Hidden Causes of Male Infertility: What Semen Analysis Doesn’t Always Show
When a couple struggles to conceive, a semen analysis is usually one of the first tests doctors use to check for male factor infertility. This test assesses a variety of factors, including sperm count, how well sperm move, and whether they have a healthy shape. But even if all three measurements come back “normal,” that doesn’t always mean everything is working perfectly.
In fact, some men who have trouble conceiving have semen analysis results that appear within the normal range. That’s because a standard test can’t detect every issue that might make it harder for sperm to fertilize an egg.
Hidden Factors That Matter
A routine semen analysis doesn’t reveal whether sperm DNA is healthy. This is important because sperm must carry intact genetic material to the egg for a healthy embryo to form. If the DNA inside the sperm is damaged — a problem known as DNA fragmentation — it can affect fertilization and even lead to early pregnancy loss.
DNA fragmentation happens when the DNA strands inside sperm break apart. If too many breaks occur and the sperm can’t repair them, this damage can prevent the embryo from developing as it should.
Other hidden factors, like hormonal imbalances or undiagnosed infections, can also quietly impact fertility without changing basic semen test results. This is why, if a couple has unexplained fertility struggles despite a normal semen analysis, more advanced testing may be needed.
When to Consider Advanced Testing
If your semen analysis looks normal and your partner’s fertility tests are normal too, but you’re still not conceiving, it may be time to take a deeper look. A male fertility specialist can recommend advanced tests, such as sperm DNA fragmentation testing or hormone evaluations, to uncover issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Understanding what’s really going on can help guide the best next steps — whether that means lifestyle changes, medication, or advanced fertility treatments.
Find the Answers You Deserve
If you and your partner are still searching for answers, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team at Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists can help you look deeper, uncover hidden factors, and guide you toward the best next steps for growing your family. Schedule a consultationtoday and take the next step towards clarity.
