The importance of the seminal factor in fertility treatments

The Role of the Seminal Factor in Fertility Treatments

Did you know that the chance of achieving a natural pregnancy each month is only about 23%? This is known as the fecundability rate, and it decreases over time. After a year of trying without success, that probability drops to around 3%, and it continues to decline with each passing year.

Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. While many think of infertility as primarily a female issue, the seminal factor in fertility treatments is a major consideration. Male infertility is involved in 40% to 50% of infertility cases—whether as a sole cause or in combination with a female factor.

Evaluating the Male Partner: Understanding the Seminal Factor

At fertility clinics like URE Centro Gutenberg, it’s essential to evaluate both partners. The male evaluation includes a thorough medical history—childhood conditions, genetic background, occupational exposure, lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs), and any medications.

A physical exam focuses on male sexual characteristics, including fat distribution, muscle mass, body hair, and the appearance of external genitalia.

Semen Analysis: The Cornerstone of Male Fertility Diagnosis

The primary tool for assessing the seminal factor is the semen analysis (seminogram), which evaluates:

Macroscopic features: Volume, appearance, color, pH, and smell
Microscopic features: Sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology

Because semen parameters can vary in the same man at different times, at least two semen analyses are recommended before confirming a diagnosis or suggesting a treatment.

Additional Male Fertility Tests

Depending on each case, additional tests may include:

Hormonal evaluations
Karyotyping and genetic testing (such as DNA fragmentation or FISH)
Scrotal and transrectal ultrasounds
Sperm culture for infection detection
Advanced sperm selection techniques like MACS for DNA fragmentation issues

Treatments are always personalized. In many cases, especially when semen parameters are altered, the underlying cause remains unknown. The decision to proceed with treatments such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) will also depend on the woman’s age and the duration of infertility.

Does Male Age Affect Fertility?

Yes—although male fertility declines later than in women, age still matters. After age 45, sperm motility and count tend to decrease, and by 60, testicular volume may shrink. Moreover, advanced paternal age has been associated with increased risks of conditions in offspring such as:

Schizophrenia and autism (especially beyond age 55)
Monogenic diseases like achondroplasia, Apert syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, and Crouzon syndrome
Chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome

Infertility Is a Shared Challenge

It’s vital to understand that fertility is a shared responsibility. In couples struggling to conceive, the seminal factor in fertility treatments deserves equal attention as the female side. At URE Centro Gutenberg, we are committed to a holistic diagnostic and therapeutic approach, treating the couple as a single unit—not as separate individuals.

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, or suspect you or your partner may have fertility issues, don’t wait any longer. Book your appointment online or call us at +34 952 122 565. We’re here to help.