Sperm morphology is the semen analysis parameter that is the least understood among both couples and clinicians alike.  Today's blog is an attempt to shed some light on this facet of the semen analysis test that is too often the source of endless confusion and concern.

A recently published study has confirmed what the infertility community has become increasingly concerned about over the past few decades: that sperm counts appear to be progressively declining worldwide over the past 40 years.  Now that it has been determined that decreasing sperm counts is a real phenomenon, it is time to devote the resources into finding out why this is happening, if it can be corrected, and the potential impact that it may have on long-term male fertility and health.

Research into innovative cancer therapies continues to improve our rates of successful treatment as well as the quality of life of cancer survivors.  As our cancer treatments improve, more men with cancer have the ability to consider their future fertility options.  Unfortunately, having a malignancy and the therapies used to treat them can both reduce a man's fertility potential and also increase the rates of genetic sperm abnormalities as well.  This blog reviews two recent scientific articles which evaluated semen parameters and sperm aneuploidy rates from male testicular cancer and lymphoma survivors.

Despite an increasing recognition of infertility as a disease (and not a lifestyle choice) by leading health organizations, insurance coverage for infertility services is not mandated for most couples in the United States.  This blog explores current federal and individual state mandates for coverage of male infertility problems.

Like their female counterparts, many men are waiting longer to start a family, and the average age of men having their first child continues to rise.  This blog reviews some the questions surrounding whether older men have a decrease in fertility potential, as well as an increased risk of genetic and health problems in their offspring.

Exogenous androgens are increasing used by younger men who may be interested in having children.  This blog reviews why giving a man androgens like testosterone is typically very detrimental to sperm production and male fertility potential.

A new at-home semen analysis test is now available which has the accuracy and consistency of results compared to fertility-specific labs.  This is a great option for men who either live far away from any fertility-specific labs, or have trouble collecting specimens at a lab and do not live within 30 minutes of the facility.

50% of couples trying to conceive have male infertility issues contributing to the problem, but semen analysis testing is often skipped or delayed.  Read about why all men in infertile couples should have semen analysis testing at the start of the infertility evaluation process

The Zika virus is a rapidly emerging threat to reproductive health.  All pregnant women and couples trying to conceive should become educated on Zika prevention guidelines if they live in or travel to endemic Zika areas of the world.