Male Fertility Testing and Treatment
It is a common misconception that only women face issues with fertility. However, male infertility is not uncommon. Our compassionate staff of certified fertility specialists are committed to your comfort and informed peace of mind. If you think you may be facing male factor infertility, we can help you identify if there is an issue and recommend the best fertility treatment for your needs.
What is male factor infertility?
Male factor infertility is a broad term that refers to a number of different conditions that can reduce a man's fertility. These can be easily and painlessly identified with modern testing, which usually involves semen analysis and a thorough screening process. After identifying the cause of infertility, we will work with you to discuss the best treatment options, which can range from therapies that help boost sperm count to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Fertility testing can bring much-needed clarity to any potential fertility barriers—not to mention the peace-of-mind of knowing you are pursuing the right fertility treatment.
Good candidates for male fertility testing and treatment?
Men who suspect they are facing issues with infertility—due to an inability to conceive, impaired sexual function, or other conditions—may want to undergo male fertility testing and/or treatment. Common causes of male infertility are:
- Sperm that cannot detect an egg
- Low sperm count
- Sperm that are unable to swim straight or fast
- Impaired sexual function
- Sperm that locate an egg but cannot fertilize it
- Signs of a hormone disease
Semen Analysis
Routine semen analysis involves the evaluation of semen parameters according to the World Health Organisation guidelines. Semen analysis is a diagnostic tool which allows insight into the male's fertility status by providing information on how much sperm a patient has, how well the sperm swim, the sperm shape (morphology) and other macroscopic and microscopic evaluations. The patient is required to abstain from sexual intimacy for 2 - 7 days and produce a semen sample via masturbation. Semen analysis is also used as a confirmation tool regarding the success of a vasectomy.
Testicular biopsy
This procedure is performed in the absence of sperm in an ejaculate. This can be due to inadequate hormone production or obstruction due to infection, absence of the vas deferens or vasectomy. Testicular biopsy is a test whereby small samples of tissue is removed from the testis. This tissue is examined under the microscope for the presence of sperm. This procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia. It is also performed to confirm the presence of sperm in the testis which may not be ejaculated due to an obstruction e.g. vasectomy.
Both diagnostic methods and treatment techniques have come a long way in recent years, making it much easier to navigate any fertility barriers.
Do I need to see a urologist?
Not necessarily. After your consultation, your fertility specialist will advise if you need to see a urologist for any specific circumstances. Male factor infertility is best evaluated and treated by seeing a fertility specialist and having the appropriate male fertility tests run.