Male Infertility Treatment in London
Male factor infertility is common and can arise from a wide range of conditions, from a low sperm count or poor sperm motility to varicocele, hormonal problems, obstruction or problems with sperm production.
The good news is that many causes of male infertility can be investigated and treated. Even when sperm are not present in the ejaculate, there may still be options for retrieving sperm directly from the testicle or epididymis and using them with assisted reproductive treatment.
The approach of Dr Giulio Garaffa is to provide a clear diagnosis, explain the available options and develop a treatment plan around you and your partner’s fertility goals.
Diagnosis Process for the Treatment
Step 1-Your initial consultation
The first appointment is an opportunity to understand your fertility history in detail.
We will discuss:
- How long you have been trying to conceive
- Previous pregnancies or fertility treatments
- Previous illnesses, infections or operations
Step 2 – Understanding the cause
The aim of the investigation is not simply to identify that sperm are abnormal, but to understand why. Depending on your circumstances, investigations may include:
- Semen analysis: Semen analysis provides information about sperm concentration, motility, morphology and semen volume.
If the result is abnormal, repeat testing may be recommended because sperm production naturally varies over time.
Step 3 – Creating your treatment plan
Once the investigations are complete, we will explain the findings clearly and discuss the available options.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Step 4 – Treating a varicocele
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins around the testicle and is a potentially treatable cause of male infertility. Where treatment is appropriate, I perform microsurgical varicocele ligation, using
Step 5 – When sperm are not present in the ejaculate
If no sperm are found in the semen, this is known as azoospermia. Importantly, azoospermia does not necessarily mean that sperm .
Step 6 – Coordinating sperm retrieval with IVF and ICSI
When sperm retrieval is required, the timing of the procedure can be coordinated with your partner’s fertility treatment.
Step 7 – Follow-up and ongoing support
Male infertility treatment is not simply about performing a procedure. Follow-up is an important part of the journey.
Following treatment, we will assess your recovery and, where appropriate, repeat semen analysis or other investigations to determine whether there has been an improvement in sperm production or quality.
If surgical sperm retrieval has been performed, the fertility team will also advise you regarding the use and storage of retrieved sperm and the next steps in assisted reproduction.
Throughout the process, you will have a clear understanding of what has been found, what treatment is being recommended and why
A personalised approach to male infertility
Every man with infertility is different. The reconstruction surgery is the only thing which can be done.
Some patients may require only a small number of investigations before a straightforward treatment can be offered. Others may require more complex assessment and microsurgical treatment or sperm retrieval.
Dr Giulio Garaffa’s role is to guide you through this process, from the initial consultation and investigation to treatment and follow-up, while working closely with your partner’s fertility team when assisted reproduction is required.
If you have been diagnosed with a low sperm count, azoospermia, varicocele or another male fertility problem, a specialist assessment can help establish the cause and identify the treatment options available to you.