Male Fertility Test
A couple is medically called infertile if they are unable to conceive after a year of regular and unprotected intercourse. Infertility or inability to have one’s own biological child is often dealt as primarily a Female problem. The very first thought that comes is to visit a gynaecologist as soon as possible. But studies show that four out of ten infertile couples tend to have male infertility as the primary cause.
Male infertility is the sole cause in about 40 percent of infertility cases, according to American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Diagnosing male infertility is the hardest challenge as infertile males usually don’t show any symptoms, unlike females that present with infertility because of abnormal menstrual history and other symptoms. Infertile males may have normal sexual life, thus until unless checked and examined male infertility cannot be detected.
Male Fertility test usually include a thorough medical examination to check growth of genitals (Tanner staging) and a semen analysis to determine the sperm count, sperm morphology and sperm movement. Hence it primarily focus on sperms to find out if they
- Are not fully grown (Immature)
- Have abnormal shape (Morphology)
- Do not move the right way (Asthenozoospermia)
- Are produced in very low numbers (Oligospermia)
- Are not produced at all (Azoospermia)
Primary Factors That Affect Male Fertility
For fertility we require a good number of sperms that are healthy, active and normal. Abnormalities like Pin head, Amorphous head, Deformities in tail or damage in sperm cells are few common reason for male infertility even if sperm count is sufficient.
Other factors that may affect male fertility include:
- Imbalance of Male fertility hormones can cause Low/ Nil sperm count.
- Chromosomal or genetic disorders that create deformities in sperms and affect sperm functions.
- Retrograde or backward movement of sperms.
- Obstruction in a man’s reproductive tract due to blockage or vasectomy leads to zero sperm count in ejaculate.
- Psychological, emotional or spinal conditions causing impotence and other sexual dysfunctions like Erectile Dysfunction, Early Ejaculation etc are also among main factors causing male infertility.
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation that disrupt sperm production and viability
To assess the cause following Male Fertility tests are conducted in a planned manner
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Medical history Assessment
The Doctor will take a detailed history like accidents, illnesses, surgeries or existing conditions, and discuss anything which will have occurred in the man’s medical record to find out the cause infertility. The doctor will also address other topics like lifestyle factors, including obesity.
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Semen Analysis
Semen analysis looks for both quality and quantity of sperms.A semen analysis will show the amount of semen the man actually produces as well as the count of sperms, sperm morphology, movement (motility) of sperms like Fast moving/ slow, RLP/ backward. In certain cases, more than one semen analysis may require to draw final conclusion.
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Genetic Testing
If the sperm concentration is extremely low in a semen analysis, it may actually indicate a genetic cause for infertility. This may be confirmed through genetic testing on the sperm samples.
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Fertility Hormones
Fertility hormones, including male hormone (Testosterone), are vital for sperm production and sexual development, so a blood test is usually conducted to examine hormone levels if sperm count is low or nil.
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Scrotal Ultrasound
If sperm count is nil, an ultrasound of the man’s scrotum can be done to test for testicle obstruction. A transrectal ultrasound closely looks at the vesicles and ejaculatory ducts that transfer semen.
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Post Ejaculatory Urinalysis
This analysis actually tests for the presence of sperm in a man’s urine, which further indicates retrograde ejaculation.Conducting a structured history taking and physical examination supported with the appropriate investigations in a step wise manner confirms the diagnosis of male infertility along with its cause. This makes the disease easy to treat .
When a man is diagnosed with male infertility, it may be devastating news for him, difficult to cope with and far-off to acceptance. In our society, for a man to be able to father a child is considered as indicator of his manhood. But in these modern times, we should try to stay away from such regressive ideas. Infertility, be it male or female, is a disease just as much as Diabetes and Hypertension are. Do not lose heart or curse yourself. Infertility can be cured with the right treatment, like any other disease. With the advancement of medical field, new technologies it’s not an impossible thing.
If you have any one of the above condition, you can contact our establishment which has the best specialist with 36 years experience for the treatment of male infertility. Book a consultation and give us a chance to make your dreams come true.