Male Fertility Tests: Causes, Diagnosis, and Test Results

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), about 10-15% of couples in India face fertility issues due to male infertility. In case a couple is unable to conceive after more than a year of trying, fertility tests are required to determine the cause of the problem.

Male fertility tests can help diagnose problems and guide treatment plans. In this article, we will delve into what male fertility tests are, who needs to get them, and possible causes of fertility issues in men.

What are Male Fertility Tests?

A male fertility test helps determine male infertility and its causes. These could include abnormalities in sperm or sperm delivery, sperm count, and problems with the vas deferens, among others. The most common male fertility check is a semen analysis. Some standard fertility tests for men include:

1. Semen Analysis

This is the most common procedure for checking male fertility. In this test, medical professionals collect and analyse sperm under a microscope. The test can determine the sperm count, shape abnormalities, and mobility. Sperm count can fluctuate between samples. Usually, semen tests for males are conducted multiple times over a period of time for accuracy.

The average sperm count ranges between 20 to 150 million sperm per millilitre, and at least 60% of the sperm should have normal motility and shape. If the sperm count is found to be normal, medical professionals typically recommend thorough testing of the female partner before conducting any further male fertility tests.

Semen analyses can be conducted at a healthcare or testing facility or by using a male fertility test kit at home.

2. Scrotal Ultrasound

In a scrotal ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves are used to construct an image of the inside of the body. It can help medical professionals see problems related to the varicocele, testicles, or surrounding structures.

3. Hormone Testing

Hormones play a central role in male fertility and sperm production. Hormones produced by the pituitary gland, testicles, and hypothalamus aid male fertility, and any abnormalities can cause infertility. Blood tests can test testosterone levels, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, luteinising hormone (LH), and more.

4. Post-Ejaculation Urinalysis

Urinalysis can show signs of sperm in the urine. This indicates that sperm is travelling into the bladder instead, known as retrograde ejaculation. Urinalysis can also show signs of infection.

5. Genetic Tests

Genetic factors could also cause low sperm concentrations. Blood tests can reveal Y chromosome changes, indicating a genetic abnormality. When sperm concentration is deficient, there could be a genetic cause.

6. Testicular Biopsy

In a testicular biopsy, a small sample is removed from the testicles by a needle. It can reveal any blockages or other problems with sperm transport, especially if sperm count is average.

7. Specialised Sperm Function Tests

These tests are usually conducted to determine how well the sperm survives after ejaculation, how well it can penetrate the egg, and whether any problems are present when attaching to the egg. However, these tests are less common.

What Can Be Expected in Test Results?

Male fertility tests can determine the presence and causes of male infertility. This can help medical professionals plan a course of action regarding treatment. Abnormal test results, such as a lower-than-normal sperm count or abnormal shape or motility of sperm, can indicate infertility in men. The level of acidity or presence of white blood cells in semen can also affect fertility.

What Causes Male Infertility?

While the exact causes of male fertility are unknown, several factors can affect its onset:

1. Problems with Sperm

Problems with the sperm, including sperm count, shape, and motility, can cause infertility. Several factors may contribute to abnormalities in sperm, including medical conditions (like infection or cancer), overheating of testicles (from a varicose vein, varicocele, and working in hot environments), ejaculation disorders (such as blockages in ejaculation ducts), and hormonal imbalances (like hypogonadism which can lead to testosterone deficiencies).

2. Genetic Factors

Usually, men have an X and Y chromosome. Abnormalities, such as Klinefelter syndrome (where two X and one Y chromosomes are present), can cause the testicles to develop abnormally. This can cause low testosterone levels and little to no sperm count.

3. Lifestyle Factors

The smoking of tobacco leads to a reduction in sperm density and viability, reduced semen quality, and normal morphology. Malnutrition is also a leading cause- a well-balanced diet is necessary for a healthy male reproductive system.

Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, sufficient exercise, and avoiding smoking and drinking can help prevent infertility issues. Male fertility test costs vary according to the region and laboratory. To book a male fertility test, visit the Dr Lal PathLabs website today.