Basic Biology

Male Biology

For men, one of the most important aspects of fertility is the creation of normal, mature sperm.

Diagram of the male reproductive systemThe average man has about 70 million sperm in his ejaculate; a concentration of less than 20 million may impair fertility.1,2 Sperm are made in the leydig cells in a man's testes. They pass through the epididymis which stores and nourishes the sperm. The sperm then travel through the vas deferens and are stored in the seminal vesicles.

When a man ejaculates, sperm mixes with prostatic fluid to create semen. If a sperm is healthy and can travel through a woman's cervix and uterus and into her fallopian tubes, it may fertilize the egg.

Hormones' critical role

A man's reproductive system depends on hormones that stimulate and regulate sperm production. You may be surprised to learn that some of the same hormones that control a woman's reproductive cycle also control a man's reproductive system:

A delicate balance

Creating sperm is a complicated process. The body must generate hormones at the right time and in proper amounts for healthy sperm production to occur. Any disruption in this process can make it difficult to conceive. In addition, age and certain lifestyle choices, like smoking and excessive alcohol use, may also impact sperm production.

The male factor

When it comes to infertility, a male can be just as likely to be the source as the female.

In fact, roughly one third of the causes of infertility are due to male factors, and one third due to female factors. For the remaining third, the cause can be the result of problems in both partners or is unexplained.1

To receive a free copy of the In The Know: What No One Tells You About Male Fertility booklet, register now with Fertility LifeLines™. Current members can order a free copy by calling the hotline at 1-866-LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879). All calls are free and confidential. This 20-page booklet developed by Fertility LifeLines™, Men’s Health Network, and the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction provides an overview of male infertility, including biological and lifestyle factors. It also has tips on dealing with stress, ways to communicate with your partner or spouse, and a checklist of questions to ask your healthcare provider and insurance company.

Do you have male factor infertility?


Society Fot the Study of Male Reproduction

It may be encouraging to know that many cases of male infertility can be resolved either by treating the problem or using fertility treatments.

The Society for the Study of Male Reproduction’s (SSMR) works to improve quality of care for subfertile men by identify existing and emerging issues in the field of male infertility. The organization

encourages the study of male infertility and is a great resource for credible information, including: industry standards, guidelines, publications, conference reports, proposed policies, and treatment information.

For more information on how the SSMR can help you, including a searchable database of Urology doctors in your area, visit the SSMR online at www.ssmr.org

  • 1. Mayo Clinic.com. (2007). Infertility Causes. Retrieved April 28, 2009 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infertility/ds00310/dsection=causes.
  • 2. Sigman M., Jarow J. (2006). Male Infertility. In Wein A. J., Kavoussi L. R. et al. (Eds.), Campbell-Walsh Urology. (9th ed.) p. 618, 635-639. Philadelphia: Saunders.
  • 3. Frequently Asked Questions About Infertility page. American Society for Reproductive Medicine Web site. Available at: http://www.asrm.org/Patients/faqs.html. Accessed February 4, 2009.

A Male Biological Clock?

Men continue to produce sperm, no matter what their age. But age still impacts male fertility. Learn more.

Sperm matters

Learn more about male biology and fertility by reading "Infertility: The Male Factor".
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Personal Stories

Watch videos

Hear from others who have gone through what you and your partner may be experiencing.
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FIND A FERTILITY SPECIALIST

Enter your Zip code to find a fertility treatment specialist or fertility clinic in your area:

FIND A UROLOGIST

The Society for the Study of Male Reproduction (SSMR) can help you locate a urologist in your area.

Locate a Urologist

Important Safety Information:
Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) is indicated for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the oligo-anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Gonal-f® RFF Pen is also indicated for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program. Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) should only be prescribed by physicians specializing in fertility or reproductive health. Gonal-f® is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing mild to severe adverse reactions, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications, and multiple births. Gonal-f® is contraindicated in women who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to FSH preparations, primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction and pregnancy. Nursing women should not use Gonal-f®. Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, enlarged abdomen, and injection site disorders. For complete product details, see full prescribing information.

Important Safety Information:
Women: Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) is indicated for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Gonal-f® is also indicated for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program.
Men: Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) is indicated for the induction of spermatogenesis in men with primary and secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in whom the cause of infertility is not due to primary testicular failure. Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) should only be prescribed by physicians who are thoroughly familiar with infertility problems and their management. Gonal-f® is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications. Gonal-f® is contraindicated in women and men who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to recombinant FSH preparations or one of their excipients, high levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract and accessory organs, and an organic intracranial lesion such as a pituitary tumor; and in women who exhibit abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin, ovarian cyst or enlargement of undetermined origin and pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Gonal-f®. The most common side effects in patients using Gonal-f® include headache, ovarian cysts, nausea and upper respiratory infections in women and in men, acne, breast pain and growth, and fatigue. Injection site reactions were also reported. Reports of multiple births have been associated with Gonal-f® treatment. For complete product details, see the full prescribing information.

For complete product details, please read the Prescribing Information offered below.


© EMD Serono, Inc. CIM Last Update 2008-09-16
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