Male infertility Diagnostics
About infertilityPersonalised IVF and Egg donation Programs
View all ProgramsDespite the fact of having regular unprotected intercourse, if a couple in which the female partner is aged under 35 fails to conceive in 12 months (or after 6 months, if the woman is over 35) they are advised to undergo a detailed fertility screening to reveal causes that could be affecting their reproductive ability. Up to 50% of all episodes are related to male infertility factors.
The first step in the evaluation of male infertility is to obtain a thorough medical, reproductive and urological history. Then, to receive a thorough physical examination to evaluate the pelvic organs — the penis, testicles, prostate and scrotum. However, the cornerstone of the male infertility work-up is the semen analysis (to evaluate the sperm quantity and quality).
Additionally, other specific tests for male infertility diagnosis include:
- Post-ejaculatory urine sample (a post-ejaculatory urinalysis should be performed in a case having an ejaculate volume < 1.0 ml- to exclude retrograde ejaculation. It’s important to rule out an improper or incomplete collection or a very short abstinence interval).
- Blood tests to evaluate hormone levels (Testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), lutenizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and sex hormone-binding globulin).
- MAR test (Mixed Antiglobulin Reaction test is used to diagnose immunological infertility)
- Genetic tests to identify chromosomal defects (Y-chromosome microdeletions), genetic diseases (Klinefelter’s syndrome) or a number of other possible genetic mutations).
- DNA fragmentation (the damage of the sperm DNA, either during creation or maturation. Such sperm DNA damages are also associated with spontaneous miscarriage).
- Scrotal ultrasound (to identify most scrotal pathology: varicocle, spermatocele, absent vasa, epididymal induration and testicular masses).