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The Forbury Clinic

Male Fertility Newcastle

When a couple is struggling to conceive, the male partner is involved as often as the female. Male fertility is frequently overlooked, yet many causes can be identified and improved. Consultant-led assessment provides clear answers and supportive guidance.

  • Supportive and discreet
    Seen by a consultant urologist
    Starts with simple assessment
    Treatment for many causes
    Self-referral welcome

Understanding men’s fertility

Difficulty conceiving affects around one in seven couples. In approximately half of these cases, a male factor plays a role, either as the primary cause or alongside female factors.

Assessment is usually straightforward and worthwhile. A simple semen analysis provides important information about sperm number, movement and shape. Consultation with a urologist can identify treatable causes such as a varicocele, hormonal imbalance or lifestyle factors.

An unexpected result is rarely the end of the road. Many causes of reduced fertility can be improved. Where natural conception remains difficult, options such as surgical sperm retrieval can support assisted conception techniques including IVF.

Care is delivered with discretion and without judgement. Where assisted conception is involved, care is coordinated with fertility specialists so both partners receive joined-up support.

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What can affect male fertility?

Knowing the factors

Several factors influence fertility and many can be assessed and optimised.

Sperm quality

The number, movement and shape of sperm and the integrity of their DNA all affect the likelihood of conception.

Varicocele

Enlarged veins within the scrotum are a common and treatable cause of reduced sperm quality.

Blockages and previous surgery

Blockages within the reproductive tract or a previous vasectomy can prevent sperm from reaching the ejaculate despite normal production.

Hormonal and lifestyle factors

Hormone levels, weight, smoking, alcohol intake and general health all influence fertility.

A difficult result is rarely the end of the road
Understandably, many men worry about what testing may reveal. Identifying a cause is often the first step towards improving it. Options may include treating a varicocele, correcting a blockage, optimising hormones or lifestyle or using surgical sperm retrieval to support IVF. Assessment opens up possibilities rather than closing them.

How we assess male fertility

Getting to the answer

Assessment is structured and proportionate.

Consultation and examination

A detailed history explores medical background, lifestyle factors and duration of fertility concerns. Examination may assess the testes and look for conditions such as varicocele.

Semen analysis

This foundational test measures sperm concentration, movement and morphology.

Hormone testing

Blood tests may assess testosterone and other hormones if indicated.

Advanced testing

Where needed, sperm DNA fragmentation testing or imaging can provide further insight. Not every patient requires every test. Investigation is tailored to your results and circumstances.

From investigation to treatment

Assessment usually begins with consultation, examination and semen analysis. These often explain a great deal.

Further testing is recommended only where necessary. Evaluation is guided by your findings rather than routine.

Treatment is matched to what is identified. A varicocele may be repaired. A blockage or previous vasectomy may be addressed surgically. Hormonal or lifestyle factors may be optimised. Where sperm are not present in the ejaculate, surgical retrieval can provide sperm for use in IVF.

Care continues within a coordinated pathway that aligns urological treatment with fertility clinic planning when required.

Our male fertility services

A range of services supports diagnosis and treatment.

Test

Semen analysis

The core test assessing sperm count, movement and morphology.

Advanced test

Sperm DNA fragmentation testing

A detailed assessment of sperm DNA integrity in selected cases.

Surgery

Varicocele repair

Surgical correction of enlarged scrotal veins where appropriate.

Surgery

Surgical sperm retrieval

Direct retrieval of sperm to support IVF where none are present in the ejaculate.

Contraception

Vasectomy reversal

Microsurgical restoration of fertility after vasectomy.

Why choose The Forbury Clinic for male fertility in Newcastle?

Why The Forbury Clinic
1

Straightforward starting point

A consultation and semen analysis provide clear initial insight.

2

Treatment for many causes

From varicocele repair to surgical correction of blockages, many causes can be addressed.

3

Routes to fatherhood

Where natural conception is difficult, options such as surgical sperm retrieval can support assisted conception.

4

Supportive and joined-up care

Discreet and respectful assessment, coordinated with fertility specialists where required.

Frequently asked questions

How common is male-factor infertility?

It is common. Around one in seven couples experiences difficulty conceiving and a male factor is involved in roughly half of cases.

What does assessment involve?

Typically a consultation, examination and semen analysis. Further tests may include hormone assessment, imaging or sperm DNA testing if indicated.

Can male fertility be improved?

Often yes. Many causes can be treated or optimised. Even where natural conception remains difficult, assisted reproductive techniques provide further options.

Do you work with fertility clinics?

Yes. Care is coordinated with fertility specialists so treatment plans are aligned.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can self-refer and arrange an appointment directly.

Reviewed by Mr Matthew B.K. Shaw
Mr Shaw qualified from Oriel College, University of Oxford in 1997 before developing an internationally recognised Urology practice in the North East of England.
Last reviewed: 21 Jul 2026.

Book your urology consultation today

Book an Appointment

Consultations are available to book online for patients with or without a GP referral. Our private specialists provide world-class care in a discrete environment.

  • Appointment
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  • Reception
    01189207055
  • Location

    The Beverley Hospital, The Edge, Fifth Ave, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0XA

Treatment suitability is determined following a consultation with our specialist, and individual results may vary. The information on this page is for general guidance and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
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