Infertility Tests for Men

Written by Adejuwon Esther Oluwatomisin and Daniel Ifeoluwa (Health4ALL Content Writers)

 INFERTILITY  TESTS FOR MEN

Male fertility requires that the testicles produce enough healthy sperm, and that the sperm is ejaculated effectively into the vagina and travels to the egg. Tests for male infertility attempt to determine whether any of these processes are impaired.

Phsical exam including examination of your genitals.

Specific fertility tests may include:

•Semen analysis: Semen is generally obtained by masturbating or by interrupting intercourse and ejaculating your semen into a clean container. 

A lab analyzes your semen specimen. In some cases, urine may be tested for the presence of sperm.

•Hormone testing: Blood is taken to determine your level of testosterone and other male hormones in your body 

•Genetic testing: Genetic testing may be done to determine whether there's a genetic defect causing infertility.

•Testicular biopsy: In some  cases, a testicular biopsy is performed to identify abnormalities contributing to infertility or to retrieve sperm for assisted reproductive techniques, such as IVF.

•Imaging. In certain situations, imaging studies such as a brain MRI, transrectal or scrotal ultrasound, or a test of the vas deferens (vasography) may be performed.

Treatment for men

•Changing lifestyle factors: Improving lifestyle and certain behaviors can improve chances for pregnancy, including discontinuing select medications like Aldomet, and some caffeine, reducing or eliminating harmful substances, improving frequency and timing of intercourse, exercising regularly, and optimizing other factors that may otherwise impair fertility.

•Medications: Certain medications may improve sperm count and likelihood for achieving a successful pregnancy.

These medicines may increase testicular function, including sperm production and quality.

•Surgery: For some conditions, surgery may be able to reverse a sperm blockage and restore fertility. In other cases, surgically repairing a varicocele may improve overall chances for pregnancy.

•Sperm retrieval: These techniques obtain sperm when ejaculation is a problem or when no sperm are present in the ejaculated fluid. They may also be used in cases in which assisted reproductive techniques are planned and sperm counts are low or otherwise abnormal.

Coping and support

Coping with infertility can be extremely difficult because there are so many unknowns.

The journey can take an emotional toll on a couple. 

Taking these steps can help you cope:

•Be prepared: The uncertainty of infertility testing and treatments can be difficult and stressful. 

 •Set limits: Decide before starting treatment which procedures, and how many, are emotionally and financially acceptable for you and your partner.

•Fertility treatments may be expensive and often are not covered by insurance companies, and a successful pregnancy often depends on repeated attempts.

•Seek support: Locate support groups or counseling services for help before and after treatment to help endure the process and ease the grief should treatment fail.

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