Around 20-30% of infertility cases are linked solely to the male partner.1 The sooner both partners are assessed, the sooner the right path forward becomes clear.
Dr Rozen believes that investigating both partners from the very beginning is one of the most important steps a couple can take. Even when no issues are found on the male side, it opens a valuable discussion and personalised guidance on lifestyle factors that can have a real impact on sperm health and pregnancy outcomes.
There are many possible reasons for male infertility, and in many cases, more than one is involved.
Fertility depends on having enough healthy, well-moving sperm to reach and fertilise an egg. Problems can arise with the number of sperm produced, their motility, or their shape and structure.
In some men, no sperm is present in the ejaculate at all. This can happen because of a blockage preventing sperm from being released, or because the testicles are not producing sperm in the first place
Everyday habits can have a bigger impact on sperm health than many patients realise. Smoking, carrying excess weight, and chronic stress are all known to affect sperm quality and are worth addressing early
While men can father children throughout their lives, sperm quality does decline with age, with a more noticeable change around 45. This can make conception more difficult and has been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage for the female partner and certain conditions in children, including autism and epilepsy.1
Around 1 in 3 infertility cases are related to the female partner
Around 1 in 3 infertility cases are related to the male partner
Around 1 in 3 infertility cases are due to both partners2
Your first appointment will focus on understanding your full health picture before any conclusions are drawn. Investigations may include:
A sample is collected and examined in a laboratory to assess sperm count, how well sperm move, and their shape. It is non-invasive, straightforward, and one of the most informative first steps available
A simple blood test that checks the hormone levels involved in sperm production, helping to identify any imbalances that may be affecting fertility
A blood test that looks for genetic factors that may be contributing to fertility challenges, particularly in cases where sperm production is severely affected
A blood test that examines the chromosomal makeup to identify any structural abnormalities that could be affecting fertility
Treatment is always guided by what the investigations reveal, and no two patients will follow the same path. Options Dr Rozen may recommend include:
If factors like weight, smoking, or chronic stress are affecting sperm quality, addressing these early can make a meaningful difference to outcomes, sometimes without the need for further medical treatment
If blood tests reveal a hormonal imbalance or an infection is identified as a contributing factor, targeted medication can help restore normal sperm production and function
For men where no sperm is present in the ejaculate, sperm can often be retrieved directly from the testicles through a procedure called TESA or TESE, and used alongside IVF and ICSI to achieve fertilisation
Where biological sperm retrieval is not possible, donor sperm offers an alternative pathway to parenthood.
Dr Rozen has a special interest in male fertility procedures and has significant experience with Testicular Sperm Needle Aspiration (TESA).
Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) is a medical procedure designed to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles using aspiration (needle insertion). This is one of the two possible methods, and is beneficial for men who have little to no sperm in their ejaculate (azoospermia), which could be due to a blockage in the sperm transport system (obstructive azoospermia) or issues with sperm production (non-obstructive azoospermia). Dr Rozen also works directly with urologists who perform the second method, Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE), using a high-powered microscope. Sperm retrieved through either method is then used with ICSI as part of an IVF cycle, giving men with azoospermia a genuine path to fathering a biological child.
“Male fertility is so often overlooked in the early stages, and I think that does couples a real disservice. Getting both partners assessed from the start means we’re not wasting time, and we’re not leaving out any pieces of the puzzle.”
– Dr Genia Rozen, Fertility Specialist, Genea Melbourne City and Frankston
