Need to Know About The Fertility Tests for Men

Fertility assessment has to be done for both partners when the couple has been experiencing difficulties in conceiving. However, most individuals erroneously believe that the problem is on the part of the woman. In an actual sense, male factors are contributing to almost half of all infertility cases. This is the reason why the first step towards the realization of reproductive health is male fertility testing. This blog will elaborate on major fertility tests in men, their composition, and their implications in diagnosing the cause of male infertility.

Why Should Men Get Tested?

Fertility in men mainly relies on the quantity and quality of sperm. Lifestyle, age, medical conditions, infections, or genetics may influence these factors. The silver lining is that the majority of the fertility problems in men are diagnosable and curable, particularly upon early detection.

Testing is of particular importance where:

• You have been attempting for 6 12 months without success
• Your partner has experienced numerous miscarriages
• You have undergone surgeries, trauma or infections around the genitals
• There are lifestyle risks such as smoking, alcohol, and exposure to heat. You also have risks to your immune system
• You have a low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or pain in the testicles

Standard Fertility Tests for Men

1. Semen Analysis (Sperm Test)

This is the most basic and crucial test to check the fertility of a male.

What it tests:

• Sperm concentration (number of sperm)
• Motility (the manner of movement of sperm)
• Morphology (shapes and structure of sperm)
• Semen quantity and quality
• The sample has white blood cells or infections

How it’s done:

The man gives a semen sample through masturbation at a clinic or home (within a limited time frame). The sample is put under a microscope.

Normal ranges:

• Volume: 1.5 mL and above
• Count: more than 15 million sperm/ml
• Motility: More than 40 per cent active
• Morphology: Normal-shaped sperm to a minimum of 4%

An unsuccessful outcome does not imply infertility, but directs subsequent testing and therapy.

2. Hormone Tests (Blood Work)

Testosterone, LH, FSH and prolactin are some of the hormones that affect the fertility of men.

What it reveals:

• Sperm production may be affected by low testosterone levels
• The sperm development is controlled by FSH and LH
• An increase in prolactin could indicate a pituitary problem

Imbalances of hormones may sometimes be treated using hormone therapy or medication.

3. Scrotal Ultrasound

This imaging examination tests the testicles and surrounding structures using sound waves.

The reason it is done:

• To screen for varicocele (enlarged veins that lower the quality of sperm)
• To reveal testicular cysts, tumours or blockages

It is not invasive and painless.

4. DNA Fragmentation Test

In some cases, sperm look normal and move normally, yet they do not fertilize. The DNA fragmentation test is used to determine the integrity of genetic material in sperm.

At the time when it is required:

• Repeated IVF/ IUI failure
• Repeated miscarriages
• Unexplained infertility

Increased DNA damage can influence the quality of the embryo and cause a failed pregnancy.

5. Genetic Testing

Genetic testing can assist in cases of extremely low sperm count or no sperm count. It searches for chromosomal abnormalities or microdeletions in the Y chromosome.

Useful in:

• No sperm (azoospermia)
• History of congenital disability or hereditary disease, History of congenital disabilities or hereditary conditions

6. Post-Ejaculation Urinalysis

This test can be taken to determine whether the sperm is flowing back into the bladder in case the semen contains no sperm (a condition called retrograde ejaculation).

Other Tests (Where Needed):

• Testicular biopsy: To establish the production of sperm at its origin
• Anti-sperm antibody test: Tests whether the body’s immune system is destroying its sperm

Conclusion

The male fertility tests are easy, instructive, and essential. In most situations, early diagnosis of the problem can be a sure way of successful treatment. Mannat fertility ensures that male fertility testing is comfortable, confidential and stress-free.