What it is
Infertility is defined as not achieving a pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. In men, causes may involve sperm production or transport, or hormonal, genetic and lifestyle factors.
Male infertility is also one of Dr. Greco's research interests: her PhD thesis and a scientific publication focus on retrieving sperm from the testicle and on its outcomes in assisted reproduction.
Draft diagram: to be validated by Dr. Greco before launch.
Testis and epididymis
- Testis · sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules
- Epididymis · where sperm mature
- Vas deferens · carries them towards the urethra
- Veins of the spermatic cord · when they dilate they form a varicocele
Simplified diagram, not to scale.
When to get checked
- After a year of trying without a pregnancy, or after six months if your partner is over 35
- If you have a varicocele, small or undescended testicles
- After genital infections, injuries or surgery
- Before treatments that may affect fertility, to consider sperm banking
How it is diagnosed
The main tools are:
- an andrology consultation and the couple's medical history
- semen analysis, performed in a qualified laboratory
- testicular colour Doppler ultrasound
- hormone tests and, when indicated, genetic tests
Treatment options
Depending on the cause, care may include:
Frequently asked questions
IVF and assisted reproduction: what does an andrologist do?
The andrologist assesses the male partner, identifies treatable causes and, if needed, retrieves sperm directly from the testicle. Working with the fertility clinic helps choose the best path for the couple.
Does an abnormal semen analysis mean I cannot have children?
No. A single semen analysis is not enough for a diagnosis, because results can vary over time. It should be repeated and interpreted together with an examination and other tests.
What is azoospermia?
Azoospermia is the absence of sperm in the semen. It may be due to a blockage of the seminal ducts or to a production problem; in a number of cases sperm can still be retrieved from the testicle.
This page provides general information and does not replace a consultation: every situation needs to be assessed by a specialist.