryologist to choose a sperm with normal functionality known as SpermSlow.
When the Halosperm assay is performed in conjunction with a standard semen analysis, an overall picture can be obtained of the likelihood of the sperm being a factor in a couple’s fertility problems. A standard semen analysis is only useful for determining the transport aspects of sperm i.e. how many there are, how well they move and whether they are the correct shape. The Halosperm assay provides invaluable information about the quality of the DNA inside the sperm and therefore what the sperm can do when it gets inside the egg. For more information about the Halosperm assay process and male infertility, please contact us or schedule a consultation at Sydney fertility clinic Fertility First.
An abnormal test result does not mean that you cannot have children. It simply enables us to determine the best form of fertility treatment for you. Lifestyle changes and antioxidant therapies may be recommended.
Our studies have shown that more than 75% of patients who make changes to their lifestyle and take the recommended dietary supplements have a reduction in DNA fragmentation after approximately 2 months. A significant number of these patients go on to conceive naturally and the miscarriage rate is dramatically reduced (less than 5%). For more information on how to improve male fertility, visit our guide or schedule a personalised consultation at our Sydney fertility clinic.
Antibodies are proteins that will attach to a specific substance or organism which the body recognises as “foreign”. When the body detects a foreign organisms, white blood cells will secrete antibodies into the blood stream which will then attach to the “foreigner”. Some antibodies will destroy the foreigner while others will act as beacons to direct the body’s other defence mechanisms to the scene. Sperm will not normally be recognised as part of the body and can therefore be considered as foreign, thus initiating this immune response.
In a man, the organs that produce and store the sperm (the testes and the epididymis) are protected environments and as a result the sperm are not usually detected or destroyed by the body’s defence mechanisms. However, after an infection, physical damage or an operation such as a vasectomy, the protective layer can become less effective, the body will detect the “foreign” sperm and antibodies will be produced.
Both women and men can generate antisperm antibodies (ASABs) and can cause fertility problems in one or more of the following ways:
- They can cause clumping of sperm in the semen.
- Cause interference with the passage of sperm through the cervical mucus.
- Directly prevent fertilisation from occurring once the sperm meets the egg.
Once a patient has had a clinically positive ASABs test, it is usually recommended that the best option is through ICSI to maximise their chances of fertilisation.
Various studies have shown that patients with clinically significant levels of ASABs can still achieve a healthy pregnancy through ICSI to the point that success rates are unaffected by the presence or concentration of the antibodies.
While there’s no guaranteed way to improve sperm health, lifestyle changes and medical interventions can help. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco use, and reducing stress can improve overall reproductive health and sperm quality.
Consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can also support sperm health. Regular physical activity can improve circulation and overall health. In some cases, medications can address underlying medical conditions that affect sperm production or function. Treating infections of the reproductive tract can also help improve sperm health.
At Fertility First Sydney, our fertility specialists can assess your individual situation and recommend appropriate steps to improve sperm health and increase your chances of conception. For more information about male infertility, visit out guide to the 8 foods which improve sperm quality or schedule an consultation with our team of experienced Sydney fertility experts.
Male infertility is a condition where a man is unable to father a child due to issues with sperm production, sperm function,or the reproductive tract. It can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic abnormalities,infections, and lifestyle factors.
Male infertility can have a significant impact on a couple’s emotional well-being and can lead to feelings of stress,anxiety, and frustration. It’s important to remember that male infertility is a complex issue, and there are effective treatment options available.
Schedule a consultation with our experienced team of Sydney fertility specialists for more personalised information to help you on your journey to conception and improved reproductive health.
Some common causes of male infertility include hormonal imbalances which can affect sperm production and function, genetic abnormalities that can impair sperm development or function, infections of the reproductive tract that can damage or block the passage of sperm, varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum that can affect sperm quality), and obstructions in the reproductive tract that can prevent sperm from reaching the ejaculatory ducts.
Lifestyle factors can also have a sigificant impact on male infertility, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and exposure to toxins that can negatively impact sperm health.
If you or your partner are experiencing male infertility, it’s important to seek professional help. At Fertility First Sydney, our experienced fertility specialists can assess your individual situation, identify the underlying causes of infertility, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Our team offers a range of treatments to address male infertility, including medication, surgical interventions, and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) such as IUI or IVF. With the right treatment and support, many couples struggling with male infertility can achieve successful pregnancies.
