Male Infertility in Grand Rapids, Michigan

New life begins when an egg is fertilized by sperm. For a pregnancy to occur naturally, semen typically needs to contain at least about 20 million sperm per milliliter (mL), with enough movement (motility) and normal shape (morphology) to travel through the female reproductive tract and reach the fallopian tube, where fertilization happens. For a young, healthy, fertile couple, the chance of conception in any given month is about 25%.

If pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months of trying (or after 6 months if the woman is over 35), there may be a fertility problem, and it’s reasonable to seek evaluation. In Grand Rapids, men and couples can access fertility testing and treatment through major health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

How Common Is Male Infertility?

Approximately One in Six Couples Experience Fertility Difficulties

Around one in six couples will experience difficulty conceiving. In about:

  • One-third of cases, the fertility problem is mainly in the man
  • One-third, the problem is mainly in the woman
  • One-third, both partners have contributing factors

No clear cause is found in about one in 10 couples, even after thorough testing. This is called unexplained or idiopathic infertility.

How Sperm Are Made and Transported

Understanding how sperm are produced and travel can help explain many causes of male infertility:

  1. Sperm production (testicles)
    • Sperm are made in the testicles (testes).
  2. Maturation (epididymis)
    • Newly made sperm spend 2–10 days passing through a long, coiled tube called the epididymis, where they mature and gain the ability to swim.
  3. Transport (vas deferens)
    • Mature sperm exit into the vas deferens, a thicker tube that carries sperm toward the ejaculatory ducts.
  4. Mixing with seminal fluid
    • In the ejaculatory duct, sperm mix with seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland to form semen.
  5. Ejaculation (urethra)
    • During ejaculation, muscular contractions force semen into the urethra and out of the penis.

Any problem along this pathway—production, maturation, transport, or ejaculation—can lead to male infertility.

Major Causes of Male Infertility

The main causes of male infertility include:

  • Obstructions to the passage of sperm (blockages or missing tubes)
  • Problems with sperm (low count, poor movement, or abnormal shape)
  • Functional problems (erectile dysfunction or ejaculation disorders)
  • Hormonal problems (issues with hormone production or regulation)

Obstructions and Missing Tubes

Blockages or absence of tubes (including the vas deferens) account for around one in three cases of male infertility. These may be:

  • Congenital (present from birth)
  • Due to infection, surgery, or injury
  • Related to prior procedures such as vasectomy

When sperm cannot travel from the testicles to the urethra, semen may contain few or no sperm.

Problems with Sperm Production and Quality

Sperm problems are often related to genetics, testicular health, or environmental factors.

Genetic Factors

Tiny fragments of the male chromosome (Y chromosome microdeletions) may be missing in some men with sperm problems. This can cause:

  • Absent sperm (azoospermia)

    • The semen contains no sperm.
    • Causes include complete blockage of the tubes or testicles that are not producing sperm.

  • Low sperm count (oligospermia)

    • The semen has too few sperm to reliably achieve conception.

  • Abnormal sperm shape (morphology)

    • Healthy sperm are shaped like streamlined tadpoles.
    • Abnormally shaped sperm may have trouble penetrating the egg.

  • Poor sperm movement (motility)

    • Healthy sperm have a strong, lashing tail that helps them swim through the female reproductive system.
    • Poor motility means sperm swim weakly or not at all.

In Michigan, environmental exposures (chemicals, heat, some industrial settings) and lifestyle factors such as smoking, heavy alcohol use, and obesity can further reduce sperm quality.

Functional Problems: Erection and Ejaculation

Functional issues can interfere with sperm delivery even when sperm production is normal.

Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)

  • Inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
  • Can be linked to conditions common in West Michigan, such as:
    • Diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • Heart disease
    • Obesity
    • Smoking

Cold Grand Rapids winters can also indirectly affect erectile function if they worsen circulation or underlying cardiovascular issues.

Ejaculation Problems

  • Retrograde ejaculation – semen flows backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis.
  • Other ejaculation disorders can make it difficult or impossible to release semen normally.

