Point Cook Male Infertility Testing
Why Male Fertility Assessment Is Important
Male Infertility: What You Need to Know
Male fertility is a factor that is often overlooked. In many cases, there may be no noticeable signs of male fertility concerns beyond difficulty conceiving, meaning the issue may go undetected until a couple begins trying to start a family.
Male infertility is often associated with lower sperm counts or reduced sperm motility. While this does not necessarily mean that conception is not possible, it may contribute to delays in achieving pregnancy.
What May Cause Male Infertility
Male infertility is frequently linked to low sperm counts, with causes that may differ from one person to the next. For some, a genetic factor may be involved, whilst for others, the condition may develop after a trauma or infection in the testes or prostate.
Maldescended testes and hernia surgery are also linked to low sperm counts. In addition to these, environmental factors may also have an impact on male fertility.
Contributing environmental factors include:
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Exposure to herbicides
- Insecticides and volatile agents
- Obesity
- Excessive heating of the testes
- Anabolic steroids
Exploring Male Infertility Treatment Options
Lifestyle Adjustments
PESA
Testicular Biopsy
Microdissection TESE
Hormone Treatment
Answering Your Male Infertility Questions
Is male infertility a common issue?
What does a male infertility assessment involve?
A semen analysis test is generally the preferred approach for assessing male infertility. This test allows scientists to evaluate sperm quality, including shape, count, and motility, as well as the possible presence of sperm antibodies.
If the results of the initial test are abnormal, it is advisable to repeat the test. Should abnormal sperm counts be confirmed, additional blood tests may be needed to assess testicular function.
There are occasions where a urologist or andrologist may recommend obtaining a sample of testicular tissue for microscopic evaluation.
What does a semen analysis test measure?
A semen analysis evaluates a number of key areas related to sperm quality, including:
- Volume of the semen sample
- Sperm count
- Motility
- Morphology
- Sperm antibodies
Anti-sperm antibodies are most commonly linked to a previous vasectomy and may have an influence on fertility outcomes following vasectomy reversal.
A thorough understanding of these results may assist practitioners in assessing the likelihood of conception through treatments such as IVF, IUI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
What can I expect from average semen analysis results?
The results are usually considered together rather than in isolation. However, there is a typical measure for each.
To illustrate, the normal value for sperm count is generally 5 million+ sperm/ml, whilst sperm motility is typically considered normal at 40%+ motile and 32%+ with good, progressive movement.
Sperm morphology, that is, the shape and size of sperm, is another key factor assessed during the analysis. Greater than 4% normal sperm forms is generally considered to fall within the average range.
Finally, the test may also detect sperm antibodies in the semen or blood. The presence of antibodies affects their ability to move and fertilise eggs.
What other tests may be used to assess male infertility?
A semen analysis test is typically conducted alongside a review of your medical history as part of a comprehensive assessment with your fertility doctor. Depending on the results, additional tests and minimally invasive procedures, such as ultrasounds, may be explored and discussed during your consultation.
Can men who have had a vasectomy regain fertility with microsurgery?
Research indicates that in many cases, sperm may reappear following microsurgical vasectomy reversal. However, elevated levels of sperm antibodies may sometimes be present, which may reduce the likelihood of natural conception.
Up until seven years post-vasectomy, a reversal may assist. Beyond this time, a sperm retrieval procedure with IVF and ICSI may be the most appropriate course of action.
What does sperm DNA fragmentation mean?
Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to breaks or damage that occur within the DNA of sperm. Although some level of DNA fragmentation is present in all sperm, some men may experience higher-than-normal levels, which may have an impact on fertility outcomes. In such cases, antioxidants may also be worth considering.
Can a combination of treatments be beneficial?
When should I seek support for male infertility?
Discover Your Options With a Fertility Doctor
If you are experiencing difficulty conceiving, it may be worth exploring a fertility check. At Surfcoast Fertility, we recognise that fertility concerns can be a challenging experience, and we are here to offer caring, evidence-based support. Reach out to our team at any time with your questions or to arrange an appointment.
