Causes of low sperm count:
Problems with sperm production
Such problems can be genetic (for example Klinefelter’s syndrome) or based on a hormonal disorder
Testicular injury and disease
Injuries that affect the testicles may affect sperm production and cause low sperm count
Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies
Deficiency of some nutrients (for example Zinc, Selenium, vitamin C, etc.) may also lead to low sperm count
Overheating
Excessive heat from saunas, hot tubs, etc. may decrease sperm production and lower sperm count
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes may impair male fertility since it is known to reduce sperm count and sperm lifespan
Drugs
The use of cocaine and heavy marijuana is known to reduce sperm count by 50%
Excessive alcohol consumption
Alcohol is toxic to sperm and may reduce sperm count and quality
Prescribed medications
Many prescription medications are known to reduce sperm count and decrease fertility
Environmental toxins, radiation, and heavy metals
A number of environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins or chemicals, can reduce sperm count either by affecting testicular function directly or by affecting the hormone system
Obesity
Many studies find the association between low sperm count and obesity in men
Stress and excessive physical or mental exertion
These can cause some hormonal changes in the body that can affect sperm count and fertility
Varicocele
Varicocele causes veins in the scrotum to enlarge, decreasing sperm mobility and volume. 40% of men with male infertility issues have at least one Varicocele in their scrotum. It also lowers sperm quality, decreasing fertility.
Bicycling
Blood vessels and nerves may be damaged due to the pressure from the bike seat
Sperm Evaluation:
An integral part of the infertility evaluation of a couple is the examination of the male’s semen, or what is commonly referred to as semen analysis. A semen analysis is an accurate measurement of the number of sperm, their motility, and their normality. The information gained from this examination is probably the single most important test in the evaluation of the male partner.
A fresh semen sample (no more than a half hour old) is collected and then analyzed in a laboratory for a variety of different factors. In order for sperm to be able to fertilize an egg, it is necessary for seminal fluid to be of the correct consistency as well as for sperm to have maximum mobility and ideal morphology. If any of these factors are revealed to be less than perfect in a semen analysis, male fertility may be compromised. Male infertility testing is an important part of making an accurate infertility diagnosis.
Instructions for Collection:
-
Refrain from any ejaculation including masturbation for at least 3, but not more than 5 days.
-
The semen specimen should be collected by masturbation. Alternate methods are not recommended. Do not collect the specimen in a condom as these contain spermicidal agents that will alter the results of the analysis.
-
The specimen should be collected in a container provided by your doctor.
-
Bring the specimen to the laboratory within ½ hour after collection. Do not expose the specimen to extremes of temperature; either extreme (hot or cold) can affect the motility and viability of your sperm. If you are unable to deliver the specimen within ½ hour, a private room is available at the clinic for collection of the specimen.
-
Be certain that the specimen is labeled with your name and delivered directly to one of our staff members. Specimens received without proper labeling will not be accepted for processing.
Request an Appointment
FAQs
Many researchers believe environmental causes explain an ongoing decline in make infertility. Exposure to toxic substances can be harmful, as can exposure of the genitals to elevated temperatures (such as with hot baths, whirlpools or steam rooms), Also problematic is in-utero exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic form of estrogen, the female hormone. Finally, men facing the burden of a cancer diagnosis should be aware of the negative effects on fertility of medical treatments such as surgery or radiation.
Behavioral male factors
A higher risk of male infertility is tied to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, using alcohol or illicit drugs, and being overweight. Other behavioral factors are having certain past or present infections or taking medications for ulcers, psoriasis, depression or high blood pressure.
Get help with male factors
Infertility challenges are frustrating, but we can address all the factors associated with male infertility. Call us today at (602)765-2229 or email us at info@ivfphoenix.com to learn more and get tested. We’ll give you all the information and assistance you need to achieve your goal of starting a family or adding another child.
Infertility isn’t solely a women’s challenge. At IVF Phoenix ™ we want you to understand male infertility factors, which account for half of all cases, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Sperm disorders – the most common male infertility factor
Difficulties making healthy sperm can cause male infertility. There may be too few sperm or sperm may be immature, abnormally shaped or unable to swim. Several causes of sperm disorders are commonly reported in men who experience male infertility.
