Pregnancy, or trying to get pregnant, can often be an exhausting although rewarding journey.
Many people don’t realize just how difficult fertility can be, and how extensive efforts to get pregnant end up being.
More often than not, blame may be placed on the woman be for conception difficulties. This is unfortunate because there is actually quite the laundry list of problems men may have that can prevent them from being fertile, from smoking to genetic diseases to hormonal problems.
Fertility tests are a great way to find out where conception problems are coming from.
First, let’s look at what a male fertility test actually is and how it works.
What Is a Male Fertility Test and How Does It Work?
This test administered by a urologist, usually after a physical exam.
Typically, a semen sample will be taken once other possible health concerns are eliminated in the physical evaluation.
One main thing doctors look for in a physical is varicoceles. Varicoceles is a condition in which distorted veins constrict the testicle. It’s something that can be easily fixed with minor surgery.
During a sperm and semen analysis, a specialist will evaluate whether or not there is a fertility issue with the sperm or semen. This will typically include an overall evaluation of your partner’s sperm count, shape, speed, and other elements.
If it’s found that you have a high sperm count, that typically means that you’re very fertile. However, this isn’t always the case. There is always the chance that you’ll have a normal sperm count but still have fertility problems.
If it’s found that the sperm count is normal, a specialist may order an additional test to confirm the results.
This fertility test may also include hormonal testing, genetic testing, and antibody testing.
Hormone testing will involve testing your partner’s testosterone levels.
Genetic testing will help determine if your partner has a congenital abnormality. Sometimes, genetic abnormalities can prevent someone from producing healthy sperm.
Some men have a high count of antibodies that attack sperm and prevent them from getting from point A to point B. This is what an antibody test will look for.
Additionally, a fertility test can help determine if there is retrograde ejaculation happening. Retrograde ejaculate is notorious for cause fertility problems.
This is why a male fertility test and evaluation should be one of the first things couples do when it seems like there may be fertility problems.
Why Aren’t Male Fertility Tests Popular?
To be frank, it has a lot to do with pride.
Fertility problems put a huge stigma on women. Men can suffer from feelings of inadequacy that prevent them from taking fertility tests as well.
Taking a fertility test for men can help you figure out if there is a dangerous underlying health problem going on behind the scenes. Just as well, a test can also help you and your partner figure out the next steps to help increase your partner’s sperm cell count.
How was our guide to male fertility tests?
If you’re intrigued, considered booking an appointment today to try fertility testing.