Out in the world, when a couple encounters Infertility issues, they usually try to find out if there is any issue with the woman. But statistics have proven that one-third of all problems with fertility are due to male infertility issues. Surprisingly, even healthy men can have poor-quality sperm. Others might have serious medical problems, such as low male sex hormones or testosterone levels.
Male Infertility Tests
General physical examination and medical history includes examining your genitals and asking questions about any inherited conditions, chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries, or surgeries that could affect fertility. Your doctor might also ask about your sexual habits and sexual development during puberty.
Semen Analysis Testing: Out of all the tests conducted on men – semen analysis is the primary one. The analysis includes examining the following:-
- Quantity of the number of sperm
- Motility – ability to move
- Morphology – size and shape
- Volume and consistency of the ejaculated sample.
- Sperm vitality can also be counted (the percentage of immobile sperm that are alive or dead) based on the effects of a dye on the sperm.
To conduct semen analysis, a fresh specimen that is collected within an hour old is collected. The sample is collected by masturbation, and the entire ejaculated semen is deposited in a sterile container. Our trained andrology technician at ZIVA Fertility center will assess the semen’s appearance, color, pH, and leucocyte presence.
Antibodies Tests – Binding Tests: The binding test will determine if the sperm has anti-sperm antibodies that may impede fertility. Upon observation, if sperm sticks to one another head-to-head, tail-to-tail, or in a mixed way, this is known as agglutination. Agglutination is a result of the antibodies in the sperm. This test is crucial if the couple is opting for an ART. Sperm penetration into the cervical mucus, and hence the success of ART, significantly reduces if more than half of the motile spermatozoa have antibodies.
Tunel Assay Test (Sperm DNA test): This test is also known as the ‘sperm DNA test, especially done to measure the population of sperm with fragmented DNA. Genetics has a negative impact on the success of your fertility treatment. Suppose the male has severe oligospermia (extremely low sperm numbers). In that case, you can still have them assessed using TUNEL, as we can adjust the machine settings to ensure that more sperm are analyzed than could ever be seen through a microscope.
TUNEL test is conducted on men under the following conditions:
- If leucocytes were detected in the semen analysis
- If the age is closer to 50
- If they medically have prostatitis or Type II diabetes,
- If they are exposed to workplace chemicals or extended increased heat.
- If the couple experienced recurrent miscarriages
- Fertilization results are not good
- If the embryo’s quality and embryo development are not up to the mark
- Long-term unexplained infertility,
- Multiple failed ART attempts.
- If the male has retrograde ejaculation
Scrotal ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves produce images inside your body. These ultrasound tests are beneficial to see if there is a varicocele or other problems in the testicles and supporting structures.
Transrectal ultrasound: As part of this diagnostic test, a small, lubricated wand is inserted into the rectum. This test checks the prostate and looks for blockages in the tubes that carry semen.
Hormone testing: Fertility hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and testicles play a key role. Any abnormalities in the hormonal systems contribute to infertility. Blood tests measure the level of testosterone and other hormones.
Post-ejaculation urinalysis: if there is any sperm in the urine, it indicates that the sperm travels backward into the bladder instead of out of your penis during ejaculation. This is a condition termed retrograde ejaculation.
Genetic tests: If the semen analysis shows a low sperm concentration, it could be a genetic issue. A blood test shows if there are subtle changes in the Y chromosome. In the case of various congenital or inherited syndromes, they are detected in the blood test.
Testicular biopsy: A sample is collected from the testicle with a needle. Upon analysis, if the results show that sperm production is normal, the problem is likely caused by a blockage or another problem with sperm transport.
We at ZIVA Fertility center conduct all types of latest and advanced male fertility tests. We not only diagnose the issue but also provide personalized and suitable solutions. Please reach out to us at +91-9100002737, +91-9392834024, Info@zivafertility.com, or visit our website https://zivafertility.com/ to know more about Male Fertility diagnosis and treatment.
