Male Infertility FAQs
How long does male infertility treatment take?
Timeframes vary depending on the approach:
Lifestyle changes and vitamin or antioxidant supplements can take 3–6 months (the time it takes to produce a new cohort of sperm)
Medical treatments (e.g. for hormone or infection issues) may also take several months
Surgical procedures and assisted reproductive techniques (IUI/IVF/ICSI) have more defined, shorter treatment windows
Your plan will be individualised based on the cause of infertility.
What are the costs and insurance options?
Costs depend on:
Investigations (such as semen analysis and blood tests)
Any surgery or procedures required
Whether ART (IUI/IVF/ICSI) is needed
Medicare and private health insurance may cover some elements. You’ll receive a detailed cost overview and guidance on how rebates apply.
Will lifestyle changes really help male fertility?
Yes, lifestyle changes can significantly impact sperm quality.
Helpful changes include:
Adopting a healthy, balanced diet (often Mediterranean-style)
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Stopping smoking and vaping
Avoiding cannabis and other recreational drugs
Reducing excessive alcohol intake
These changes support general health and can optimise the environment for sperm production.
Are there lifestyle changes that can increase our chances of conceiving?
Yes. Because sperm take around 3 months to fully develop, improvements need to be sustained for at least 12 weeks.
Recommendations often include:
Healthy diet and regular moderate exercise
Reducing caffeine, and avoiding smoking, vaping, alcohol and cannabis
Minimising heat to the testicles (avoid frequent saunas, hot tubs, placing laptops directly on the lap or wearing very tight underwear)
Considering a quality men’s fertility supplement if recommended by your specialist
How is male fertility assessed?
The main initial test is a semen analysis. This assesses:
Sperm count (number of sperm)
Motility (how well they move)
Morphology (shape and structure)
Semen volume and pH
Depending on results, further tests may include:
Hormone blood tests
Scrotal ultrasound to look for structural problems or varicoceles
Genetic testing, where appropriate
Dr Mackenzie-Proctor will explain your results and what they mean for your next steps.
