Weill Cornell Medicine Urology
Weill Cornell Medicine Urology
Male Reproductive Medicine

Male Reproductive Medicine

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Male Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to achieve pregnancy following one year of appropriately timed and unprotected intercourse.

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What is male infertility?

Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to achieve pregnancy following one year of appropriately timed and unprotected intercourse. By this criterion, it has been estimated that approximately 15-20% of couples attempting to achieve pregnancy are unable to do so. A female factor is the primary etiology in approximately 50% of these couples, and another 20-30% are pure male factor. A combination of male and female factors accounts for the remaining 20-30% of cases. This suggests that in 50% of couples presenting for infertility evaluation, a male factor is contributory. Conservatively estimated, this means that 2.5 million American men would potentially benefit from a fertility evaluation.

The approach to the infertile couple often begins with an evaluation of the female; this is primarily because it is usually the female partner who has initiated a workup by consultation with her gynecologist. As a result, there is often a delay in male evaluation and treatment. The mistaken notion that infertility is associated with "impotence" or decreased masculinity has also contributed to a delay in male evaluation and treatment. It often makes sense, however, to start with the male partner, whose initial evaluation may be performed rapidly and non-invasively.

The most important part of the evaluation of the infertile male is the history and physical examination.

It is our experience that in 90% of cases, an accurate impression is obtained from an initial visit after a thorough history, physical examination, and light microscopic examination of a semen specimen.

Further testing usually serves to confirm the diagnosis and help direct the course of therapy. Recent research advances in the area of male reproduction have brought about dramatic changes in the ability to not only diagnose, but also treat male infertility. Currently, detection of the underlying problems causing male infertility and directed treatment is possible in most cases.

The specific treatment of male infertility is often more successful, less expensive and possibly less invasive than in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive treatments. Additionally, about 1% of men who present with the symptom of "infertility" will actually have a serious medical problem causing the infertility that, if left untreated, may jeopardize health or life.

The majority of couples suffering from infertility can be helped to conceive a child. Artificial techniques of reproduction have advanced to the point where a single sperm can be physically injected into an egg (intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]). ICSI has dramatically changed the treatment available for even the most severe male factor infertility. Because of this technique, 90% of all infertile men, including half of all men with non-obstructive azoospermia, have the potential to conceive their own genetic child.

Postmortem Sperm Retrieval (PMSR)

To learn more about PMSR and Weill Cornell Medicine's policies & guidelines surrounding this procedure, please click here.

Male Infertility Research - Additional Reading

If you are interested in learning more about Weill Cornell Medicine's current research on new treatments for severe male infertility, please click here

Additional resources related to male infertility research can be found on the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery page as well as the Male Infertility Genetics Laboratory page.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

James J. Colt Professor of Urology and Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Peter N. Schlegel, provides expert commentary regarding new guidelines on Testosterone Replacement Therapy for aging men. Read more here.

Male Infertility and the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Are men with infertility prone to develop clinically significant prostate cancer? Dr. Peter N. Schlegel provides expert commentary on the connection between male infertility and the risk of prostate cancer. Read more here.

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Weill Cornell's Male Reproductive Medicine Specialists

Weill Cornell Medicine Urology is home to many leading men's fertility doctors in New York. Our faculty have been instrumental in the development of new approaches to the treatment of male infertility, as well as the development of the diagnostic process of infertility evaluation for men. The Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery at Weill Cornell Medicine was the first university center in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to male infertility research and treatment.

Dr. Marc Goldstein, who founded the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery in 1982, has long been recognized as a leader for Male Reproductive Medicine.

Dr. Peter N. Schlegel, James J. Colt Professor of Urology and Reproductive Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, is a world-renowned innovator in male infertility treatments, perhaps most famously known for his work in micro-TESE extraction of sperm from testicular tissue, also known as the "Schlegel Procedure".

Dr. James Kashanian specializes in management of male infertility, low testosterone, and sexual dysfunction, with a particular clinical focus on surgical management of erectile dysfunction including penile prosthesis surgery as well as fertility preservation in cancer patients.

Our center in New York continues to be at the forefront of male fertility medicine, pioneering new microsurgical techniques and providing the highest quality care for all of our patients.

Although Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital are widely recognized for expertise in the surgical management of male infertility, advancements in our laboratory have allowed for sperm to be found and utilized to achieve pregnancy, avoiding unnecessary surgery in some cases.

Would you like an appointment?

To request an appointment, please call our office at 646-962-9600. Our phone staff are available to help you Monday-Friday, from 9AM-5PM (EST).

You can find the office contact information for each physician specializing in Male Infertility by visiting their profile listed on the bottom of this webpage.

If you'd like to learn more about our providers that specialize in Male Reproductive Medicine, please review the Physicians & Faculty profiles listed at the bottom of this page.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Fertility

As COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues, many have expressed concerns and questions about taking these vaccines for men & women trying to have a family.  Consulting with your physician is always important to personalize your medical decisions.

For males, the benefits of vaccination and avoidance of COVID-19 illness that can substantially limit fertility (at least temporarily) is considered to far outweigh the temporary, limited risks of vaccination.  For more information, please visit: https://ssmr.org/news/ssmr-statement-on-covid-19.aspx

For women who are planning to start a family, pregnant or lactating, again - COVID-19 vaccination has no known risks and can avoid infection that creates special risk for women who are pregnant.  Updated COVID-19 recommendations from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine can be accessed by visiting: https://www.reproductivefacts.org/faqs/faqs-related-to-covid-19/

Male Infertility - Risks & Causes

Summary: 

The human male reproductive system includes hormonal and structural components.

Learn More

Male Infertility - Symptoms & Evaluation

Summary: 

A fertility evaluation may be appropriate sooner than this when the couple is considered to be at higher risk for subfertility or infertility.

Learn More

Male Infertility - Treatment Options

Summary: 

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

Learn More

Physicians & Faculty

Dr. Marc Goldstein, M.D., F.A.C.S. | Weill Cornell Medicine

Marc Goldstein

M.D., F.A.C.S.

212.746.5470
212.746.5470
Aetna-Weill Cornell POS, Federal Medicare, NY State Medicaid, Rockefeller University-CoreSource
Brady Urologic Health Center
Dr. James A. Kashanian, M.D.

James A. Kashanian

M.D.

212.746.5309
212.746.5309
AETNA [Medicare], AETNA-HMO, Aetna-NYP-EPO/POS, AETNA-PPO, Aetna-Weill Cornell POS, Blue Priority Network, CIGNA, EBCBS HMO, EBCBS Mediblue, EBCBS Pathway X, EBCBS Pathway X Enhanced, EBCBS PPO/EPO, Emblem Select Care, Empire BCBS HealthPlus (CHP), GHI, Health Insurance Plan of NY (HIP), Medicare, Oxford Freedom, Oxford Health Plans [Liberty], Oxford Health Plans [Medicare], Oxford Health Plans [Metro/Core/Charter], Rockefeller University-CoreSource, UHC Compass, UHC Medicare, United Empire Plan, United Healthcare Commercial
The LeFrak Center for Robotic Surgery
Dr. Peter N. Schlegel, MD, FACS | Cornell Urology

Peter N. Schlegel

M.D., F.A.C.S.

212.746.5491
212.746.5491
Aetna-Weill Cornell POS, NY State Medicaid, Rockefeller University-CoreSource
Klinefelter Syndrome Care Center
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