Male fertility evaluation is a vital part of the journey to parenthood when a couple faces difficulties conceiving. Several tests provide detailed insights into sperm health, hormonal balance, and reproductive organ function, allowing doctors to diagnose problems and recommend effective treatments.
General Physical Examination
The fertility specialist starts with a physical exam to check the overall health of the male reproductive organs. This includes inspection and palpation of the testicles, scrotum, prostate, and penis. The doctor looks for conditions such as varicocele (enlarged veins), signs of infection, or congenital abnormalities that might impair fertility.
Semen Analysis
Semen analysis is the cornerstone of male fertility testing. It evaluates key aspects of sperm and seminal fluid, including:
- Sperm Count: Number of sperm in the ejaculate
- Motility: The ability of sperm to move properly towards the egg
- Morphology: Shape and structure of sperm
- Volume: Amount of semen produced
- pH: Acidity or alkalinity of the semen
This test helps assess a man’s fertility potential and identify issues like low sperm count (oligospermia), poor motility, or abnormal morphology.
Hormone Testing
Blood tests measure hormone levels affecting sperm production, including:
- Testosterone
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Prolactin
Abnormal hormone levels can indicate endocrine disorders like hypogonadism or pituitary gland problems which may be treated to improve fertility.
Testicular Biopsy
In cases where semen analysis shows no sperm (azoospermia), or results are inconclusive, a testicular biopsy may be recommended. This minor surgical procedure involves taking a small tissue sample from the testicle to examine sperm production directly. It helps diagnose whether sperm production is absent or if there is an obstruction in sperm transport.
Conclusion
A comprehensive male fertility assessment involves these key tests to thoroughly understand sperm health and reproductive function. Early and precise diagnosis enables personalized treatments, increasing the likelihood of conception.