What is a MALE FERTILITY PACKAGE?

Infertility is a couple might be because of many different reasons; Male infertility is the cause in about 1/3rd of the cases. Thus it is advisable to go for a Male Fertility Test along with other tests to check for any medical issues that might be causing the problem. Our Male Fertility Panel includes tests like Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone, and Prolactin, all of which play a critical role in fertility.

About a third of all problems with fertility are due to male infertility issues. Often a man could be completely healthy but produces poor quality sperm. Some men may have more serious medical problems, such as low male sex hormones, or testosterone levels.

Semen analysis is the most important male infertility test, providing an accurate measurement of the number of sperm, their motility (ability to move), their morphology (size and shape), as well as the volume and consistency of the ejaculated sample.

The examination is best performed on a specimen less than two hours old and obtained by masturbation, with the entire amount ejaculated collected in a sterile container.

Standards vary from laboratory to laboratory, so it is best to have the analysis performed at the Hunter IVF andrology laboratory, where further tests are possible. If we find abnormalities, we often require repeat tests to assess the type and degree of the problem, and whether it is a persistent feature.

Many infertile couples have more than one cause of infertility, so it's likely you will both need to see a doctor. It might take a number of tests to determine the cause of infertility. In some cases, a cause is never identified.

Infertility tests can be expensive and might not be covered by insurance — find out what your medical plan covers ahead of time.
Diagnosing male infertility problems usually involves:

• General physical examination and medical history. This includes examining your genitals and asking questions about any inherited conditions, chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries, or surgeries that could affect fertility. Your doctor might also ask about your sexual habits and about your sexual development during puberty.
• Semen analysis. Semen samples can be obtained in a couple of different ways. You can provide a sample by masturbating and ejaculating into a special container at the doctor's office. Because of religious or cultural beliefs, some men prefer an alternative method of semen collection. In such cases, semen can be collected by using a special condom during intercourse.

Your semen is then sent to a laboratory to measure the number of sperm present and look for any abnormalities in the shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm. The lab will also check your semen for signs of problems such as infections.

Often sperm counts fluctuate significantly from one specimen to the next. In most cases, several semen analysis tests are done over a period of time to ensure accurate results. If your sperm analysis is normal, your doctor will likely recommend thorough testing of your female partner before conducting any more male infertility tests.