When pregnancy is delayed, attention often turns first to evaluating the wife, even though the male partner accounts for roughly half of all couple infertility cases. This guide explains, for couples in Saudi Arabia, when a man actually needs a fertility evaluation, what that workup involves, and the treatment options available, from the simplest to the most advanced.
What Does Andrology & Fertility Cover?
An andrology and fertility specialist (usually a urologist sub-specialized in andrology) treats male fertility problems such as low sperm count or poor motility, adult varicocele (a common and surgically treatable cause), blockage of the tubes that carry sperm, hormonal disorders affecting sperm production, as well as sexual function issues like erectile dysfunction, which can sometimes point to underlying heart disease or diabetes.
When Does a Man Actually Need a Fertility Evaluation?
- A full year of trying to conceive naturally without success (or 6 months if the wife is over 35)
- A history of inguinal hernia surgery, injury, or infection involving the testicle
- Noticeable swelling or pain in the scrotum (possible varicocele)
- A history of chemotherapy or radiation that may affect sperm production
What Does a Male Fertility Workup Involve?
According to ReproductiveFacts.org, published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, male infertility evaluation starts with a semen analysis measuring sperm count, motility, and shape - a simple, painless test. If the analysis shows a problem, additional tests follow, including hormone panels (testosterone, FSH, LH) and sometimes a testicular ultrasound to rule out a varicocele or mass; ASRM also notes that lifestyle factors such as smoking, heat exposure, and certain medications can meaningfully affect sperm quality and are worth addressing early. The full evaluation usually takes just a few weeks - far simpler than most men expect.
Treatment Options and Approximate Cost in SAR
- Surgical varicocele repair: typically SAR 12,000-22,000, and can noticeably improve sperm quality within 3-6 months
- Hormonal or medical therapy: a relatively lower monthly cost, but requires periodic follow-up over several months to assess response
- ICSI combined with an IVF cycle: typically totals SAR 20,000-30,000 per cycle, and is the preferred option when sperm count or motility is severely impaired
These figures are approximate and depend on the medical center and number of sessions required - the actual cost is only set after a full evaluation of both partners.
Where to Find an Andrology & Fertility Doctor in Saudi Arabia
Comprehensive fertility centers with a dedicated semen analysis lab, a sperm bank, and an embryology lab for ICSI procedures tend to concentrate in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, where the full treatment infrastructure is available from the first consultation through an advanced treatment cycle, without needing to move between multiple centers.
Does Insurance Cover Fertility Treatment?
Most insurers in Saudi Arabia cover basic diagnostic testing for delayed pregnancy (semen analysis and hormone panels), but coverage for assisted reproduction treatments like ICSI varies significantly between policies, and some exclude it entirely. Check your specific policy before starting any advanced treatment protocol.
Book Your Consultation
If more than a year has passed while trying to conceive without success, book an andrology and fertility consultation through Araby Clinic as a simple, low-cost first step toward finding the cause.
