Male factor infertility: causes and solutions

When a couple has difficulty conceiving, the focus is often solely on the woman. However, the The male factor is present in approximately 50% of infertility cases., according to European Association of Urology (EAU, update 2025).  The good news is that today There are tests capable of detecting the cause and effective treatments. that allow us to address most cases of male infertility.

The most important things about the male factor and infertility

• The male factor is involved in approximately 50% of infertility cases.
• The semen analysis is the most important initial test to study male fertility.
• Many causes of male infertility can be treated or improved.
• Lifestyle habits directly influence semen quality.
• Reproductive treatments such as insemination In vitro with the intracytoplasmic sperm injection technique (hereinafter IVF-ICSI) allow pregnancy to be achieved even in complex cases.
• The reproductive study should always be performed on both members of the couple.

What does the male factor mean in infertility?

The male factor in infertility It refers to any alteration in the man that may make it difficult to achieve pregnancy naturally. These alterations They can affect the number of sperm, their motility, their morphology, or their fertilizing capacity. Hormonal, genetic, or anatomical factors related to the male reproductive system can also play a role. Although many people are still unaware of it, male infertility is much more common than it seems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Infertility affects 1 in 6 adults during their lifetime. In many cases, the problem does not produce obvious symptoms and is only detected after several months of trying to get pregnant or after performing a semen analysis.

Why should the fertility study also start with him?

Fertility testing should be performed from the beginning on both members of the couple. because the male factor is present in approximately half of the cases of infertility. For years, many couples focused all initial testing on the woman, delaying the male's diagnosis. Today we know that joint evaluation saves time, reduces emotional burden, and increases the chances of success. In addition, there are many causes of male infertility that can be improved through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or assisted reproductive techniques. The most important thing is to understand that infertility should not be experienced with guilt. This is a medical situation that requires a complete and personalized study to find the best solution for each couple.

What are the main causes of male infertility?

The causes of male infertility are varied and, in many cases, several factors can coexist at the same time.

Abnormalities in the semen analysis

Seminal abnormalities are one of the most frequent causes of male infertility. The semen analysis allows for the analysis of fundamental parameters such as sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and sperm viability. When any of these values ​​are altered, it can decrease the ability to fertilize. Among the most common diagnoses are oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, or teratozoospermia.

hormonal problems

Hormones play a fundamental role in sperm production. Disruptions in testosterone, TSH, FSH, or LH, among other hormones, can directly affect male fertility. In some cases, These imbalances can be corrected through specific hormonal treatment and medical monitoring.

varicocele

A varicocele is a dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord that can negatively affect semen quality. It is considered one of the most frequent causes of male infertility because it can increase testicular temperature and generate oxidative stress, affecting sperm motility and quality. Often, varicocele does not produce clear symptoms and is only detected during fertility testing.

Habits and lifestyle

Although many people don't know it, Some everyday habits can also affect male fertility. Factors such as tobacco, alcohol, stress, obesity, sedentary lifestyle or continued exposure to toxins can worsen semen quality and increase sperm DNA fragmentation. Therefore, improving lifestyle is often one of the first steps in treatment.

Age and semen quality

Age also influences male fertility, although its impact is often less well known. Over time, sperm motility may decrease and the risk of genetic alterations in sperm may increase. There is a growing body of research linking advanced paternal age with reproductive difficulties and lower semen quality.

What tests are performed to study male fertility?

To understand what is affecting male fertility, It is important to conduct a complete study that allows identifying the cause and choosing the most appropriate treatment.

seminogram

The semen analysis is the basic and most important test in the study of male fertility. It allows for the analysis of semen quality and the detection of possible alterations related to sperm concentration, motility, or morphology. Many couples wonder when to have a semen analysis. It is usually recommended after 12 months of trying to conceive without success, although it can be done earlier if there is a relevant medical history or suspicion of semen abnormalities.

Hormonal study

The hormonal study analyzes the levels of hormones related to testicular function and sperm production. This test It allows the detection of endocrine disorders that may be influencing male fertility.

