Male Infertility: Practical Steps to Improve Your Chances

Struggling to conceive is stressful. Male factors play a role in about half of all couples who can't get pregnant. This page gives straight, useful steps: what can cause male infertility, which tests matter, and what you can actually do right now to help sperm health.

Common causes and tests

The most common problems are low sperm count, poor sperm movement (motility), and abnormal shape (morphology). Other causes include varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), infections, hormonal problems, past surgeries, certain medicines, and genetic issues. Lifestyle factors—smoking, heavy alcohol, obesity, hot baths, and anabolic steroids—also hit sperm quality hard.

Start with a simple semen analysis. Your doctor may ask for two samples 2–3 weeks apart to be sure. A semen report checks count, movement, volume, and shape. Blood tests for FSH, LH, and testosterone help spot hormonal causes. A physical exam can find varicoceles or signs of blockage. If results are unclear, expect a scrotal ultrasound, genetic tests, or referral to a urologist who specializes in male fertility.

Treatment options and what to try first

Fixes range from easy lifestyle changes to medical procedures. First, try concrete habits: stop smoking, cut down alcohol, lose excess weight, avoid hot tubs and tight underwear, and skip recreational drugs. Check all prescription meds with your doctor—some lower sperm count.

If infections are present, antibiotics may help. Varicoceles can be repaired surgically and often improve sperm numbers. Hormone therapy works when tests show hormonal imbalance. For men with no sperm in the ejaculate (azoospermia), surgical sperm retrieval (TESE, MESA) can collect sperm for IVF with ICSI, which injects a single sperm into an egg.

When counts are low but present, intrauterine insemination (IUI) with washed sperm may be tried. For tougher cases, IVF with ICSI gives the highest chance. If cancer treatment or other procedures could harm fertility, freeze sperm beforehand.

Don't go it alone. If you've been trying for 12 months with no pregnancy, see a doctor—sooner if your partner is over 35. Bring medical history, current meds, and any previous semen results. Consider genetic counseling if counts are very low or if there’s a family history of genetic issues. Talking to your partner and a specialist early speeds diagnosis and treatment.

Small, consistent changes often make a real difference. Book an appointment with a urologist or fertility clinic to get the right tests and a clear plan tailored to you.