Male Infertility

Infertility is frequently a multifactorial problem with contributory factors from both the female and male partners. Similarly there may be multiple contributory factors to male infertility resulting in either a low sperm count or in poor quality sperm with reduced motility or abnormal sperm forms. Dr. Crowe works with specialist urologists and fertility specialists in investigation and treatment of male infertility.

It is thought that a varicocele may cause fertility issues as the prominent varicose veins around the testicle lead to heating that may impair sperm production. There have been numerous studies over the years, some of which have yielded contradictory findings, but some of which show benefit in termsof sperm production by treatment of an underlying varicocele. The improvement tends to be more in terms of sperm quality and motility rather than in sperm count and there is a lag phase of about three months before such improvement can be picked up on sperm analysis. This is because sperm production takes approximately 2 to 3 months. Though there are no guarantees are treating a varicocele will necessarily improve fertility it is one correctable potential underlying problem that can be readily treated. It is known that there is a higher incidence of varicocele in men presenting with fertility problems.