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Disease Atlas / Disease detail

Male infertility

This is an educational overview that concisely summarizes the causes, evaluation, management, and evidence of male infertility within the current scope of available data.

male infertility · infertility disorder of male reproductive system · male reproductive system infertility · male reproductive system infertility disorder

MONDO:0005372Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · 8453d91d281c

Disease category
Male infertility refers to a state of infertility in the male reproductive system where a man is unable to cause pregnancy, and is classified under the related category of reproductive system infertility in MONDO.
Core mechanism
Causes may include physical problems of the testes, obstruction of sperm transport pathways, hormonal issues, history of high fever or mumps, genetic factors, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors.
Main causes · Related factors
Male infertility can occur due to factors that affect the production, maturation, motility, ejaculation, or fertilization process of sperm.
Representative manifestations
Typically, pregnancy does not occur even after attempting conception without contraception for a certain period, and in many cases, men have no distinct subjective symptoms.
Individual variation
Individual differences may vary depending on age, past infections/high fever, testicular injury or surgery, exposure to drugs/toxic substances, lifestyle habits, comorbidities, and genetic factors.
Diagnosis
The natural course varies depending on the cause, ranging from temporary decreased sperm production to persistent disorders of sperm production or ejaculation.
Management
Diagnosis is conducted by combining medical history and physical examination, repeated semen analysis, and, if necessary, hormone tests, ultrasound, and genetic testing, based on the duration of attempts to conceive and fertility assessments of both partners.
Treatment/Research Status
Semen analysis results may vary depending on the timing of the test and collection conditions; therefore, causes or the possibility of pregnancy are not determined by a single result, and the evaluation of the female partner must also be considered.
Read Evidence
Management is carried out by identifying reversible factors and underlying diseases, treating corrigible causes, and reviewing assisted reproductive technologies to aid pregnancy if necessary.
Key Precautions
Treatment varies depending on the cause; whenever possible, medication or surgery is used, and if the cause is unidentified or treatment alone is insufficient, assisted reproductive technology is considered.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a Glance

Male infertility refers to a state of infertility in the male reproductive system where a man is unable to cause pregnancy, and is classified under the related category of reproductive system infertility in MONDO.

Typically, pregnancy does not occur even after attempting conception without contraception for a certain period, and in many cases, men have no distinct subjective symptoms.

How the disease works

Causes may include physical problems of the testes, obstruction of sperm transport pathways, hormonal issues, history of high fever or mumps, genetic factors, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors.

Male infertility can occur due to factors that affect the production, maturation, motility, ejaculation, or fertilization process of sperm.

Variations in presentation among individuals

Individual differences may vary depending on age, past infections/high fever, testicular injury or surgery, exposure to drugs/toxic substances, lifestyle habits, comorbidities, and genetic factors.

The broad framework of diagnosis and management

The natural course varies depending on the cause, ranging from temporary decreased sperm production to persistent disorders of sperm production or ejaculation.

Diagnosis is conducted by combining medical history and physical examination, repeated semen analysis, and, if necessary, hormone tests, ultrasound, and genetic testing, based on the duration of attempts to conceive and fertility assessments of both partners.

Current status of treatment

Semen analysis results may vary depending on the timing of the test and collection conditions; therefore, causes or the possibility of pregnancy are not determined by a single result, and the evaluation of the female partner must also be considered.

Management is carried out by identifying reversible factors and underlying diseases, treating corrigible causes, and reviewing assisted reproductive technologies to aid pregnancy if necessary.

Treatment varies depending on the cause; whenever possible, medication or surgery is used, and if the cause is unidentified or treatment alone is insufficient, assisted reproductive technology is considered.

How to read clinical trials

Clinical trial registration only indicates that a study has been planned and does not demonstrate efficacy, safety, approval, or standard of care; therefore, status, results, and participant criteria must be verified separately.

Points to verify during clinical consultations

In clinical practice, the duration and method of attempting pregnancy, history of testicular conditions/infections/surgery, medications and supplements, lifestyle/occupational exposures, semen analysis results, partner assessment, and desired family planning are verified.

Medical Guidance

This material is for educational purposes and is not intended as a guide for individual diagnosis or treatment. You should consult with medical professionals to make judgments regarding your individual situation.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.