Male infertility: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Did you know that infertility affects about one in seven couples trying to conceive?¹

It’s more common than many people realise and yet, it’s often overlooked. While fertility is frequently viewed as a female issue, male fertility plays an equally vital role in successful conception.

When couples face difficulties getting pregnant, male infertility isn’t always considered early enough. Recognising the signs is an important first step.

Although understanding male infertility can feel overwhelming, gaining insight into its signs and causes is a powerful way to take control of your fertility journey. This guide will walk you through the key indicators, causes and available treatments to help you move forward with confidence.

Understanding Male Fertility: The Basics

Male fertility relies on several interconnected biological processes that work together to produce and deliver healthy sperm capable of fertilising an egg. This process involves sperm production in the testicles, their maturation and storage, and their successful transport through the reproductive tract.

For natural conception to occur, sperm must be:

·   Produced in adequate numbers,

·   Properly shaped and motile (able to move effectively),

·   Successfully delivered during ejaculation. ²

Any disruption in these areas can reduce the chances of conception and may require medical evaluation.

It takes about three months for the body to make new sperm from start to finish. During this time, sperm quality can be affected by various factors, including:

·   Hormonal imbalances,

·   Lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, alcohol use, diet),

·   Environmental exposures (e.g., heat, toxins),

·   Underlying medical conditions.³

Because of this production timeline, positive changes in lifestyle or medical interventions may take several months to show measurable improvements in fertility.

If you’ve been trying for a baby for a year, having regular unprotected sex⁴ and have not fallen pregnant, you’re not alone. It can help to have a fertility check-up, which looks at both male and female factors. Understanding what’s going on sooner can give you more successful options and a clearer path forward.

Common Signs of Male Infertility

Understanding the signs of male infertility can be the first step toward finding clarity, answers, and support. While many symptoms can be subtle, being aware of potential indicators may help you seek timely advice and take proactive steps on your fertility journey.

Changes in Sexual Function

Difficulties with erection or ejaculation may signal an underlying issue. These can sometimes be linked to hormonal imbalances, circulation problems, or emotional wellbeing—all of which can affect sperm health and delivery.

Testicular and Hormonal Changes

·   Pain or swelling in the testicles, noticeable lumps or smaller than usual testicle size could be signs of issues affecting sperm production.

·   Breast tissue development (gynecomastia) or a reduction in facial or body hair may reflect hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone.

·   Other signs of hormone-related changes might include fatigue, mood shifts or a reduction in muscle mass.

Age and Fertility

Although men can remain fertile longer than women, sperm quality and hormone levels naturally decline with age. This can gradually impact fertility without obvious symptoms.

Lifestyle and Health Factors

Everyday habits can play a big role in male fertility. Things like:

·   Smoking

·   Excessive alcohol use

·   Poor diet or lack of exercise

·   High stress

·   Obesity

…can all negatively affect sperm quality and overall reproductive health.

Medical History and Genetic Factors

Previous surgeries, untreated infections, or chronic health conditions such as diabetes or hormonal disorders can contribute to fertility challenges. In some cases, frequent respiratory infections may be linked to genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis, which can affect how sperm travels from the testicles to be released.

If any of these signs feel familiar, you’re not alone and there’s support available. At Kind iVF, we understand how emotional and overwhelming fertility challenges can be. That’s why we offer a compassionate, discreet environment where you can explore your options with confidence.

Male Infertility Causes: What Affects Fertility

Fertility isn’t just about one factor—it’s the result of many things working together. For men, sperm health plays a key role, but other physical, hormonal and lifestyle factors can also have an impact. ⁵

Understanding what might be affecting your fertility can help you feel more informed and ready to explore the next steps.

Sperm Health Matters

Sperm need to be healthy, active, and present in good numbers to reach and fertilise an egg. If there aren’t enough sperm, or they’re not moving or forming properly, it can be harder to conceive naturally. This is one of the most common challenges men face when it comes to fertility.

Hormones Play a Part

Just like with other parts of the body, hormones help regulate fertility. When hormone levels are off balance—like problems with the hormonal signals from the brain which can also lower testosterone levels—it can affect how well sperm are made. These shifts might also impact mood, energy or sex drive.

Some Conditions You’re Born With

Sometimes, the reason for fertility issues is something you were born with. Certain genetic conditions can affect how sperm develop or how they travel. In some cases, the tubes that carry sperm might be missing or blocked—this can happen with conditions like cystic fibrosis or azoospermia, even in men with no other symptoms.

Physical or Structural Blockages

Fertility can also be affected if something blocks sperm from being released properly. This might be the result of:

·   A past vasectomy

·   Certain surgeries or injuries

·   An issue called retrograde ejaculation, where semen goes into the bladder instead of out during climax

Everyday Habits and the Environment

Lifestyle and environmental factors can also play a big role in male fertility. Things like:

• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Being overweight
• Not getting enough sleep or exercise
• Chronic stress
• Using anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass

…can all have an impact. Regular exposure to high heat (like hot tubs or saunas), tight clothing, or workplace chemicals can also lower sperm quality.

