Male infertility

Abstract

It is estimated that one in seven couples in the United Kingdom (UK) experience some difficulty conceiving at some point in their reproductive life. The true incidence of male infertility is unknown due to variability in the prevalence of infertility reported from different countries. A sub-optimal semen result has been reported in 30–50% of sub-fertile couples: which could be either low sperm count, poor sperm motility or sperm with abnormal size and shape (morphology). In more than 50% of cases of male infertility, the aetiology remains unknown and the infertility is classified as idiopathic. It is vital to establish the cause in order to streamline the investigation and management.