Testicular ultrasound

Testicular ultrasound It helps to detect varicocele, anatomical alterations or structural problems of the male reproductive system. It is a simple, quick and non-invasive test.

Genetic studies

Genetic studies allow identify chromosomal alterations or hereditary problems related to male infertility. They are usually requested especially in cases of severe seminal disorders or when there is a relevant family history.

What treatments are available when there is a male factor?

Today There are different solutions for male infertility depending on the cause detected and the characteristics of each couple. In some patients, small changes in lifestyle habits can significantly improve semen quality. In other cases, medical or hormonal treatment or surgery may be necessary. When pregnancy is not achieved naturally, assisted reproduction techniques offer excellent results.

Table of causes and treatments

Cause	How affects	Treatment
varicocele	Reduces semen quality	Surgery or assisted reproduction
hormonal problems	Sperm production decreases	Hormonal treatment
Toxic habits	They alter sperm motility	Lifestyle changes
Seminal alterations	They hinder fertilization	IVF-ICSI
Genetic factors	They affect sperm quality	Genetic testing + assisted reproduction

La IVF-ICSI technique It allows sperm selection and fertilization to be performed even in complex cases of male infertility. According to SEF Registration 202310% of births in Spain result from assisted reproduction techniques. Currently, many cases of male infertility can be successfully addressed thanks to accurate diagnosis and personalized treatments.  En INEBIRThe study of the male factor is carried out through a Andrology Unit specialized, where seminal, hormonal, genetic and testicular alterations that can affect fertility are analyzed in a comprehensive manner. This multidisciplinary approach allows design treatments tailored to each patientFrom lifestyle changes and medical treatment to advanced assisted reproduction techniques such as IVF-ICSI, especially indicated in complex cases of male infertility. Our team of specialists accompanies the couple throughout the entire process reproductive, offering close and personalized attention to answer questions and increase the chances of success. You can find more details about the main causes of male infertility and their solutions in our blog. 

The importance of feeling supported during treatment

Fertility treatment also has a significant emotional component. Many couples experience this process with uncertainty, fear, or frustration. That's why feeling heard, understood, and supported throughout the treatment can make a big difference. As Alejandro Carmona: "Without a doubt, they are the best, not only for achieving what is most precious to us, but because throughout the entire process they have treated us the best, spoken to us most clearly, and made our most cherished dream come true."

When is it advisable to go to a fertility clinic?

It is advisable to go to a fertility clinic when there are difficulties in achieving pregnancy after several months of trying or when doubts arise related to male fertility. Generally, it is recommended to consult with specialists when:

1. She has been trying to get pregnant for over a year without success.
2. There are previous alterations in the semen analysis.
3. There is a relevant medical history or surgeries.
4. Repeated miscarriages have occurred.
5. There are doubts about semen quality.
6. Reproductive age may be a factor.

The sooner the study is carried out, the greater the chances of finding an effective and personalized solution.

Frequently asked questions about male factor infertility

What are the male factors that can cause infertility?

The most common causes are seminal disorders, varicocele, hormonal problems, genetic factors, and some unhealthy lifestyle habits.

What is the most common male factor in cases of infertility?

The abnormalities detected in the semen analysis are the most frequent cause of male infertility.

What are the 5 causes of male infertility?

The main ones are:

• Seminal alterations
• varicocele
• hormonal problems
• Genetic factors
• Habits and lifestyle

What percentage of men are infertile?

The male factor is present in approximately 50% of couples with infertility problems.

Request a fertility assessment at INEBIR

Male infertility can be diagnosed and, in many cases, treated. The sooner the study is carried out, the greater the chances of finding the best reproductive solution for each couple. At INEBIR we have specialists in male fertility and assisted reproduction who accompany each patient in a personalized way throughout the entire process. Request your consultation and begin to understand your situation clearly. Follow us on our social networks: Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, Social media coordinator y YouTube.