Female fertility factors are always the first things that come to mind for many couples in cases where conception is not achieved as expected. But male fertility issues are also a factor in almost 40-50% of cases where couples have a hard time conceiving. Modern medicine has developed advanced diagnostic tools that can precisely identify what’s affecting a man’s reproductive health. These tests are as easy as a simple semen analysis or complex genetic screenings, all of which give essential information about the possible male fertility problems.

Early diagnosis of fertility problems for males opens doors to treatments that have a higher likelihood of success, and thus, timely testing is one of the best actions you can take in case of male infertility problems.

When Should a Man Get Fertility Testing?

Timing plays a crucial role in addressing fertility problems for males. Couples under 35 years are advised to have testing after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse without conception, and those with a female partner who is older than 35 or above, should wait not more than six months because fertility decreases with age.

However, certain circumstances require you to undergo testing as soon as possible, irrespective of how long you have been trying to conceive. The signs of male fertility problems include:

  • Previous groin surgery, undescended testicles, or childhood mumps
  • Sex dysfunction or low libido
  • Testicular pain or swelling in the testicle
  • Chemotherapy or environmental toxins
  • Sexually transmitted infections history

These factors can significantly impact sperm production and quality.

The Male Fertility Diagnostic Process

Initial consultation and medical history

The diagnostic process of a fertility problem in males starts with a detailed consultation. Your specialist examines your full medical background, past diseases, surgery, medications, and other lifestyle-related changes like smoking and alcohol intake. Understanding these background factors helps identify potential causes before undergoing a physical examination.

Physical examination and risk assessment

The physical assessment examines testicular size, consistency, and position. Your doctor examines varicoceles, present in up to 40% of those with male fertility problems and evaluates secondary sexual characteristics to get information on hormones. This initial evaluation helps determine which specific tests will provide valuable diagnostic information.

Semen Analysis: The Basis of Male Fertility Testing

What is a semen analysis?

Semen analysis is the foundation of male infertility testing, which analyses a sample of the collected semen after 2-5 days of abstinence. Most specialists suggest two separate analyses to account for natural variation in sperm production and ensure reliable results. Three important semen parameters determine fertility potential. Those are:

  • Sperm count
    It measures the concentration of sperm cells per millilitre of semen. The normal value should be over 15 million sperm per millilitre, and low numbers than that are an indication of low fertility.
  • Sperm motility
    It measures the percentage of moving sperm and the quality of their movement. A minimum of 40% of the sperm are expected to be motile.
  • Sperm morphology
    It evaluates the shape and structure of sperm cells. Normal morphology must be more than 4% with strict criteria.

Preparation of a semen test

Preparing properly ensures accurate results. Do not consume alcohol or recreational drugs, and don’t take hot baths before the test. Also, report things like medications and recent illnesses to your clinic.

Hormonal Testing for Male Fertility

Hormonal analysis gives crucial insights into male problems with fertility.

  • Testosterone
    It is the primary male sex hormone that drives sperm development and sexual function. Low testosterone can be a sign of testicular issues, which occur in the form of low libido.
  • FSH and LH
    Higher Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) indicates testicular failure, and Luteinising hormone (LH) triggers the production of testosterone.
  • Prolactin
    It is another pituitary hormone. High levels inhibit the production of testosterone, leading to a decrease in sexual desire.

These imbalances indicate whether the testicles or the pituitary gland are the source of male fertility problems.

Advanced Male Fertility Testing

When standard testing doesn’t fully explain fertility problems in males, it is where advanced diagnostics provide deeper insights. Those advanced tests are:

  • DNA Fragmentation Test
    This test measures genetic damage in sperm cells that conventional methods cannot detect. High fragmentation is associated with low fertilisation and a high risk of miscarriage.
  • Male Microbiome Test
    This is another test that determines whether microorganisms are present in the semen, which might harm fertility.
  • FISH Test
    This test identifies the concentrations of sperm carrying chromosomal abnormalities, which may lead to recurrent miscarriage or IVF failure.

Conclusion

Fertility testing is the first key step in addressing male fertility problems effectively. From early semen analysis to advanced DNA fragmentation and genetic screening, all the tests provide valuable information that helps determine personalised treatment strategies. Knowing what these tests reveal helps make a wise decision during an emotionally challenging journey.

If you are looking for a professional clinic, reach out to The Male Fertility Clinic, which specialises in high-quality diagnostic services, cutting-edge testing technology, and senior specialists. The services are customised to determine the exact factors influencing your fertility and provide clarity and direction for overcoming your issues.