Sometimes There’s No Clear Reason

In some cases, test results may not point to an obvious cause. This is called unexplained infertility—and while it can be frustrating, it’s more common than people think. The good news is, there are still plenty of ways to get support and explore treatment options.

 How Age Affects Male Fertility

While male fertility doesn’t follow the same timeline as female fertility, age still makes a real difference—especially from your late 30s onward.

Men experience a gradual decline in both sperm quality and testosterone levels as they age. From around age 40, sperm may show signs of:

·   Reduced motility – meaning sperm move less efficiently

·   Lower ejaculatory strength – affecting how far sperm can travel

·   Increased DNA mutations – due to repeated cell divisions over time

These changes don’t mean that older men can’t conceive, but they can make it take longer—and may carry increased risks when trying for a baby later in life.

More recent studies show that testicular size, sperm production and hormone balance all shift with age—factors that can subtly but significantly affect fertility.

That’s one reason why our partner, the London Sperm Bank, limits sperm donation to men under 46—a window that typically offers the best balance of sperm health and genetic stability.

Getting Tested: When To Seek Help for Male Infertility

When and How to Test for Male Fertility

If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months without success⁶—or six months if your partner is over 35—it may be time to explore fertility testing. It’s also important to seek help sooner if you’re experiencing symptoms like difficulty with erections, testicular pain or other signs of male infertility.

At Kind iVF, we currently offer semen analysis as the primary test for evaluating male fertility. This key assessment provides valuable insights into sperm health by measuring:

·   Sperm count

·   Sperm shape (morphology)

·   Sperm movement (motility)

·   Ejaculate volume

Sometimes, more than one sample may be needed for the most accurate results.

Your semen analysis results can help guide next steps and inform any further investigations your care team may recommend. At Kind iVF, male fertility tests are often carried out alongside female partner assessments to give a full picture of reproductive health and the most effective path forward

Semen analysis takes place at our satellite clinic rooms designed in a private and comfortable production room. This ensures your sample is collected discreetly and respectfully, providing the best environment for accurate testing. Depending on the results, your doctor may advise that a different treatment programme to that provided by KindIVF would be more suitable.

Available Treatments for Male Infertility

Treatment for male infertility depends on the underlying cause and individual circumstances, with several effective options available:

• Lifestyle: Improving diet with antioxidant-rich nutrients (like vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium and folate), adopting regular moderate exercise, managing weight and reducing stress can significantly enhance sperm quality and overall reproductive health.
• Medications and Hormone Therapy: Hormonal imbalances may be treated with medications or hormone replacement therapies to boost testosterone or correct specific deficiencies, helping to improve sperm production.
• Surgical Treatments: Procedures like varicocele repair or removal of reproductive tract blockages can restore fertility where physical issues are identified.
• Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART):

At Kind iVF we offer the following treatments to support you:

• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): IVF addresses male infertility by fertilising eggs with sperm outside the body in laboratory conditions, then transferring viable embryos to the uterus.
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A highly advanced technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, making conception possible even in cases of severely compromised sperm quality. This offers a better chance of success. Learn what you can expect step by step with ICSI here.
• IVF with Donor Sperm: In cases of severe male infertility or when no viable sperm is available, IVF using donor sperm is a highly effective option. Donor sperm is used to fertilise eggs in a laboratory setting and resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus to achieve pregnancy.

Choosing the right treatment depends on specific diagnosis, sperm health and personal preferences.  IVF, ICSI and IVF with Donor Sperm offer powerful solutions for challenging male infertility cases.

Finding The Right Support at Kind iVF

Navigating male fertility challenges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Kind iVF, we understand fertility affects both partners and we offer compassionate, personalised care tailored to your needs.

Our expert team provides advanced testing and customised treatment plans to address the root causes of male infertility.

At Kind iVF we’re dedicated to delivering affordable and accessible care for men because we believe everyone deserves the chance to build a family. Our patient-led approach ensures expert guidance and support throughout your fertility journey, helping you make informed decisions.

If you have concerns or signs of male infertility, don’t wait—early intervention often leads to better outcomes and more options.

How to get started

We’re here to support you with clear information and no-pressure guidance. 

·   Book a consultation with our fertility experts to explore your options. 

·   Reach out to our team with any questions—online, by phone or in person. 

·   Join one of our open day events to get a feel for our clinics and meet the team. 

Remember—male infertility is a medical condition, not a reflection of masculinity or personal failure. In fact, it’s more common than many realise, with at least 30 million men worldwide affected by infertility, according to global research from 2015.⁷ By now that number has increased but with the right care and treatment, many men overcome fertility challenges and fulfil their dreams of parenthood.

References:

¹ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/

² WHO Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, 6th ed., 2021. | Word Health Organization

³ Sharma et al. (2013). Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of your fertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. | Springer Nature

 ⁴ Male Infertility | American Urological Association

⁵ Male Infertility | Hopkins Medicine

⁶ Leslie SW, Soon-Sutton TL, Khan MAB. Male Infertility | National Library of Medicine  

⁷ Agarwal, A., Mulgund, A., Hamada, A. et al. A unique view on male infertility around the globe. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 13, 37 (2015) | Bio Med Central