Male Infertility Test

In couples of reproductive age, around 40% of cases of infertility are the result of problems with a low sperm count or motility (swimming speed) of the sperm from the male. When a male infertility test is carried out, a sample of semen is examined to do a sperm count to assess how fertile the male is and the sperm will usually be examined under the microscope to establish the motility of the sperm.

When should you have an infertility test?

If a couple is within the normal age for reproduction and has been trying unsuccessfully for 12 months or more to conceive, then they may wish to take a fertility test. If you are having trouble conceiving, then the infertility test will help to establish if there is an underlying problem that is preventing you from conceiving successfully.  If a problem is identified, then depending upon the causes of the problem, steps may be able to be taken under medical supervision to help to address the causes of infertility.

Causes of male infertility

There are many different causes of male infertility. Among the main causes of male infertility are the following:

  • Idiopathic or abnormal sperm count
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Physical blockages of the vas Deferens preventing sperm from being ejaculated
  • Environmental factors (e.g. Smoking can reduce sperm count by 13-17%)
  • Genetic pre-disposition toward a low sperm count
  • Low fertility following a period of illness

What the male infertility test involves

In order to carry out a male infertility test, the first thing that needs to be done is the collection of samples of semen. Generally, a first sample will be collected and then a second will be taken three months after the first. The collection of two samples with an interval in between is done because of the time frame over which sperm is produced. If one sample was taken and then a second was taken several days later, the sample collected could contain two lots of sperm produced at the one time. This would skew the results, giving an inaccurate picture of the true level of fertility. In some men, the infertility may be present if the male has had one of the temporary conditions outlined above; in which case infertility may correct itself when the stresses on the body have been resolved.

Interpreting and understanding the results of the test

While it is possible to carry out a male infertility test in your own home, it is advisable to seek advice from a trained medical professional or specialist. A specialist will be able to examine the results of the test an draw a conclusion as to the next course of action for a couple if the results indicate male infertility.  As a guide however, it helps to know that there is a mean or average sperm count that indicates fertility. A fertile man has a sperm count greater than 20 million per ml and motility of greater than 50%. The male infertility test that is carried out at the direction of a medical professional will also look at sperm appearance and other factors such as the presence of white blood cells in the semen. Moderate infertility can occur if the sperm are slow moving, which tends to be a much simpler problem to resolve than the absence of sperm or a low sperm count.

The male infertility test is an effective way to establish the reasons why a couple may be having trouble conceiving. When the test is carried out it provides a medical specialist with the option of helping that couple to proceed with alternative means of conception and fulfil their dream of becoming parents.