Andrology (male fertility)

What it covers

Male fertility care usually starts with a semen analysis. The UK fertility regulator, the HFEA, says “Tests will help pinpoint where the problem with the sperm lies.”

Where sperm cannot be found in the semen, it can be collected surgically by TESA or PESA (141 clinics name one or both) or by micro-TESE (35), and then used in ICSI.

When surgery is considered

The HFEA says “Your clinic may recommend surgery if:”

• “your semen analysis shows no sperm”
• “you have had a vasectomy and want to reverse the procedure”
• “you have had a failed vasectomy reversal, or have a blockage which cannot be overcome”
• “you have a very large collection of varicose veins around the vas deferens (a tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts).”

It is candid about limits: “Not everyone will benefit from surgery.” and “You should discuss the risks of surgery with your surgeon.” Whether it is appropriate in a particular case is a clinical decision for the treating doctor. This directory does not make that judgement.

Drug treatment for men

On hormones, the HFEA says “Some men have a low sperm count because the pituitary gland in the brain isn't producing enough gonadotrophins.” On supplements, it says “Supplements may help with some sperm problems but evidence is poor.”

What the regulator says about wider health

The HFEA adds a point about health beyond fertility: “Men who have fertility problems are also slightly more likely to develop testicular cancer, so it's very important you check your testicles regularly for lumps.”

Donor sperm, where a man's own cannot be used, is covered on the sperm donation page.

Each clinic below shows the level the national ART registry records for it, so you can see what else the clinic is registered to do. The level describes the clinic’s ART registration, not this procedure. Of the listings below, 42 are registered as Level 2, 7 as Level 1, and 15 have no level in the registry extract.