Immune System (Antibodies)

  • Some men produce antisperm antibodies that:
    • Damage sperm
    • Reduce motility
    • Interfere with sperm binding to the egg

Hormonal Problems and Male Infertility

Male sex hormones are regulated by a chain of glands and hormones:

  • The hypothalamus in the brain signals the
  • Pituitary gland, which releases gonadotropins (LH and FSH) that
  • Stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone and sperm.

A relatively uncommon cause of male infertility is failure to make enough gonadotropins. This can result in:

  • Low testosterone
  • Poor or absent sperm production

Hormonal problems may be related to:

  • Pituitary disorders
  • Significant weight changes
  • Chronic illness
  • Use of anabolic steroids or certain medications

Diagnosing Male Infertility in Grand Rapids

Both partners are usually evaluated during an infertility workup. In Grand Rapids, this can be done through your primary care provider, a urologist, or a fertility specialist at local centers associated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

Common Tests for Men

  • Physical examination and medical history

    • Evaluation of testicles, penis, prostate, and overall health
    • Review of medications, lifestyle, and past infections or surgeries

  • Semen analysis

    • A semen sample is examined in a laboratory for:
      • Sperm count
      • Motility
      • Morphology (shape)
      • Volume and pH
      • Presence of antisperm antibodies

  • Blood tests

    • To assess hormone levels (testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin, thyroid hormones).

  • Ultrasound scans

    • Scrotal ultrasound to look for varicocele (enlarged veins), testicular masses, or structural issues.
    • Transrectal ultrasound if a blockage of the ejaculatory ducts is suspected.

  • Testicular biopsy

    • In selected cases, a small tissue sample is taken from the testicle to see if sperm are being produced.

Local labs and imaging centers across Kent County, including those connected to Grand Rapids’ major hospital systems, offer these tests.

Lifestyle Factors That Can Affect Male Fertility

To help improve fertility, men in Grand Rapids and across Michigan should avoid or reduce:

  • Cigarette smoking
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Recreational drugs (marijuana, cocaine, opioids, etc.)
  • Anabolic steroids (often used for bodybuilding or performance enhancement)
  • Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Heat stress from:
    • Tight-fitting underwear
    • Frequent hot tubs or saunas
    • Prolonged laptop use on the lap

Additional Michigan-specific considerations:

  • Weight and activity level – Cold winters can reduce outdoor activity, increasing the risk of weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, all of which can harm fertility.
  • Occupational exposures – Some West Michigan industries (manufacturing, automotive, agriculture) may involve heat, chemicals, or radiation that can affect sperm production; using proper protective equipment is important.

Can Sperm Quality Be Improved?

There are no guaranteed treatments that can dramatically change the fundamental quality of a man’s sperm. However:

  • Treating underlying conditions (varicocele, hormone imbalances, infections)
  • Stopping smoking, steroids, and recreational drugs
  • Limiting alcohol
  • Improving diet, exercise, and sleep

can sometimes improve sperm count, motility, and overall fertility potential.

Even when sperm quality remains low, modern assisted reproductive technologies (ART) can significantly increase the chances of conception using the sperm that are available.

Treatments for Male Infertility in Grand Rapids

Most couples with male factor infertility can be helped with one or more of the following:

  • Surgery
  • Hormone therapy
  • Artificial insemination (intrauterine insemination – IUI)
  • In-vitro fertilisation (IVF)
  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

These services are available through fertility clinics and reproductive endocrinology practices in the Grand Rapids area, often affiliated with major health systems.

Surgery for Male Infertility

Correcting Blocked Tubes

The tubes that transport sperm (such as the epididymis or vas deferens) can be blocked by:

  • Injury
  • Infection
  • Scar tissue
  • Prior surgeries, including vasectomy

In some cases, a urologist can surgically remove the blockage and repair the tubes, restoring the flow of sperm.

Varicocele Surgery

  • Varicocele is a swelling of veins inside the scrotum that can impair sperm production and quality.
  • Surgical repair (varicocelectomy) may improve sperm parameters in some men.

