Ask the Pros: Male Factor Infertility with Dr. Alexa
Infertility is often treated as only a women's health issue — but this leaves out nearly half the picture. According to Dr. Shannon Alexa, a fertility specialist at Main Line Fertility, male factor infertility plays a role in 40% to 50% of all infertility cases. It's a statistic that surprises a lot of people, and it's exactly why Dr. Alexa sat down with 6ABC's Alicia Vitarelli to help shift the conversation.
What Does Male Factor Infertility Actually Look Like?
Most male fertility challenges come down to the sperm itself — specifically its count, motility (how well it moves), and morphology (its shape and structure). Sperm that don't move normally or are irregularly shaped are less likely to successfully fertilize an egg. Physical factors like blockages in the reproductive tract or varicoceles — enlarged veins in the scrotum — can also interfere with fertility.
The good news is that testing is simple and noninvasive. A semen analysis can measure sperm count and identify where someone falls on the spectrum, from a normal range of 15 to 200 million sperm per milliliter all the way to azoospermia, which is a complete absence of sperm. From there, a treatment plan can be tailored to the diagnosis.
Why Does Male Infertility Go Unaddressed for So Long?
A few things tend to get in the way. Men are often less likely to talk openly about fertility struggles, and even when a male partner carries the diagnosis, it's frequently the female partner who undergoes treatment. Dr. Alexa puts it plainly: "When a couple comes to us, we want both partners evaluated from the start. Getting that full picture early means we can find the right path forward together — not just treat one half of the equation."
Lifestyle also plays a bigger role than many people realize. Obesity, stress, alcohol, and exposure to environmental toxins can all affect sperm health. Dr. Alexa also flagged a growing concern around testosterone supplements, which can actually shut down the body's own sperm production — sometimes for an extended period after someone stops taking them.
Treatment Options and Next Steps
Depending on what's found, treatment can range from lifestyle changes to medical interventions like IUI, IVF with ICSI, or surgery.
Fertility is a shared journey, and it starts with asking the right questions. If you or your partner are wondering whether male factor infertility could be part of your story, the team at Main Line Fertility is here to help. Schedule a consultation today.