Infertility affects a significant number of men, and diagnosing the underlying cause is the first step toward effective treatment. At Nexus Clinic, we specialize in comprehensive male infertility evaluations. Here’s an overview of the diagnostic steps you can expect.
Step 1: Physical Examination and Medical History
Your doctor will begin with a thorough physical examination and a review of your medical history. This step involves:
- Genital examination: Assessing the testicles and other reproductive organs. Learn more about our general health screenings for men.
- Medical history review: Discussing family history of infertility, chronic illnesses, injuries, or surgeries that may affect fertility. Read about our hormonal therapy for men.
- Puberty development: Understanding your sexual development during puberty.
This step helps identify any apparent physical or historical causes of infertility.
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Step 2: Sperm Analysis
Sperm analysis is a critical part of male infertility diagnosis. Here’s what it involves:
- Sample collection: You will provide a sperm sample, typically by masturbating into a specialized container at the clinic. If cultural or religious considerations prevent this, a specialized condom can be used during sexual activity to collect the sample.
- Laboratory analysis: Your sample is evaluated for:
- Sperm count.
- Morphology (shape).
- Motility (movement).
- Signs of infection.
Due to natural variation in sperm counts multiple tests over time may be required for accurate results. If the analysis is normal, your partner may be advised to undergo female fertility testing.
Step 3: Blood Tests for Hormonal Levels
Hormones play a vital role in sperm production. Blood tests can determine:
- Testosterone levels. Learn about our hormonal assessments.
- Other hormone levels that might impact fertility.
This helps detect imbalances or issues in other organ systems contributing to infertility.
Step 4: Urinalysis After Ejaculation
Urinalysis can identify retrograde ejaculation, a condition where sperm travels into the bladder instead of out through the penis. This test is typically done after ejaculation to confirm the presence of sperm in the urine.
Step 5: Genetic Testing
In cases of very low sperm count, genetic testing may reveal underlying causes. This involves:
- Y chromosome analysis: Identifying genetic anomalies. Learn more about genetic screenings for infertility.
- Congenital or hereditary syndrome screening: Checking for inherited conditions that may affect fertility.
Step 6: Testicular Biopsy
A testicular biopsy involves:
- Procedure: Inserting a needle into the testicle to retrieve tissue samples.
- Purpose: Determining if sperm production is expected. If normal, the issue may be related to sperm transport.
Step 7: Advanced Sperm Function Tests
In rare cases, additional tests are performed to evaluate:
- Sperm’s ability to attach to and penetrate the egg.
- Sperm survival post ejaculation.
These tests are not commonly used but can provide valuable insights in some instances.
Nexus Clinic Is Here for You!
Understanding the steps to diagnose male infertility is the first step toward finding the solution. Nexus Clinic offers comprehensive consultation and testing services tailored to your needs.
Take the first step today! Book your consultation and let our experienced team help you on your journey to parenthood.
