Male Infertility Tests

Male Infertility Tests

Diagnosing the cause of male infertility is a step-by-step process of discovery. At Ferty9, our experts use a series of tests to build a complete picture of your reproductive health. This guide will walk you through the tests we use, from the most basic to the most advanced, so you know exactly what to expect on your journey to parenthood.

Types of Male Fertility Tests 

Tests for male fertility generally fall into these categories:

• Semen and Sperm Analysis: To check the health and quantity of your sperm.
• Hormonal Tests: To check the hormone levels that control sperm production.
• Genetic Tests: To look for any underlying genetic causes.
• Imaging Tests: To get a clear picture of your reproductive organs.
• Specialized Procedures: To investigate further if needed.

Basic vs. Advanced Testing 

Every man’s journey starts with basic testing, primarily a semen analysis. This single test provides a wealth of information. Advanced tests are only recommended if the initial results suggest a deeper issue or if a specific problem is suspected.

Test Sequence and Order 

We always start with the most simple, non-invasive tests first. Your doctor will typically order a semen analysis and some basic blood tests. Based on these results, a logical path to more specialized testing will be planned, ensuring you only undergo the tests that are truly necessary.

Semen Analysis

This is the cornerstone of male fertility testing. It’s a simple, painless test that evaluates the health of your semen and the sperm within it.

Basic Semen Parameters

• Semen Volume: We measure the total amount of fluid you ejaculate.
• Sperm Concentration (Count): We count how many million sperm are in each millilitre of semen.
• Total Sperm Count: The total number of sperm in your entire sample.
• Sperm Motility: We check what percentage of your sperm are moving and how well they swim.
• Sperm Morphology (Shape): We look at the shape and structure of your sperm, as a normal shape is important for fertilization.
• pH Level: Checks the acid/alkaline balance of the semen.
• Liquefaction Time: We check how long it takes for the thick semen to become liquid.

Extended Semen Analysis 

If needed, we can look deeper into the semen fluid:

• White Blood Cell Count: High levels can indicate an infection.
• Red Blood Cell Presence: Can point to an infection or injury.
• Fructose Level: Fructose is a sugar that provides energy for sperm. Low levels might suggest a blockage.

Semen Collection Requirements

 For the most accurate results, please follow these guidelines:

• Abstinence Period: Avoid any sexual activity or ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before the test.
• Collection: The sample is collected in a sterile container provided by the lab.
• Time: The sample must be delivered to the lab for analysis within 60 minutes of collection.
• Repeat Testing: Because sperm counts can vary, we often recommend repeating the test after a few weeks to confirm the results.

Specialized Sperm Function Tests

These advanced tests look beyond the basic numbers to check how well your sperm can actually perform their job.

Advanced Sperm Analysis

• Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA): Uses a high-powered microscope and computer software to precisely track sperm movement.
• Sperm Vitality Testing: Determines what percentage of the non-moving sperm are alive versus dead.

Sperm DNA Tests

• DNA Fragmentation Index: This important test checks for damage in the DNA (genetic material) inside the sperm head. High levels of DNA damage can lead to failed fertilization or miscarriages.

Sperm Antibody Tests

• Anti-Sperm Antibodies: We check if your body is producing antibodies that mistakenly attack your own sperm, hindering their movement and function.

Hormonal Tests

Hormones are the chemical messengers that control your entire reproductive system. A simple blood test can tell us if a hormonal imbalance is affecting your fertility.

Primary Hormone Tests

• Testosterone: The main male sex hormone, essential for sperm production.
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): A hormone from the brain that tells the testicles to make sperm. High levels can mean the testicles aren’t working well.
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): A hormone from the brain that tells the testicles to make testosterone.
• Prolactin: High levels of this hormone can interfere with testosterone production.
• Estradiol (E2): A form of estrogen. High levels in men can suppress sperm production.

Secondary Hormone Tests

• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): To check for thyroid problems, which can affect fertility.

