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Fertility Glossary

Male-factor infertility

Difficulty conceiving caused wholly or partly by sperm.

Male fertility

Male-factor infertility means a sperm-related problem is contributing to the difficulty conceiving — low numbers, poor movement, abnormal shape, blockage or absence of sperm in the semen. It contributes in roughly half of couples and is often symptomless, which is why a semen analysis should be done early rather than after months of testing the female partner alone.

Also known as: male infertility, sperm problem, male factor

Sources

  • WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen

Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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