Infertility is often unconsciously treated as a 'women's topic' — wrongly. In about half of the couples who do not conceive, the male factor plays a full or partial role. The good news: this is exactly where the past twenty years have brought enormous progress.
A semen analysis answers three questions: how many sperm cells are there (concentration), how well do they move (motility), and what do they look like (morphology)? The result determines which treatment makes sense. A journey with us starts from the tests you have already had at home; in Turkey the semen is analysed again on the day of the egg retrieval. That way the choice rests on current values rather than a result from months earlier — semen quality can change in the meantime.
With low concentration or motility, ICSI often already provides the solution: only one good sperm cell per egg is needed, and the embryologist selects it. Selection on DNA quality and maturity (Sperm Chip, SpermSlow) can be added. Which method is used when is explained on How we treat.
Sometimes no sperm cells are found in the semen at all. This can be caused by a blocked duct (obstructive) or reduced production (non-obstructive). In both cases, sperm cells can often still be retrieved surgically — from the epididymis (MESA/PESA) or directly from the testis (TESE/Micro-TESE). For many men who were told 'it's not possible', this turned out to be the road to a child of their own after all.
Sperm production takes about three months. That means changes made now only become visible in a few months — and that it pays to start early: stop smoking, limit alcohol, keep a healthy weight, and avoid overheating (sauna, laptop on your lap, tight clothing). No guarantees, but better starting conditions.
For many men this is a loaded subject. Know that the medical team discusses it every day, that the cause says nothing about you as a partner or father, and that with us you are always guided together — as a couple.
This guide is general information, not personal medical advice. Submit your file free of obligation — the medical team reviews it and you hear from us within 7 working days.