Problems conceiving are not just about women. Male infertility is behind 1 in 3 IVF cycles

For the first time, IVF clinics in Australia and New Zealand have reported data about the scale and range of male fertility problems in couples who have IVF. New data released by the Australia and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD) today reveal about one-third of all IVF cycles performed in 2020 included a diagnosis of male infertility.

Although most male fertility problems can’t be prevented, there are things men can do to improve sperm quality and the chance of natural conception.

What causes male infertility?

Most male infertility is due to the testes failing to make any or enough normal sperm to allow conception. A low sperm count, sperm not moving normally, or a high proportion of abnormally shaped sperm reduce capacity to fertilise eggs.