- Infections or inflammatory conditions such as having the mumps after puberty
- Hormone or pituitary gland irregularities
- Immune problems that generate antibodies against sperm
- Genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis
- Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
- Men who have had groin injuries or surgeries either as an adult, or when they were children
- Men who have taken anabolic steroids, most notably testosterone
Structural or inherited male factors can cause issues
Anything blocking the genital tract can hamper the flow of semen. Some items that our fertility specialists or urologists look for:
- A history of a sexually transmitted disease that causes infection or inflammation
- Scar tissue from surgery or twisted or swollen veins in the scrotum
- Liver or kidney disease
- Treatment for seizure disorders
- Any trauma to the testicles, or a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery
- A history of undescended testicles
- Medication history, most notably the use of testosterone
- Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative with a fertility disorder
- Certain medical conditions such as tumors or chronic illnesses such as sickle cell disease
However, nearly one-third of all infertility cases are related to male factors such as low sperm concentration, poor motility, and abnormal sperm shape. While some men require treatment for their infertility, there are a number of things you can do on a daily basis to boost your male fertility naturally.
Testimonials
The staff and Dr. Couvaras were so kind and understanding. They called me by name as soon as I walked in. Dr. Couvaras was incredibly knowledgeable and knew from the first visit what was going on and after tests came back he was 100% right. He was informative, personable and took care of my health needs as a priority. I never felt left on the back burner. Innovative for sure because now I have 3 amazing children!
Dr. Courvaras is the best there is in the infertility world!! Our first baby is here because of him and his team. Our baby is 17 and will be graduating from high school in less than a month!! We have never forgotten him and the gift he helped us have!!
This is hands down the BEST fertility clinic in all of Az. Dr. Couvaras and Rhoda are amazing!! Not only are they compassionate and helpful beyond expectations they really look at the whole body and systems and get to the root of the problem. If you are even thinking about fertility go see this place first!
My husband and I are so thankful for Dr. Couvaras and staff. We were struggling to have a family and stumbled across the IVF Phoenix website. We are from Canada and the staff was fantastic to deal with and very accommodating to work with. We always had support no matter what time of the day. We now have the most perfect beautiful little boy to complete our family!!! So grateful and blessed!!!
From the moment we met Dr. Couvaras, My husband and I felt totally comfortable, secure, and well informed. Additionally, the nurses and staff at IVF Phoenix provided prompt, efficient care with both expertise and patience. Whether ordering prescriptions, educating me on how to properly administer medications or explaining options and probable outcomes of specific treatment protocols, Dr. Couvaras, and his team were simply remarkable. I never felt alone, and appreciated the close guidance they provided throughout our entire treatment. I couldn’t be happier with the results! My husband and I are now 12 weeks pregnant, and are absolutely thrilled! I would recommend Ivf Phoenix to anyone who is interested in finding the cause of their infertility. We love and appreciate everyone at Ivf Phoenix, they are a 2nd family to us. We still can’t thank them enough for making our dreams come true!
IVF Bundled Packages
(Self Pay)
IVF WITH FRESH EMBRYO TRANSFER
$5800
Includes:
Excludes:
IVF WITH FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFER
$7250
Includes:
Excludes:
IVF WITH BIOPSY & FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFER
$9500
Includes:
Excludes:
* Once you have completed your consultation with one of our providers, we would be happy to customized a multi-cycle package for you if you are considering embryo banking.
Services
Confused about the next steps to successfully conceive and carrying to live birth?
Partner Insurance
Please note that the following listed insurance companies are those that we currently partner with. Please call your insurance provider and check to see if your treatment or procedure will be covered.
IVF Phoenix™ is proud to be a Center of Excellence with United Healthcare/Optum
Arizona Foundation (AZFMC)
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Aetna
Zelis
Humana
WebTPA
MultiPlan
Banner Aetna
Bright Health Care
GEHA
Gilsbar
Cigna
UHC All Savers
Medica & Mayo Medical Plan
Meritain
AmeriBen
Private Healthcare Systems
TRICARE
UMR
Liberty Healthshare