Tests and diagnosis Of Male infertility

Many infertile couples have more than one cause of infertility, it is likely that both need to consult a doctor. You can take a series of tests to determine the cause of infertility. In some cases, the cause is never identified. Tests can be costly and may not be covered by insurance - know your health plan covers advance.

The diagnosis of male infertility usually involves:

General medical examination and medical history. This includes the examination of the genitals and questions about the treatment of hereditary diseases, chronic health problems, diseases, injuries or cuts that may affect fertility. The doctor may also ask questions about sexual habits and sexual development in adolescence.

The semen analysis. The semen is usually obtained through masturbation and ejaculation into a special container for the doctor's office. Your sperm is sent to a lab to measure the number of sperm present and detect abnormalities in the shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of sperm. The lab will also check his sperm for signs of problems such as infections. Sperm often fluctuate from one sample to another. In most cases, several tests are performed a semen analysis over a period of time to ensure accurate results. If your semen analysis is normal, your doctor will probably recommend thoroughly testing his female partner before the proof of male infertility.

Preliminary results, your doctor may recommend other more specialized tests that can help identify the cause of your infertility. These may include:

Scrotal ultrasound. This test uses high frequency waves of sound to produce images inside of your body. Scrotal ultrasound can help your doctor to look for evidence of varicocele or obstruction of the testicle that contains sperm (epididymis). A small wand is moved toward the surface of your scrotum produces images with a video screen.

Transrectal ultrasonography. This test is similar to that ultrasound examination the scrotum. You can do this type of ultrasound, a small, greased pole is inserted into the rectum. It allows the doctor to check your prostate, and verify the presence of blocks in tubes that carry sperm (ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles).

Hormone tests. A hormone produced in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and testes have a key role in sexual development and sperm production. Your doctor may recommend a blood test to measure testosterone and other male hormones that can affect the sperm count.

Post-ejaculatory urine. This test involves collecting a urine sample after orgasm. The urine is checked for the presence of semen. Sperm in the urine may indicate that your sperm travels backwards into the bladder rather than out of your penis during ejaculation (retrograde ejaculation).

Genetic testing. These tests are used if the doctor suspects that your sperm count and reduced fertility of the other problems can be caused by an abnormality of the sex chromosomes inherited. When sperm concentration is very low, the genetic causes could be involved. A blood test can reveal whether there are subtle changes on the Y chromosome - evidence of a genetic abnormality. Genetic testing can also be ordered to diagnose Klinefelter syndrome or cystic fibrosis.

Testicular biopsy. This test involves removing samples of the testicle with a needle. It can be used if the semen analysis shows no sperm at all. Testicular biopsy results will tell whether sperm production is normal. If it is, the problem is probably caused by a blockage or other problem with the transport of sperm.

Evidence of anti-sperm antibodies. These tests are used to test immune cells (antibodies) that attack sperm. That are particularly likely to have antibodies to sperm if you have had a vasectomy reversal.

Vasography. In some cases, the dye is injected into each of the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) to check the block.

Specialized tests of sperm function. A variety of tests can be used to check how your sperm survive after ejaculation, how they can penetrate an egg, and if there are problems with the egg. If you have a low sperm count can have healthy sperm to be an important factor in male fertility.