Male Infertility

About Male Infertility

Male infertility can result from low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices, and other factors can contribute to male infertility. It is a common reproductive health issue that can make conception difficult.

Symptoms of Male Infertility

The primary sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. In many cases, there are no noticeable symptoms.

Symptoms of male infertility may include:

• Abnormal breast growth
• A low sperm count, defined as fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or a total sperm count below 39 million per ejaculate
• Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal abnormality
• Inability to smell
• Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicle area
• Problems with sexual function, such as difficulty ejaculating, reduced ejaculate volume, reduced sexual desire, or erectile dysfunction
• Recurrent respiratory infections

Risk Factors for Male Infertility

Risk factors for male infertility can include lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and past experiences that affect reproductive health.

Risk factors for male infertility may include:

• A history of undescended testicles
• A personal or family history of fertility disorders
• A prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Certain medical conditions, including tumors or chronic illnesses like sickle cell disease
• Past or current infections
• Substance use
• Use of certain medications or treatments, such as surgery or radiation for cancer
• Testicular trauma

Treating Male Infertility at UT Health Austin

Management of male infertility may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. Medications or other treatments may be recommended for hormone-related infertility. In some cases, assisted reproductive technologies or minimally invasive treatments may be recommended. Your care team will discuss the risks, benefits, and what to expect during the procedure and recovery process.

Care Team Approach

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines caring for you in one place to avoid having to schedule multiple appointments with providers at locations all over the city. Your care team will include a board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist with extensive experience in the medical and surgical treatment of the urinary system and the male genital tract who works alongside a team of health experts to help you achieve the best possible outcomes and improve your overall quality of life. We also collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to deliver highly specialized procedures and offer personalized treatment options with a focus on increasing overall quality of life. We are committed to communicating and coordinating your care with your other healthcare providers to ensure that we are providing you with comprehensive, whole-person care.

Learn More About Your Care Team