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Getting Started: The Male Fertility Workup
Apr 8, 2010
Getting Started: The Male Fertility Workup
Male infertility is a lot more common than many believe. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, infertility affects men and women equally.
If your female partner is under the age of 35 and you have been trying to conceive for one year, or is she is over 35 and you have been trying to conceive for six months, you and your partner should see a physician for a fertility “workup.”
The Fertility Workup
Many men feel embarrassed about fertility testing, but early testing is vital to diagnosing a potential problem. Your partner’s obstetrician/gynecologist may do the fertility workup, or refer you to a reproductive endocrinologist (RE), a physician dedicated to the treatment of fertility issues.
Many couples prefer to be proactive by visiting a specialist at the onset, to avoid any further delay in starting a family. An RE deals with reproductive health and fertility issues on a regular basis, and can identify medical problems that may exist and discuss treatment options that may be appropriate. In addition, you may get a referral to a urologist, a physician dedicated to the area of urology and male reproductive health.
Upon your initial visit with the RE or urologist, he/she will first perform a physical exam as well as a very basic test referred to as semen analysis. Semen analysis measures the amount of semen produced and determines how many viable sperm are found in the semen. The semen sample may be produced at home or in the physician’s office and then sent to a lab for testing. If the test is “normal” the urologist will likely confirm the results with a second test. If the test reflects an “abnormal” semen analysis, the physician will likely perform more tests in order to properly diagnose the problem and then work with you to set up an adequate treatment plan that is best for you and your partner.
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Great article!
Male fertility problems account for about 40% of problems in couples who cannot conceive. All men should be tested when a couple suspects infertility.
I have been on testosterone treatment for about three years, due to my low levels. My wife would like to get pregnant, but it is not happening. We were able to concieve two other children prior to taking testosterone. is there anything that can be done to conceive another child? and approximately what does it cost?
My doctor wrote this to me after receving my sprem analysis. It shows that the sperm have poor motility 10% (normal is 50-100%) and that 90% of the sperm are immotile. What does this mean and what can I do to move forward of getting my wife pregnant. Please help
my wife and I have been trying to get her pregnant we have children from past spouses and would love to have a few together,, her test have been looking good, however my sperm test has been low the results showed me a 3 can you tell me what needs to be done to correct this and make it higher,, I have a specialist scheduled in a month but would like to know if there is anything I can do..
Problems when trying to conceive are more common than I ever realized. My wife and I recently have had problems, and we've done a lot of research. Thank you for this extremely helpful and informative article.
have you heard of any casesof young that had been in the army such as my son who have absolutely no sperm count? he was an emt and was ordered to sign papers "volunteering" for inocculations test some were supposedly phlecebos others not. he also adminstered these shots but he nor the men receiving them were allowed to no what they were. he suspects this was the cause for his inferility. could you direct me to any info? would greatly appreciate it.
My doctor wrote this to me after receving my sprem analysis. It shows that the sperm have poor motility 10% (normal is 50-100%) and that 90% of the sperm are immotile. What does this mean and what can I do to move forward of getting my wife pregnant. Please help us.
A fertility doctor - reproductive endocrinologist - can help determine the cause of your infertility as well as set up a treatment plan for you and your wife. For some men, a visit to a urologist may also be in order. To find a doctor near you, use the Find A Doctor search that can be found on every page of www.fertilityauthority.com.
Best of luck,
Claire
Are there any good sperm donation banks in New york or Puerto Rico?
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