Infertility is a common problem for people of all genders. Nine percent of men in the United States struggle with infertility when trying to grow their family.* Since infertility can be caused by both male and female factors, when a couple is struggling to conceive it is recommended that both men and women undergo fertility testing.
First Fertility offers fertility testing for men, which can include blood tests, semen analysis, imaging, and more.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can perform several functions in terms of fertility testing for men. Using blood tests, a fertility specialist can check a man’s hormone levels as well as perform genetic testing to determine if there may be a genetic component to their infertility.
Hormone testing will check testosterone and other hormone levels to determine if they fall within an acceptable range. If a man’s hormone levels are too high or too low, it can affect sperm production and the desire to have sex.
Genetic testing in men can identify potential genetic conditions that may affect a man’s ability to create sperm or produce healthy and functional sperm. Your fertility specialist may also analyze a man’s chromosomes to determine if any genetic material is missing or if there is extra, which can affect fertility.
Semen Analysis
An important part of fertility testing for men is a semen analysis. Men are asked to provide a sample of their semen, which will be reviewed in a lab in order to:
- Check for the presence of sperm and sperm count.
- Assess the shape of the sperm (morphology).
- Assess sperm activity/movement (motility).
The shape and movement of sperm can make a difference in a man’s fertility. Sperm that are not formed correctly or unable to move properly may mean that a man is less likely to find and fertilize an egg when engaging in intercourse.
Some men may also have less sperm in their semen. Fewer sperm in semen means that they may experience infertility. Sperm can be selected in a lab from a sperm sample to fertilize eggs using assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination.
Imaging Tests
After a physical exam and depending on a man’s medical or family history, a fertility specialist may recommend imaging tests, including an ultrasound of the scrotum. An ultrasound can assess the scrotum and the glands for potential problems or blockages.
A brain MRI may also be recommended to determine if there is anything abnormal about the pituitary gland that can affect sperm production.
Surgical Tests
In some cases, a fertility doctor may recommend a testicular biopsy. A small amount of tissue is taken and examined in a lab to determine if there may be a blockage that prevents semen from leaving the body.
This procedure can also be used to retrieve sperm for in-lab fertilization of an egg during the in vitro fertilization process if a man is unable to provide a sperm sample in a non-surgical way.
Schedule Male Fertility Testing
If you are struggling with infertility, schedule male fertility testing at a First Fertility clinic near you. Our fertility specialists will help determine the cause of your infertility and create a personalized treatment plan to grow your family. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
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