What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility refers to a man's inability to contribute to conception with a fertile female. Male infertility accounts for almost half of infertility cases. Addressing both male and female infertility simultaneously is crucial for modern infertility care, and at the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), about 20% of couples experience male factor infertility or a combination of male and female factors. Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David H. Barad lead CHR in providing comprehensive infertility care that effectively evaluates and treats both male and female infertility.
At CHR, we have the knowledge and experience to help at least 90% of men affected by male infertility become genetic fathers. We collaborate closely with prominent urologists for cases requiring specialized male infertility expertise. Additionally, our expertise in handling complex female infertility issues, such as premature ovarian aging and diminished ovarian reserve, makes CHR a comprehensive infertility center in New York, NY for both male and female infertility concerns. With modern treatment tools, the majority of men with infertility issues can achieve fatherhood, benefiting from CHR's integrated approach to fertility care.
What Causes Male Infertility?
Male infertility can be attributed to various factors that affect the quantity and/or quality of sperm. Some common causes include blockages in the sperm's exit route, retrograde ejaculation (where semen is ejaculated backward into the bladder), and low or absent sperm production in the testes. The most prevalent cause of male infertility is low sperm count known as oligospermia. This condition is diagnosed when sperm count falls below 20 million per milliliter of semen, compared to the normal range of 20 million to 120 million per milliliter. A complete lack of sperm, known as azoospermia, is less common, affecting less than 1% of the population. Low sperm count reduces the likelihood of sperm reaching and fertilizing an egg, leading to infertility.
Several factors contribute to low sperm count, including structural issues such as obstructions in the ejaculation tract, hormonal insufficiency, testicular injuries, and genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome. A varicocele, which is the dilation of veins in the scrotum, can also decrease sperm count by overheating the testicles and affecting sperm production. Other causes can include certain medications and lifestyle factors. In cases of azoospermia, families may assume that having a child is impossible. However, at the Center for Human Reproduction in New York, NY, treatments are available that allow small amounts of sperm to be harvested from the testes through microsurgeries performed by CHR's affiliate urologists. These advanced procedures enable azoospermic men to become fathers, providing hope for those previously diagnosed with this condition.
How Is Male Infertility Treated?
Treatment for male infertility varies greatly, depending on the severity of the sperm issue. For mild cases, artificial insemination, also known as intrauterine insemination (IUI), may be sufficient. During an IUI cycle, the semen sample is prepared and concentrated in the laboratory before being injected directly into the uterus, which can often overcome male infertility by increasing the concentration of sperm and delivering it closer to the egg. In more severe cases, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is often the best option. IVF for male infertility includes a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. For the most severe cases of male infertility, such as azoospermia (complete absence of sperm), our infertility specialists in New York, NY collaborate with highly specialized urology colleagues who perform procedures like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or testicular biopsy to retrieve sperm directly from the testes. These retrieved sperm can then be used in ICSI to fertilize the woman's eggs during an IVF cycle.
ICSI has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility, making it possible for many men with severe male factor infertility to become genetic fathers. While some urologists may recommend surgery to treat male infertility caused by structural problems, like varicoceles or a past vasectomy, these surgeries often have limited success in restoring natural fertility. Fertility specialists typically prioritize treatments that enable spontaneous conception over those that simply improve sperm quality. Therefore, IVF with ICSI remains a more reliable approach for achieving pregnancy in cases of severe male infertility.
Center For Human Reproduction Reviews
Dr Barad and his team have been super supportive and very friendly and professional at the same time. I would always recommend Center of human reproduction to anyone who wants to conceive. Let me tell you this flew all the way dallas to NY and it was worth it.
Unfortunately, I have had to deal with infertility for 7+ years and have been with 4 different clinics. CHR, Drs Barad and Gleicher, and the entire staff have been nothing short of kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and professional. This clinic is 2.5 hours from us, so it was a big decision to travel out of state for care; but I am so glad we made the decision. We’re still in the thick of it, but I feel comfortable and confident with my treatment plan.***update: I gave birth to two beautiful baby boys in January thanks to CHR. We almost lost hope on being able to grow our family and after one round of IVF with Dr Barad, I became pregnant with twins! We are forever grateful to the entire team for believing in us and not giving up on me or my body. 🙏🏻
When considering IVF, you want to be in the best hands — and that’s exactly what I found at CHR. Dr. Norbert Gleicher isn’t just one of the most respected fertility specialists in the world; he runs a private clinic that pairs world-class expertise with white-glove service. From the moment I walked in, I felt truly seen, heard, and cared for.My IVF journey at CHR was the most loving, intimate, and professional medical experience I’ve ever had. Every detail was handled with thoughtfulness and compassion. It wasn’t just a procedure — it was a deeply personal and empowering experience.I left CHR with more than just a successful outcome — I left with another family: my baby daughter and the incredible CHR team.I will forever be grateful for the care, expertise, and unwavering professionalism that guided me through every step. Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad are unique in their approach. They don’t follow marketing trends or standard protocols blindly. They bring their own evidence-based perspectives and truly understand what they’re doing — and why.
The best
Amazing customer service, IVF medical experts and kindness! Love every single employee of CHR!
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Why Choose CHR to Address Male Infertility?
Male infertility is a complex issue, but with specialized care and proper treatment, many men can achieve their dream of fatherhood. At the Center for Human Reproduction, Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad offer comprehensive treatment for both male and female infertility, recognizing that many couples face challenges on both sides. Our experienced team of infertility specialists is equipped to handle even the most severe cases of male infertility with a success rate of helping 90% of affected men become genetic fathers. With our specialized experience in addressing complex female infertility issues, CHR is your one-stop infertility center. If you or your partner are struggling with infertility, we encourage you to reach out to CHR today for a personalized consultation and take the first step toward building your family.