Testing for Men

Male infertility is a condition in which sperm is not able to reach or fertilize an egg during or after sexual intercourse. A man’s testicles are responsible for making and storing sperm. During sexual intercourse, the sperm combine with seminal fluid and are ejaculated through the penis into the female reproductive tract. Under normal conditions, the sperm will “swim” through the woman’s cervix and uterus, then into her fallopian tubes where the egg is located after ovulation. This is where fertilization occurs to develop into a pregnancy.

There are many reasons for male infertility, and they often go undetected until a couple begins to try for a baby.

How Is Male Fertility Evaluated?

The first step to treating male infertility is to diagnose the underlying causes. The Fertility Institute doctors begin standard male infertility tests by talking with a couple to review overall health and take a health history of each partner.

For men, the physician may conduct a physical exam during which any structural or physical obstructions can be discussed. The specialist will also ask about medications, sexual habits, exercise, and diet.

Semen Analysis Infertility Test

The most common fertility test for men is a semen analysis. This test uses an ejaculate sample to measure:

• Sperm count
• Sperm motility (movement)
• Morphology (size, shape)
• Quality (such as consistency, alkalinity or acidity)
• Volume
• Signs of white blood cells, which could signal an infection or an abnormality

To ensure a semen analysis is accurate, our fertility specialists will need to consider both temperature and timing. The closer the semen is to human body temperature and the sooner the semen analysis occurs, the more reliable the testing. For this reason, it is important to schedule an appointment with us before dropping off a semen analysis sample.

Other Male Fertility Tests

Other types of testing that our fertility specialist may request include:

• Blood test
• Urinalysis (urine test)
• Hormone evaluations
• Genetic testing, including PGT during IVF
• Imaging of the urinary and reproductive systems.
• Psychological assessment

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