When you decide to try for a pregnancy, it is common to assume that everything will happen naturally and within a short time. But what happens when pregnancy takes longer than expected? This is when questions begin to arise: is everything fine?
Should we seek help? What factors might be influencing this
Fertility is a matter that concerns both partners. In fact, approximately 30% of cases of difficulty conceiving are related to female factors, another 30% to male factors, and around 30% to combined causes, while in about 10% of cases no clear origin is identified.
For this reason, when a couple consults due to difficulties in achieving pregnancy, evaluating male fertility also provides key information to better understand the situation and determine the next steps.
Semen analysis: the basic test to assess male fertility
One of the first tests performed to assess male fertility is semen analysis (also known as a spermiogram). This is an examination of a semen sample that allows the evaluation of sperm quality.
It is a simple and highly useful test. Based on its results, the medical team can identify whether there is any factor that may be hindering pregnancy and determine whether additional complementary tests are necessary.
Semen analysis evaluates different parameters, including:
- Volume: the amount of semen fluid in the ejaculate.
- Concentration: the number of sperm per milliliter.
- Motility: the ability of sperm to move properly.
- Morphology: the proportion of sperm with a normal shape.
Additionally, other aspects are assessed, such as pH, viscosity, liquefaction, sperm vitality, and the presence of other cells in the ejaculate.
Specialists interpret these results by comparing them with the reference values established by the World Health Organization. It is important to note that an altered value does not necessarily indicate infertility. Results may vary between samples from the same patient and must always be interpreted within the individual clinical context
What information this test can provide
A semen analysis cannot determine with absolute certainty whether a man is fertile, but it can provide important indications of potential reproductive difficulties.
For example, the test may detect alterations such as:
- Oligozoospermia: low sperm concentration.
- Asthenozoospermia: reduced sperm motility.
- Teratozoospermia: abnormal sperm morphology.
In some cases, these alterations may be associated with certain medical conditions, such as varicocele, infections, or inflammation of the reproductive system.
For this reason, semen analysis is often one of the first steps in the study of male fertility, as it helps guide diagnosis and determine whether further tests or treatments are needed.
Male age can also influence fertility
For many years, the impact of maternal age on fertility has been widely discussed. However, increasing scientific evidence shows that male age can also influence the chances of achieving pregnancy and having a baby.
Researchers from the Eugin Group analyzed more than 1,600 IVF cycles using donor eggs—where oocyte quality is more controlled—to study how paternal age may affect reproductive outcomes.
The results showed that when the father was over 45 years old, there was a higher risk of miscarriage and a lower probability of the pregnancy reaching term.
In the study, the miscarriage rate was approximately 10% higher in couples where the male partner was over 45, compared to younger men. Consequently, a lower likelihood of having a baby was also observed in this group.
This does not mean that men over 45 cannot have children. Many couples do succeed. However, it does indicate that male age is another factor that can influence reproductive outcomes, especially when attempting to conceive later in life.
A simple first step forward
If you are trying to have a child and pregnancy is taking longer than expected, evaluating both female and male factors from the beginning can help you better understand what is happening.
In many cases, a semen analysis can provide very valuable information to guide the process and help determine, together with the medical team, the most appropriate next steps.
Because when it comes to fertility, having the right information is the first step toward making decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
If you have any questions or would like to better understand your situation, you can schedule an initial medical consultation at Eugin. During this visit, our specialist team will assess your case in a personalized manner and request initial tests such as semen analysis to evaluate the male factor from the outset.
Taking this first step can help you obtain a clearer diagnosis and begin your journey toward pregnancy with the support of assisted reproduction specialists.
Reviewed by Dr. Rafael Lafuente Varea
