Male Infertility

Fertility History

A fertility evaluation is often pursued in couples who have not been able to conceive for a period of 6-12 months of unprotected intercourse. A fertility evaluation may be appropriate sooner than this when the couple is considered to be at higher risk for subfertility or infertility: when the female partner is over age 35; when there has been a history of infertility in a prior relationship; or when there are other risk factors which may cause fertility problems (e.g. cryptorchidism, testicular neoplasm, chemotherapy, radiation therapy).

The human male reproductive system includes hormonal and structural components. These components include the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis as well as the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and urethra. Production of spermatozoa requires approximately 3 months from the initial duplication of stem cells that are supposed to develop into sperm, through mitotic divisions and the myriad changes that modify sperm, preparing them for ejaculation and fertilization.

Our NIH funded laboratory has received generous support from private foundations and donors. Their significant contributions allow us to better understand male infertility, reproductive medicine, and other urologic conditions.

Our research focuses on:

It is important for a man of any couple with fertility concerns to be seen and evaluated by a specialist who has experience in treating male infertility.