After doing a full infertility work-up a couple may discover that the primary cause of infertility has to do with the man. There are different medical reasons that effect the sperm which you have undoubtedly heard about if you are reading this section: motility, morphology, vas deferens – to name a few of the most common causes of male factor infertility. It is important that you discuss with your doctor what you have specifically and what can be done to help your situation.

Men may be referred by the obstetrician or reproductive endocrinologist to a urologist who specializes in male infertility. In some cases there are corrective procedures that can be done.

With modern technology there have been great advances in separating good sperm from bad, and in injecting even one good sperm into an egg with the procedure known as ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection of egg). All of these options will be explained by a reproductive endocrinologist.

Psychologically, many men feel this is a terrible “blow.” Men tend to take this very hard as they attribute their infertility as a blight on their masculinity and virility. Women may feel that they are “less of a woman” when dealing with fertiilty issues – but perhaps because women are more likely to speak about their situation it is something that they seem to manage better.

Men may hide their feelings of embarrassment or low self-esteem due to male factor. This can be a difficult emotional challenge for individuals and for the couple. Acknowledging the challenge is more than half the battle and facing your reactions and feelings will enable you to move beyond the physical hurdles and keep your relationship intact. Seeking support while managing this is a sign of strength.