Genetic Tests

These blood tests are recommended if there is a suspicion of a genetic cause for infertility, such as a very low sperm count or no sperm at all.

Chromosomal Analysis

• Karyotype Analysis: This provides a picture of all your chromosomes to check for any major structural problems, like Klinefelter syndrome (having an extra X chromosome).

Y-Chromosome Tests

• Y-Chromosome Microdeletion: We check for tiny missing pieces on the Y-chromosome, which contains crucial genes for sperm production.

Specific Gene Tests

• CFTR Gene Mutation: Screens for the cystic fibrosis gene, which can cause the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) to be missing.

Imaging Tests

These tests use imaging technology to look for physical problems in your reproductive organs.

Scrotal Ultrasound 

This is a painless, non-invasive scan of the scrotum using sound waves. It helps us:

• Measure the size of your testicles.
• Detects varicocele (swollen veins), a common cause of infertility.
• Look for cysts, tumours, or other abnormalities.
• Check for blockages in the epididymis (the tube where sperm matures).
• Assess blood flow using a Doppler ultrasound.

Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) 

This ultrasound uses a small probe placed in the rectum to get a clear view of the prostate gland and the ejaculatory ducts, helping to identify any blockages.

Infection and Microbiological Tests

Infections can cause inflammation and blockages, so it’s important to rule them out.

• Semen Culture Your semen sample is tested in the lab to see if any harmful bacteria grow, which would indicate an infection.
• STI Testing We will screen for common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and others, as they can significantly impact fertility.

Specialized Function Tests

These tests are less common but can be useful in specific situations.

Oxidative Stress Tests: This test measures the balance between damaging free radicals (Reactive Oxygen Species or ROS) and protective antioxidants in your semen. High oxidative stress can damage sperm.

Advanced Diagnostic Procedures

These procedures are usually only considered if initial tests show no sperm in the ejaculate (azoospermia).

Testicular Biopsy: A minor surgical procedure where a tiny sample of tissue is taken directly from the testicle and examined under a microscope. This helps us determine if sperm is being produced at all. If healthy sperm is found, it can often be retrieved and used for IVF-ICSI.

Test Preparation Requirements

Following instructions carefully ensures your test results are accurate.

• Abstinence: Follow the 2-5 day rule for semen analysis.
• Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
• Fasting: Some hormone tests may require you to fast (no food or drink) for a few hours beforehand.
• Timing: Hormone levels are often highest in the morning, so blood tests are usually scheduled between 8-10 AM.

Factors Affecting Test Results

A single test result is just a snapshot in time. Many factors can influence it.

• Medical: A recent fever or illness can temporarily lower sperm counts.
• Lifestyle: High stress, poor sleep, and excessive exercise can all affect results.
• Environmental: Exposure to extreme heat can impact sperm production.

Test Result Interpretation

Our experts at Ferty9 will carefully review all your results and explain them to you in simple terms.

Normal Reference Values We compare your results against the standard reference values set by the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as age-adjusted ranges.

Abnormal Results Classification

• Oligozoospermia: Low sperm count.
• Asthenozoospermia: Poor sperm movement (motility).
• Teratozoospermia: A high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm.
• Azoospermia: The complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate.

Borderline Results If your results are on the borderline, don’t worry. We will often recommend a repeat test and will consider all factors of your health before making any conclusions.

Test Timing and Frequency

We follow a structured approach to testing to get answers efficiently.

• Initial Testing: Begins with semen analysis and basic hormone tests.
• Repeat Testing: Semen analysis is often repeated after 1-3 months to confirm findings.
• Follow-up Testing: Tests may be repeated after treatment to see how well it’s working.

Test Quality and Reliability

At Ferty9, we use only accredited laboratories that follow strict national and international standards. This ensures that your test results are accurate, reliable, and trustworthy, forming a solid foundation for your personalized treatment plan.