{"id":41324,"date":"2026-06-30T13:42:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T11:42:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T13:44:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T11:44:59","slug":"male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/","title":{"rendered":"Male infertility: why it is important to investigate the male factor"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When a couple is unable to conceive, attention is often focused on the woman. However, the reality is very different: <strong>male factors are involved in approximately 30 per cent of infertility cases.<\/strong> For this reason, in assisted reproduction, <a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/basic-fertility-study-what-tests-are-needed\/\"><strong>both partners should always be assessed<\/strong><\/a>. Understanding what is happening with the man makes it possible to identify any potential issues and find the most appropriate route to achieving pregnancy.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Tabla de contenidos<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #3f3f3f;color:#3f3f3f\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #3f3f3f;color:#3f3f3f\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/#How_is_male_fertility_studied\" >How is male fertility studied?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/#Semen_analysis_the_basic_test_for_assessing_semen_quality\" >Semen analysis: the basic test for assessing semen quality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/#Main_causes_of_male_infertility\" >Main causes of male infertility<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/#Genetic_abnormalities\" >Genetic abnormalities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/#Varicocele\" >Varicocele<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/#Cryptorchidism\" >Cryptorchidism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/#Orchitis\" >Orchitis<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/#Other_factors_affecting_male_fertility\" >Other factors affecting male fertility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/#The_role_of_men_in_fertility_a_key_factor\" >The role of men in fertility: a key factor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/#What_solutions_are_available\" >What solutions are available?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-why-it-is-important-to-investigate-the-male-factor\/#One_first_step_can_change_everything\" >One first step can change everything<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_male_fertility_studied\"><\/span><strong>How is male fertility studied?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>assessment of male fertility<\/strong> begins with a comprehensive medical history, during which various aspects relating to the patient\u2019s health and medical history are reviewed. Issues such as any illnesses the patient may have had during childhood, adolescence or adulthood, sexual development, previous surgeries and certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking, alcohol consumption or drug use, are assessed. However, the basic and fundamental test for assessing semen quality is the semen analysis.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Semen_analysis_the_basic_test_for_assessing_semen_quality\"><\/span><strong>Semen analysis: the basic test for assessing semen quality<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A semen analysis is a test used to assess the characteristics of semen and determine whether there are any abnormalities that may be hindering conception. In accordance with WHO criteria, this analysis primarily examines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Semen volume<\/li>\n<li>Sperm concentration<\/li>\n<li>Motility (ability to move)<\/li>\n<li>Morphology (shape of the sperm)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The results of the semen analysis help to identify potential problems related to male fertility. In this <a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/how-to-interpret-a-sperm-analysis\/\"><strong>blog post<\/strong><\/a>, we explain how to interpret the semen analysis.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Main_causes_of_male_infertility\"><\/span><strong>Main causes of male infertility<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Male infertility can have various causes. Some of the most common causes include genetic abnormalities, varicocele, cryptorchidism, orchitis and other medical factors.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Genetic_abnormalities\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Genetic abnormalities<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>They occur in approximately 10 per cent of the most severe cases. These include situations such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/azoospermia-and-assisted-reproduction\/\"><strong>Azoospermia<\/strong><\/a> (absence of sperm)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/how-to-interpret-a-sperm-analysis\/\"><strong>Cryptzoospermia<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/how-to-interpret-a-sperm-analysis\/\"><strong>Oligoasthenozoospermia<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In these cases, further investigations such as karyotyping or testing for Y-chromosome microdeletions may be necessary.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Varicocele\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Varicocele<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility. It involves dilation of the veins in the testicle and can affect sperm production due to an increase in testicular temperature. It affects approximately 10\u201315 per cent of men.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cryptorchidism\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Cryptorchidism<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cryptorchidism occurs when one or both testicles fail to descend properly into the scrotum. As they remain at a higher temperature than is ideal, this can affect sperm production.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Orchitis\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Orchitis<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicles that can have various causes, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Viral (such as mumps)<\/li>\n<li>Bacterial<\/li>\n<li>Immune-mediated<\/li>\n<li>Traumatic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_factors_affecting_male_fertility\"><\/span><strong>Other factors affecting male fertility<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>influence male fertility, such as hormonal disorders (for example, hypogonadism), testicular cancer and its treatments involving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and the use of anabolic steroids or certain medicines.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_role_of_men_in_fertility_a_key_factor\"><\/span><strong>The role of men in fertility: a key factor<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>We now know that fertility is a matter for both partners. Examining the male factor not only enables us to identify potential problems, but also points the way towards quicker and more effective solutions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_solutions_are_available\"><\/span><strong>What solutions are available?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Advances in assisted reproduction have led to the development of techniques capable of helping couples achieve pregnancy even in complex situations. One of the most widely used techniques is <a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/what-is-icsi\/\"><strong>ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)<\/strong><\/a>. This technique involves injecting a single sperm directly into the egg, which helps to overcome problems related to poor semen quality and increases the chances of fertilisation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"One_first_step_can_change_everything\"><\/span><strong>One first step can change everything<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019ve been trying to conceive for some time without success, looking into male factors could make all the difference. At URE Centro Gutenberg, we help you understand what\u2019s going on and what options are available to you. The first consultation is free (also available online) and could be the first step towards achieving your goal. <a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/request-your-appointment\/\"><strong>Book it here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When a couple is unable to conceive, attention is often focused on the woman. However, the reality is very different: male factors are involved in approximately 30 per cent of infertility cases. For this reason, in assisted reproduction, both partners should always be assessed. Understanding what is happening with the man makes it possible to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":38131,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[497,498,501],"tags":[529,541],"class_list":["post-41324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fertility-problems","category-frequently-asked-questions-fertility-and-assisted-reproduction","category-lifestyle-and-fertility-en","tag-causes-of-infertility","tag-infertility"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41324"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41324\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41327,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41324\/revisions\/41327"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}