Male Fertility Care

If you’ve been trying to grow your family without success, it’s normal to feel frustrated or overwhelmed. You may be wondering what your options are. Infertility in men is common — and in many cases, treatable. At El Camino Health, you can find advanced male fertility care close to home in Northern California.

We take the time to understand what might be affecting your sperm health, hormone levels and overall reproductive function. Our urology specialists offer thorough fertility testing and treatment plans tailored to your goals. Together, we help you move from uncertainty to a clear, confident path forward.

Call 408-866-7331 to schedule a male fertility consultation.

What Is Male Infertility?

Male infertility occurs when a man’s reproductive health makes it difficult to achieve pregnancy. Most often, it involves sperm issues, such as abnormal shape or poor movement.

Sometimes, your body doesn’t produce enough sperm or any at all. In other cases, the body makes sperm, but something blocks its path through the reproductive tract. Hormone imbalances, past infections, structural concerns and genetic conditions can also interfere with fertility.

Symptoms and Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility symptoms usually aren’t obvious. Often, the first sign is difficulty conceiving. That said, some men notice physical or hormonal changes, such as:

• Changes in ejaculation
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Reduced facial or body hair
• Testicular pain, swelling or lumps

Testosterone deficiency and some urologic conditions may increase your risk of infertility. These include Peyronie’s disease and varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum).

When to Seek Care

Male factors contribute to infertility in up to half of cases. We typically recommend an evaluation if you have tried to conceive for 12 months without pregnancy (or six months if a partner is over 35).

You should schedule an appointment sooner if you:

• Experience erectile dysfunction or changes in sexual function
• Have a history of undescended testicles or testicular cancer
• Have a low sperm count
• Have had testicular injury, surgery or infection
• Have low testosterone

Male Fertility Doctors Near You

El Camino Health makes it easy to access expert male fertility care in the Greater Silicon Valley. Our men’s health and urology teams work closely to coordinate your evaluation and treatment.

Use our provider directory to connect with a urologist near you. Or ask your primary care provider about a referral for fertility testing or further evaluation.

Your First Male Fertility Clinic Visit

Your first appointment is all about you — your health history, your goals and any concerns you have about fertility. Many men feel unsure about what to expect, and that’s OK. Our goal is to answer questions and provide clarity.

Appointments are available at our urology locations near you.

Reviewing Your Medical History

You’ll have an open conversation with a urology specialist about your medical history. This information provides meaningful context and helps guide the next steps in your evaluation. Your provider may ask about:

• How long you’ve been trying to conceive
• Any prior pregnancies
• Lifestyle factors, such as exercise, diet, tobacco or alcohol use
• Medical conditions and past surgeries
• Medications, supplements or testosterone use
• Sexual function

Male Fertility Tests and Diagnosis

Your provider may recommend diagnostic testing to better understand what’s affecting your fertility. Not everyone needs every test. We take a step-by-step approach and focus only on the tests that make sense for you.

Physical Examination

A physical exam typically happens first. Your provider will check the testicles and surrounding areas for potential issues. These include lumps, swelling, pain or differences in testicle size.

Semen Analysis

After physical examination, you’ll likely have a semen analysis. This test provides detailed information about your sperm health, including:

• Sperm count
• Sperm movement (motility)
• Sperm shape (morphology)
• Semen volume
• pH level
• White blood cell levels

Abnormal findings don’t always mean infertility. Because sperm levels can vary, your provider may repeat the test to confirm results.

Hormone Levels

Hormones play a key role in sperm production. Blood testing can measure testosterone and other reproductive hormones.

Imaging Tests

If your provider suspects a structural concern, imaging may provide additional detail. A scrotal ultrasound can show varicoceles, blockages or other abnormalities. Transrectal ultrasounds examine the prostate and seminal vesicles (glands that produce semen). In more complex cases, you may need an MRI.

Genetic Tests

When sperm levels are very low or absent, genetic testing may help uncover possible inherited causes. We use the results to shape your treatment plan and determine whether assisted reproductive options could help.

Additional Tests

We offer other testing on a case-by-case basis, including:

• Anti-sperm antibody testing
• DNA fragmentation analysis
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening
• Testicular biopsy

Male Fertility and Age

Although men can produce sperm throughout their lives, fertility may decline with age. As you get older, changes in sperm quality and certain health conditions may affect your reproductive function. These include concerns related to your prostate health and pelvic health. Our team works across specialties to consider all the factors that influence fertility at every stage of life.

Your Personalized Fertility Treatment Plan

Your treatment plan depends on what we learn during your evaluation. Once we identify the underlying cause, we’ll recommend options tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Some men benefit from medication or lifestyle changes. Others may need surgical treatment or assisted reproductive techniques. We’ll walk you through the options, so you know what to expect and feel confident in your care decisions.

Medical Treatments for Male Infertility

In many cases, fertility issues can improve with nonsurgical treatments. We use these therapies to:

• Address hormone imbalances. Some medications stimulate the body’s natural hormone signals to increase sperm production.
• Support sperm health and function. Targeted therapies and select supplements may improve sperm count or overall semen quality.
• Treat infection. Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications can clear infections in the reproductive tract.

Surgical Male Infertility Treatments

When medication alone does not improve fertility — or when a structural issue is present — you may need surgical treatment. We perform procedures on an outpatient basis, usually through a small incision in the groin area. Your provider will only recommend surgery if it offers a clear benefit based on your diagnosis.

Varicocele Surgery

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within your scrotum that can affect sperm production and quality. Varicocele repair involves surgically closing off the swollen veins to improve blood flow and create a healthier environment for sperm development.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Sperm Extraction

For some men, assisted reproductive techniques provide the best opportunity to achieve pregnancy. If a semen analysis shows little to no sperm, your provider may recommend a procedure to retrieve sperm directly for in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, specialists combine sperm and egg in a laboratory to create an embryo. Then, they transfer the embryo to the uterus.

We offer two sperm extraction options: microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) and testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

Microscopic Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA)

MESA allows your surgeon to retrieve sperm from the epididymis, the small structure where sperm mature. Men who had a vasectomy many years earlier may choose this option instead of reversal. It can also help if a blockage prevents sperm from entering the semen.

Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

TESE involves collecting sperm directly from your testicle. Your surgeon removes a small sample of testicular tissue and examines it to find the best quality sperm for IVF. We may use this approach if your testicles aren’t able to make or release enough healthy sperm.

How to Improve Male Fertility

Healthy habits can support your overall reproductive health. While these practices don’t replace medical care, they may improve fertility and complement treatment:

• Choose supplements carefully. Nutrients such as zinc and folic acid may help, but many over-the-counter male fertility supplements and vitamins lack strong scientific evidence. Always talk to your provider before starting any supplement.
• Eat a balanced diet. Focus on fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
• Exercise regularly. Consistent exercise enhances hormone balance and blood circulation to reproductive organs. Avoid extreme training or anabolic steroid use, which can harm sperm production.
• Limit alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs. These substances negatively affect sperm quality.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can disrupt hormone levels.
• Reduce heat and toxin exposure. Frequent hot tub use, prolonged heat exposure and certain environmental chemicals may impair sperm health.

Support, Stress Reduction and Mental Health Care

Fertility challenges can affect more than your physical health. Many men experience frustration, anxiety or relationship strain while trying to conceive. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone.

Stress impacts your overall well-being, including hormone balance. That’s why protecting your emotional health is an important part of fertility care. As part of our whole-person approach, we connect you and your partner with a full range of mental health services for added support.