Newcastle Fertility Specialists : Dr Myvanwy McIlveen & Dr Robert Woolcott

Production problems

Problems in producing sperm can range from minor to complete absence of sperm. Most commonly they are due to a congenital decrease in the number of sperm producing cells. Problems can be caused by certain infections such as mumps and due to medical treatment for cancer such as radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.


Transport problems

Infection, trauma and congenital abnormalities are the most common causes of sperm transport problems. A number of organisms can affect the testis and collecting tubules, (called the epididymis) and cause a block in sperm transport. The most common injury is in fact purposeful, that is vasectomy, but situations and minds change and reversal of vasectomy is a common treatment.

A very important cause of sperm transport problems is that of congenital absence of the vas deferens. Men with this problem have an irreversible obstruction to the passage of sperm from the testis to the penis. Sperm aspiration and IVF can be used to achieve a pregnancy. The condition is caused by a genetic problem that is very closely related to the disease known as Cystic Fibrosis. Indeed, almost all men who have the disease Cystic Fibrosis have congenital absence of the vas deferens. The reverse is not true. That is, most men with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens do not have Cystic Fibrosis, but they almost always carry the abnormal genes associated with this disease. As such, when they achieve a pregnancy they have a higher chance than normal of having a baby with both disorders. Genetic testing and counseling are always offered.




Supply problems

This refers to sexual difficulties which limit the ability to place sperm in the vagina during sexual intercourse. Problems with penile erection and ejaculation fall into this category. Some of these problems are physical, caused by diseases, and others psychological. Medications such as Viagra will be of help with erection problems, but not for ejaculation difficulties. Specialized sexual therapy may, on occasions, be helpful.