In this write up, you will learn about 8 different ways male fertility test can be carried out. 

Infertility affects both male and female on the same scale, this we always make very clear in every of our write-up about male and female infertility. 

The inability to produce a child can be as a result of a problem affecting the reproductive health of either the male or female partner or even both at the same time. 

Therefore, it is pertinent to understand the necessary steps to take when it comes to fertility testing for both partners. This will help you to avoid playing the blame game, get to know the root cause on time and to take the necessary action fast. 

This article will be focusing on eight methods that can be used to check for fertility in men.

1. Home Male Fertility Test

This is the first helpful step to take in evaluating your sperm health. This method of testing relief you of providing sperm sample to your doctor, the kits are not expensive and they are easy to use. Also, you get to keep your fertility result outcome private to yourself. 

However, this mode of testing comes with its own limits too. For instance, sperm counts are not measured below certain levels for some kits, you do not get all the necessary information and analysis you need and the range of low to optimal sperm count differs per kit. 

Also, home test kits measure the sperm in your semen but will not analyze if the sperm are moving or not and some other important analysis.

2. Physical Examination for Male Fertility

This requires your doctor to check your penis, testicles, scrotum and prostate for any physical sign causing infertility. Things to look out for during a physical examination include;

• Size of the scrotum
• The temperature of the scrotum which is supposed to be cooler than the body temperature
• Presence of undescended testicles, neonatal or retractile testicle
• Abnormal testicular volume and mass
• Scrotal skin abnormalities
• Congestion of the epididymis that can lead to inflammation
• Varicocele or dilated veins
• Discharge of fluid from the penis as a result of infection.

3. Semen Analysis

This will require that you provide a semen sample for analysis. It is important to note that you might need to submit more than one sample as results may vary per specimen. 

Also, sample can be provided by ejaculating in a container or by using a special condom during sexual intercourse. Things to look out for during analysis of the semen specimen are; 

• Sign of infection 
• Volume of the semen
• Volume of sperm in the semen which should be at 15 million per millimeter of semen or above (range differs from lab to lab sometimes).
• Percentage of sperm alive
• Shape and physical appearance of the sperm cells (morphology)
• Movement of the sperm (motility)

4. Hormone Evaluation for Male Fertility

This method requires you to provide your blood sample to analyze for the three hormones responsible for sperm production. 

They include;

• Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH) is responsible for contributing to sperm production. A high level of FSH indicates that the testicles are not functioning well or are damaged and a low level indicates that sperm are not produced at all.
• Luteinizing Hormones (LH) binds the receptor in the Leyding cells to release testosterone for sperm production.
• Testosterone, which is necessary for sperm production, should be within the range of 300 to 1000 nanogram per deciliter. However, the testosterone levels decrease by an average of 1 percent every year once a man clocks 40 years old.

5. Imaging of the Reproductive Organ

This method makes use of high frequency sound wave to check for infection, cysts, tumours, collection of fluid inside the testicles and obstructions that can hinder male fertility. 

There are two imaging procedure that can be used;

• Scrotal Ultrasound which is done by using a handheld probe to sweep across the scrotum
• Transresctal Ultrasound which is done by inserting a lubricated wand into the rectum, the image gotten helps your doctor to check the prostate for any obstruction in the vas deferens.

6. Urinalysis for Male Fertility

What this method does is to check your urine sample for a condition called Normozoospermic Infertility which is a condition where the sperm themselves are infertile. 

In a situation where all other analysis done on your sperm comes out normal but getting your partner pregnant proves abortive, the urinalysis test gives more clarity as to why you are not getting your expected result.

7. Anti-sperm Antibodies Test

There are cases where the sperm cells are being destroyed by the body’s immune system. This could occur when the sperm cell are in contact with the body fluid which result from an injury, surgery or prostate gland infection. Therefore, when your sperm gets in contact with your body’s immune system, the body produces anti-sperm antibodies.

This analysis is done by checking your semen for antibodies that fight against your sperm by using a substance that binds to affected sperm only. The higher the sperm affected by antibodies, the lower your chance to impregnate your spouse.

8. Genetic Testing

This method of checking the sperm for fertility is more in depth as it measures the 648 RNA element of the sperm cell that are vital to male fertility. The higher the number RNA element missing the less the chances of a male to achieve conception the natural way.

In conclusion

One or more of the above analysis listed can be used to check your fertility health when in doubt. This will help you draw conclusions as to what the problem is and possible solutions are set in place to end your infertility challenge.

If you need help with your fertility as a man, click here to see a number of natural remedies for different cases of male infertility. 

Do not just read this, kindly share it with other men to benefit too. 

If you have any question, clarification or comment, kindly use the comment box below for that. We love to hear from you. Feel free to share your experience with infertility or any of the testing types mentioned above too.   

Stay healthy and never give up!

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