Men’s Health
Male Infertility and Reproductive Health
Having the chance to build a family is important. We offer advanced medical and surgical treatments for male infertility and reproductive disorders.
Medically reviewed by Marc Dall'Era, M.D. on Aug. 23, 2023.
Men's Infertility and Reproductive Health
At UC Davis Health, our men’s health care team includes specialists with expertise in male infertility evaluation and reproductive disorders. You’ll receive compassionate, individualized care and advanced treatment options.
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Our Difference
Male Infertility Expertise
Our infertility experts are highly trained in diagnosing and treating even the most complex conditions that cause male infertility.
Collaborative Approach
We partner with you to create a treatment plan suited to your unique needs and goals.
Focus on Research
Our clinical research helps develop new therapies and procedures that advance the field of male reproductive health.
Causes of Male Infertility?
Male infertility (the inability to make a female pregnant) is a common condition. In couples who can’t conceive naturally, male infertility is the reason more than 30% of the time.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
Chromosome Disorders
A disorder that affects your chromosomes can cause infertility. One example is Klinefelter Syndrome (KS). People with KS are born with an extra X chromosome.
Low Sperm Count
A low sperm count makes it more difficult for couples to conceive. A hormone imbalance, illness or certain lifestyle choices can contribute to a low sperm count.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation causes semen to flow into your bladder instead of exiting your penis. This prevents sperm from reaching an egg.
Swollen Veins (Varicoceles)
Varicoceles are swollen veins in your scrotum. They slow or block blood flow, causing your testicles to become too warm to produce sperm.
Risk Factors for Male Infertility
Several issues can increase your risk for infertility. These include:
Obesity
Obesity increases your chances of having a lower sperm count.
Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Anabolic steroids and similar performance-enhancing drugs can impact your body’s ability to produce sperm.
Physical Labor
Over time, heavy physical labor can contribute to a lower sperm count.
Substance Abuse
Alcohol abuse, drug use and smoking all contribute to infertility in men.
"What Is Male Infertility?" Urology Care Foundation, https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/m/male-infertility
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Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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