If Surgery Does Not Work: PESA

If the tubes cannot be repaired or sperm cannot reach the semen, a procedure called percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) may be used:

  • Performed under local anesthesia
  • A slender needle is inserted into the epididymis
  • Sperm are removed and either:
    • Used immediately for ICSI, or
    • Frozen for later use

PESA and related procedures are typically done in conjunction with IVF/ICSI at specialized fertility centers.

Hormone Therapy for Male Infertility

If infertility is caused by low gonadotropin levels or other hormonal imbalances:

  • Medications containing gonadotropins (FSH, hCG) may stimulate the testicles to produce more sperm.
  • Other hormone therapies may be used if there are issues with testosterone, thyroid, or prolactin.

Endocrinologists and reproductive specialists in Grand Rapids can evaluate hormone levels and recommend appropriate treatment.

Artificial Insemination (IUI) for Male Infertility

Artificial insemination, usually intrauterine insemination (IUI), involves:

  1. Collecting the man’s semen
  2. “Washing” and concentrating the sperm in a lab
  3. Placing the prepared sperm directly into the woman’s uterus through the cervix at the time of ovulation

IUI may be recommended when:

  • Sperm count is mildly to moderately low
  • There are ejaculation or erectile problems
  • Semen contains antisperm antibodies
  • The woman’s cervical mucus interferes with sperm movement

IUI is commonly offered at fertility clinics throughout West Michigan.

In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) for Male Infertility

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) can help when sperm count, motility, or other factors make natural conception unlikely.

Steps include:

  1. Sperm collection from the man
  2. Ovarian stimulation – the woman receives hormone injections to produce multiple mature eggs
  3. Egg retrieval – eggs are collected using a needle guided by ultrasound
  4. Fertilisation – eggs and sperm are placed together in a special incubator in the lab
  5. Embryo development – fertilized eggs develop into embryos over several days
  6. Embryo transfer – one or more embryos are placed into the woman’s uterus through a thin tube passed through the cervix

If there are too few sperm or sperm are very abnormal, standard IVF may not be enough, and ICSI may be used.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a specialized form of IVF used when:

  • Sperm count is very low
  • Sperm motility is very poor
  • Sperm shape is significantly abnormal
  • Previous IVF cycles have failed to fertilize eggs

With ICSI:

  • A single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg using a microscopic needle.
  • The fertilized eggs develop into embryos, which are then transferred into the uterus as in standard IVF.

ICSI allows many men with severe sperm problems to achieve pregnancy with their partner’s eggs.

Preventing Male Infertility: Practical Tips for Grand Rapids Men

While not all causes of male infertility can be prevented, you can lower your risk by:

  • Not smoking
  • Limiting alcohol and avoiding binge drinking
  • Avoiding recreational drugs
  • Avoiding anabolic steroids and unregulated supplements
  • Treating STIs promptly – testing is available through the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health clinics
  • Maintaining a healthy weight – especially important during long Michigan winters when activity levels may drop
  • Protecting the testicles from injury during sports or work
  • Avoiding excessive heat to the groin (hot tubs, saunas, tight underwear, prolonged laptop use on lap)
  • Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success:

  • Start with your primary care doctor or urologist in Grand Rapids.
  • Ask for a referral to a fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist) at:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health

You can also access information and support through:

  • Kent County Health Department – for STI testing, sexual health services, and community resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs – for education and referrals

Seek help if:

  • No pregnancy after 12 months of trying (6 months if the woman is over 35)
  • You have a history of undescended testicles, testicular injury, chemo/radiation, or genital surgery
  • You have erectile or ejaculation problems

Early evaluation and treatment can significantly improve your chances of building a family.

Key Points About Male Infertility

  • No cause is found in around one in 10 couples investigated for infertility.
  • Blockages or absence of tubes, including the vas deferens, cause about one in three cases of male infertility.
  • Many sperm problems (low count, poor motility, abnormal shape) are related to genetic factors, testicular health, or lifestyle.
  • Azoospermia means there are no sperm in the semen, often due to a blockage or failure of the testicles to produce sperm.
  • Even when sperm quality is poor, assisted reproductive technologies (IUI, IVF, ICSI) available in Grand Rapids can greatly improve the chance of conception.