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Male Infertility
Summary
Infertility is a term doctors use if a man hasn’t been able to get a woman pregnant after at least one year of trying. Causes of male infertility include:
- Physical problems with the testicles
- Blockages in the ducts that carry sperm
- Hormone problems
- A history of high fevers or mumps
- Genetic disorders
- Lifestyle or environmental factors
About a third of the time, infertility is because of a problem with the man. One third of the time, it is a problem with the woman. Sometimes no cause can be found.
If you suspect you are infertile, see your doctor. There are tests that may tell if you have fertility problems. When it is possible to find the cause, treatments may include medicines, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology. Happily, many couples treated for infertility are able to have babies.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Genetics
- 48,XXYY syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
- Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
- Globozoospermia: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
- Learning about Klinefelter Syndrome National Human Genome Research Institute
- Macrozoospermia: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
- Sensorineural deafness and male infertility: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
- X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
Treatments and Therapies
- Assisted Reproductive Technology: MedlinePlus Health Topic National Library of Medicine
- Healthy Sperm: Improving Your Fertility Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- What Is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)? American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- What Treatment Options Are Available for Male Infertility? Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Videos and Tutorials
- Causes of Male Infertility American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Infertility, Male National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Oligospermia National Institutes of Health
Diagnosis and Tests
- Diagnostic Testing for Male Factor Infertility American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Semen Analysis National Library of Medicine
- Testosterone Levels Test National Library of Medicine
Specifics
- Dry Orgasm Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Low Sperm Count Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Sperm Morphology (Shape): Does It Affect Fertility? American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Find an Expert
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Related Issues
- Fertility Issues in Boys and Men with Cancer National Cancer Institute
- Finasteride (Propecia/Proscar) and Pregnancy Organization of Teratology Information Specialists
- Hypogonadism in Men Endocrine Society
Living With
- Foods that Can Affect Fertility Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Statistics and Research
- High Plasticizer Levels In Males Linked to Delayed Pregnancy for Female Partners Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Start Here
- How Common is Male Infertility, and What Are Its Causes? Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Male Infertility Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Encyclopedia
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection Medical Encyclopedia
- Partial androgen insensitivity syndrome Medical Encyclopedia
- Retrograde ejaculation Medical Encyclopedia
- Sperm release pathway Medical Encyclopedia
Journal Articles
Patient Handouts
- Semen analysis Medical Encyclopedia
- Testicular biopsy Medical Encyclopedia