The problems in conceiving a child can be quite challenging for a couple. Starting from the societal pressure to your own wishes for having a child, there are many factors which come into play. Most of the time, fertility issues have been linked with women. On the other hand, it is important to emphasise on male fertility test as male fertility also plays a crucial role in pregnancy. Once you understand the significance of tests for fertility, you can take the necessary steps to address potential issues. Let us learn more about the importance of male fertility testing, when you need such tests and what to expect during the tests.
When Do You Need Fertility Tests?
Men are more likely to be apprehensive of a fertility test owing to social stigma. However, it is important to know that a fertility test for men is the only way to find out whether the male is responsible for failure to conceive a child. If you have tried multiple tests and did not find any convincing results, then it is time to go for a fertility test. The best time to go for a fertility test is when you have failed to conceive after a year of frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse.
You might also need earlier testing in certain cases. For example, patients with a history of sexually transmitted infections and chronic health conditions alongside hormonal imbalances can need a fertility test. On the other hand, conditions such as family history of genetic disorders, previous injuries to reproductive organs or surgeries and exposure to toxins also call for fertility tests.
Early testing for male fertility checks helps in identifying and addressing potential fertility issues immediately. It is also useful for alleviating concerns related to unwanted stress due to infertility.
Learn about the Most Common Male Fertility Test
The objective of fertility tests focuses on identifying and understanding the issues which lead to infertility. Doctors are likely to recommend a semen analysis first to identify the cause of infertility. It emphasises the evaluation of sperm health on different parameters. Semen tests could provide a clear impression of the potential reasons responsible for male infertility. The parameters involved in a seminal analysis include sperm count, semen volume, sperm morphology and sperm motility.
Each parameter in the male fertility test on the patient’s semen shows distinctive aspects of sperm health. For example, the sperm count helps in checking the number of sperm while semen volume indicates the volume of semen produced during ejaculation. On the other hand, sperm motility and sperm morphology are also prominent factors which determine the fertility rate of semen. Sperm motility indicates the percentage of sperm moving correctly, and sperm morphology evaluates the structure and shape of sperm.
Explore the Necessity of Advanced Tests for Checking Male Fertility
Sometimes, a semen test might not be enough to detect the cause of infertility. In such cases, your doctor might recommend a male fertility check with additional tests. The additional tests could include ultrasound techniques, hormone testing, genetic testing, post-ejaculation urinalysis, testicular biopsy and specialised sperm function tests. Each test serves as a viable tool for testing the extent of male fertility issues.
Hormone testing helps in measuring testosterone levels, LH and FSH levels and prolactin. An imbalance in the hormone levels could affect the production of sperm.
Genetic testing can help you identify any genetically inherited conditions that affect fertility. Identification of genetic causes of infertility can help in finding the best course of action for infertility treatment in males.
If the results of your semen analysis are inconclusive, then the doctors might recommend a testicular biopsy. The biopsy involves collection of a small sample of testicle tissue for evaluating sperm quality and production capability. You should remember that testicular biopsies are conducted by professional urologists and reproduction specialists.
Infertility in men could also be a result of abnormal movement of sperm. Doctors could recommend post-ejaculation urinalysis for measuring traces of sperm in urine. Such tests can help you find whether your sperm travels backwards into the bladder rather than flowing out of the penis.
The next popular test recommended for checking male fertility points at ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound examination of testicles and the prostate gland could help in identifying the structural anomalies responsible for infertility. For example, ultrasound can help in finding blockages in the reproductive tract or enlarged veins in the scrotum. Ultrasound imaging could provide credible information regarding the health of the male reproductive system.
Patients can also choose specialised fertility tests for men, which dive deeper into details about sperm function. The specialised tests help in finding the rate of survival of sperm after ejaculation and the capability of sperm to penetrate an egg.
Discover the Ideal Course of Treatment for Male Infertility
Once you are done with the fertility tests, you should consult with an experienced gynaecologist to find the ideal course of treatment. The gynaecologist would review your test results and your medical history alongside other aspects, such as age, before recommending suitable treatment options. Some of the common treatment options recommended for male infertility include changes in lifestyle, medications, surgery or assisted reproductive technologies. Here is an overview of the most successful treatment options for infertility in men.
Find Medicines that Could Make an Impact
If the results of hormone testing show any discrepancies, then you can rely on medications. For instance, hormone replacement therapy can be the ideal solution for restoring hormonal balance. On the other hand, antibiotics could help in treating certain infections that lead to infertility.
Change Your Lifestyle to Welcome Your First Child
Yes, you have read it right. The first step you should take after finding abnormal results in a male fertility test is to change your lifestyle. Subtle modifications in the way you go about your daily life could have a major impact on infertility treatment outcomes. For example, you should adopt a healthy diet and follow a routine for regular physical activity. Most important of all, you should cut back on your alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
Also Read: Is Infertility Curable in Today's Time?
Surgery Might be the Last Resort
You might have to opt for surgery as an effective tool for correction of anatomical problems that cause infertility. One such surgical procedure is varicocelectomy, which helps in removing or repairing the enlarged veins in the testicles.
Go for the Artificial Way with Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Assisted Reproductive Technologies or ART can help patients when natural conception is not successful. Some of the notable ART solutions include IVF, ICSI or IUI. Each procedure involves artificial insemination and fertilisation of eggs for conception.
Final Words
Male infertility is one of the major concerns in the healthcare industry today, with a consistently growing number of complaints. How do you plan to resolve such issues? The best course of action for resolving male infertility issues starts with a male fertility check and comprehensive diagnosis.
In-depth tests could help doctors identify the root cause of infertility in males and recommend the best treatment techniques. Therefore, you have to rely on credible diagnostic service providers such as Agilus to identify the actual problems responsible for infertility. Consult with a professional doctor and choose the best path to parenthood with proven treatment options right now.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
