Male Fertility

Male fertility

Tests and treatments for male reproductive function

About 50% of couples experiencing reproductive difficulties face a male factor in infertility, yet men are less likely to seek fertility evaluation. This is often due to the mistaken belief that male infertility is linked to impotence or loss of masculinity. In reality, timely diagnosis is crucial for identifying the causes and selecting the most appropriate treatment. Male infertility can result from genetic factors, past illnesses, injuries, medications, as well as lifestyle choices. These factors can affect the production or release of sperm and make achieving pregnancy more difficult.

Center for male infertility treatment

The New Life Center assists men with abnormal semen analysis, those needing cryopreservation, as well as couples facing unexplained infertility or unsuccessful IVF attempts. We apply the Israeli model of treatment, based on many years of experience and scientific advancements in reproductive medicine.

Our team is trained in leading Israeli clinics and works under the guidance of world-renowned experts – Prof. Neri Laufer and Dr. Anat Safran. We also serve international patients, thanks to the excellent language skills of our staff.

We are equipped with modern technology, including high-end micromanipulation equipment and specialized incubators that provide optimal conditions for embryos. We also have emergency power backup for complete safety.

We never give up on difficult cases — we take an individualized approach to each patient, combining professionalism with compassionate care. For us, every patient matters, and every story is personal.

Causes of male infertility

Impaired spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis — the process of sperm maturation — takes place in the testes and epididymis. Trauma, structural abnormalities, or hormonal disorders can disrupt this process. Evaluation includes physical examination, hormonal testing, and semen analysis (spermogram).
Key parameters in the spermogram:

Parameter Normal Range Abnormality
Volume 2–6 ml Hypospermia
Concentration ≥ 20 million/ml Oligozoospermia
Motility ≥ 50% Asthenozoospermia
Morphology ≥ 14% Teratozoospermia

 

(According to WHO standards. For an accurate diagnosis, 2–3 tests are performed at intervals of 6 weeks.)
In about 0.5% of men, spermatogenesis is severely reduced (non-obstructive azoospermia). In such cases, the TEFNA technique is used to retrieve sperm for ICSI fertilization.

Varicocele

About 15% of men have enlarged veins in the scrotum, which increases temperature and disrupts spermatogenesis. It is diagnosed through examination and often leads to reduced fertility.

Impaired sperm transport

After maturation, sperm are transported through the epididymis, vas deferens, and ejaculatory duct. Obstruction along this pathway (including after vasectomy or congenital absence of the vas deferens—often associated with cystic fibrosis) can lead to:

In such cases, sperm retrieval is performed using methods like PESA, MESA, and TESA, which are also used in ICSI fertilization.

Overall health and lifestyle

Neurological disorders (e.g., spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis), sexual dysfunctions, and chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and anemia affect fertility. Additionally:

Fertility is a reflection of overall male health.

Consultations

Urologist

Recommended for abnormalities in sperm parameters or infections. The urologist prescribes treatment or additional tests and, if needed, supplements to improve spermatogenesis.

Endocrinologist

Suitable for hormonal imbalances or elevated BMI that may affect fertility.

Psychologist

Prolonged infertility can lead to emotional stress. Our psychologist supports patients dealing with anxiety, guilt, loss, and relationship tension.

Sexologist

Sexual dysfunction is common but often unspoken. Discreet consultations with a sexologist can help restore confidence and intimacy.

Tests

Initial assessment

Evaluation of male fertility begins with a detailed reproductive history and semen analysis review.

Reproductive history includes:

After the history is taken, the doctor may order additional tests.

Semen tests

Semen analysis evaluates the parameters of the seminal fluid. Due to natural fluctuations, at least two samples taken 6 weeks apart are required.

When starting an IVF procedure, a fresh sample is taken on the day of egg retrieval or a frozen sample is used.

Hormonal tests

Ordered if semen analysis shows abnormalities. Main hormones tested include:

Additional tests may include hormones from the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

Genetic tests

Recommended in cases of:

New technologies

Assisted reproduction is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in medicine. At the New Life Male Center, we apply innovative technologies that improve success rates even in complex cases of male infertility.

Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA)

CASA is an automated system that precisely evaluates:

The advantage of CASA is its objectivity — results are not influenced by human error. The software generates detailed graphs and images, making the analysis more informative and easier to interpret.

IMSI fertilization

IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection) is an advanced form of ICSI where sperm are examined under high magnification (up to x6000).

This allows for the precise selection of the most morphologically healthy sperm, increasing the chances of successful fertilization. IMSI is recommended for:

Testicular biopsy (TEFNA)

Used in men with azoospermia when obstruction is suspected but spermatogenesis is preserved. At New Life, we perform the minimally invasive TEFNA technique: