Male Infertility

Male infertility is on the rise in society. Approximately 15% of married couples have trouble conceiving despite having regular unprotected sex for more than a year. Out of the couples who are in their thirties, only 30% are able to conceive within the first three months; the rest have trouble due to male infertility issues.

Causes of Male Infertility

Infertility is a reproductive system disorder which results in the inability of a couple to procreate. The reasons for not being able to conceive can be varied and could be related to either partner. When the reproductive system of the male has a problem which makes it difficult for the couple to have a child, it is termed male infertility.

Sperm Production Problems

Erection and Ejaculation Problems

Blockage of Sperm Transport

Preventing Male Infertility

Male Infertility Research

Male Infertility Epidemiology

How is Male Infertility Diagnosed?

Fertility and Age

Low Sperm Count

Causes of a Low Sperm Count

Testing for a Low Sperm Count

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Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Latest Male Infertility News and Research

Understanding the role of genetic variants in male infertility

Approximately one in seven couples face difficulties conceiving a child naturally. Half of these cases are due to male infertility – either caused by the complete absence or low number of mature sperm.

13 Apr 2024

Cancer risk elevated in families with male infertility

In a recent study, researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (the U) found a surprising trend in families with male infertility: an increased risk of certain cancers.

9 Apr 2024

The complex relationship between obesity and male reproductive function

Authors have analyzed current evidence on the impact of obesity on the male reproduction system.

9 Apr 2024

Infertile men more likely to have impaired kidney function, study says

Study reveals that childless men are more likely to have decreased renal function and proteinuria than fathers, suggesting an association between male infertility and higher risks of kidney disease.

4 Apr 2024

Research identifies cancer risk patterns in families of men with fertility problems

For the first time researchers have identified patterns of risk for several different types of cancer in men with fertility problems and their families.

22 Feb 2024

“Laboratory testicles” could solve male infertility mysteries

The testis is responsible for sperm production and testosterone synthesis. Abnormalities in testis development and function lead to disorders of sex development (DSD) and male infertility. Currently, no in vitro system exists for modeling the testis.

20 Feb 2024

Mediterranean diet linked to better semen quality, study finds

A systematic review reveals that adherence to the Mediterranean diet improves semen quality in men of reproductive age, suggesting a positive impact on male reproductive health.

19 Feb 2024

Study reveals genes crucial for protecting male fertility

Discovery of a pair of genes that work in perfect harmony to protect male fertility, could provide new insights into some unexplained cases of the most severe form of infertility, research suggests.

14 Feb 2024

Representation matters to Black patients seeking prostate cancer information online, study shows

For Black men with prostate cancer, racial representation is a key factor affecting trust in websites offering information on prostate cancer, reports a study in the March issue of The Journal of Urology, an Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA).

9 Feb 2024

IVF add-on may be expensive, invasive, and ineffective, study finds

One of the most common add-ons to IVF procedures undertaken in Australia and globally by infertile couples may be a waste of time as well as expensive and invasive, and may even reduce the chances of success, according to a new report in The Lancet.

6 Feb 2024

Semen microbiota might play a crucial role in influencing male fertility

You may have heard about the gut microbiome and its influence on a person's overall health and well-being. It turns out that the same may hold true for the semen microbiome.

18 Jan 2024

New research finds semen microbiome's impact on male fertility

The relationship between semen microbiota and changes in semen parameters.

15 Jan 2024

"Alkaline water" fails to be an effective alternative for prevention of recurrent urinary stones

Bottled water marketed as "alkaline water" is unlikely to be an effective alternative for prevention of recurrent urinary stones, reports a study in the January issue of The Journal of Urology, an Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA). The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.

10 Jan 2024

Air pollution may affect male reproduction via oxidative stress, says study

The implications of exposure to air pollutants on male fertility parameters and sexual health.

3 Jan 2024

Recent urology trials more likely to include data on harmful effects of treatments

In recent years, clinical trial reports in major urology journals have been more likely to include data on harmful effects of treatments, reports a study in the January issue of The Journal of Urology®, an Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA).

21 Dec 2023

Study links organic Mediterranean diet to improved male fertility

Researchers in Italy have found that a low-carbohydrate organic Mediterranean diet significantly enhances male fertility by increasing testosterone levels and reducing sperm DNA fragmentation, offering new dietary guidelines for improving male reproductive health.

10 Dec 2023

Ashwagandha extracts show promise in reducing stress hormones, study suggests

A systematic review reveals that Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts can effectively reduce cortisol levels in the short term, offering a natural alternative for stress management, though long-term effects remain unexplored.

6 Dec 2023

MHRA's new measures aim to reduce valproate use and protect patients from harm

Other effective medicines are available for epilepsy and bipolar disorder and valproate should only be used if these don’t work or aren’t suitable for an individual patient.

4 Dec 2023

How one gene shakes up our understanding of male infertility

The study investigates the role of the ACTL7B gene in sperm formation using genetically modified mice and finds that deficiencies in this gene lead to failed spermatogenesis and structural sperm abnormalities. Given the gene's similarity in humans, the findings suggest ACTL7B could serve as a potential biomarker for male infertility.

31 Oct 2023

Loss of structural protein ACTL7B blocks spermatogenesis in male mice

Mature spermatozoa are characterized by an head, midpiece and a long tail for locomotion. Now, researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the Transdisciplinary Research Unit "Life & Health" at the University of Bonn have found that a loss of the structural protein ACTL7B blocks spermatogenesis in male mice.

27 Oct 2023