Male Infertility

When a man cannot start a pregnancy with his partner after 12 months or more of unprotected sexual intercourse, he may have infertility issues.

There are many causes of the condition. Some causes include:

• Birth defects
• Blockages in the testicles
• Enlarged veins in the scrotum (where sperm is made)
• Exposure to pesticides, lead and radiation
• Hormone imbalances
• Previous surgery on or trauma to the testicles
• Problems with ejaculation (releasing semen)
• Use of drugs, steroids, alcohol and cigarettes

In some cases, the causes are unknown. But treatments can help.

Diagnosing Male Infertility

During your first visit to Emory Healthcare, your doctor will discuss your medical history and perform a physical exam. They may have you take a blood test and provide a urine sample.

A semen analysis may also be performed. This checks the number of sperm, their movement and their form and structure. If the test shows potential problems, it is often repeated.

Your doctor may order additional tests, which could include an ultrasound to evaluate for anatomic blockages in the ejaculatory tract or genetic testing to look for other causes of infertility. Additionally, your female partner is often referred to work with our Reproductive Endocrinology team.

If you are experiencing male infertility, there is reason for hope. Effective treatment options are available, including lifestyle changes, medication and surgery.

You can count on our expert team to treat you with respect and compassion as we partner together.

Emory Urology is among the top programs in the nation. Guided by the latest medical research and education, we provide collaborative care to treat simple to complex conditions.

Our dedicated team of fellowship-trained specialists in male-factor infertility is dedicated to discovering new treatment options. They have earned numerous awards in their ongoing efforts to provide you with the best care. Count on Emory Healthcare to meet your urology needs with expertise and respect.