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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 if 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.

What Specialist Should You See for a Male Fertility Work-Up?

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 fertility doctor, also known as a reproductive endocrinologist (RE), which is a physician dedicated to the treatment of fertility issues.

Many couples prefer to be proactive by visiting a fertility doctor at the onset to avoid any further delay in starting a family. A fertility doctor deals with reproductive health and fertility issues on a regular basis, and he or she 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.

The Initial Visit

Upon your initial visit with the fertility doctor or urologist, he or she will first perform a physical exam as well as a very basic test referred to as semen analysis.

A 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 doctor 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.

Click here to find a fertility doctor in your area.

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Subjects: 
Male Infertility

Comments

Submitted by Sophia on Sun, 02/21/2010 - 3:46pm
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.

Submitted by Brent on Thu, 02/25/2010 - 11:31am
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?

Submitted by Patrick Brown on Sat, 03/06/2010 - 7:50am
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

Submitted by papa on Mon, 07/26/2010 - 10:52am
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..

Submitted by Mandie on Wed, 08/24/2011 - 10:44am
It means that you aren't as fertil as you used to be. But I would talk to your doctor about some help.

Submitted by concerned on Mon, 07/19/2010 - 12:48pm
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.

Submitted by Mr. Alexander on Thu, 08/12/2010 - 10:04am
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.

Submitted by claire on Mon, 08/30/2010 - 2:09pm
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

Submitted by Denis on Fri, 08/27/2010 - 7:16pm
Are there any good sperm donation banks in New york or Puerto Rico?

Submitted by april on Sat, 09/18/2010 - 5:32pm
Just for some helpful info, look up FertilAid.com. Me and my husband have been trying to get pregnant for the last 7 months and nothing has happened yet. I am fine, it's my husband that has a low count. I am about to order that supplement to see if it works. and if it does I will let everyone know... Good luck to everyone:)

Submitted by G Man on Sat, 09/25/2010 - 7:11pm
My sperm analysis came back negative, is that good or bad? is my sperm count low or is everything ok

Submitted by michael1991 on Thu, 12/30/2010 - 11:07pm
hi trying 4 baby not sure if i need a free Fertility Test oly 20 yers of age just whant to no if i can make babey s or not

Submitted by CR Hays on Thu, 01/13/2011 - 4:31pm
Very informative article. Men need to remember that undiagnosed medical conditions can also affect semen quality and delivery of viable sperm upon ejaculation. Be sure to have diabetes, hormonal issues, and thyroid dysfunction ruled out. http://www.Why-Cant-I-Get-Pregnant.org

Submitted by Anonymous1 on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 5:56pm
I need some help regarding my pregnancy issues. well we've been married for 4 yrs and we've been trying for respective time period but we are unlucky to have such blessing. well back in 2008 we had our tests, my ultrasound was perfectly fine but my husband's semen test was not perfect it was below average or normal. My gyneacologist refered my husband to urologist, he examine him, his tests and everything and he prescribed him B complex vitamins but it never worked out cause my husband stopped using it. so, suggest me what should i do? coz now i'm very desperate to get pregnant and most of the time i had a feeling that i won'y be able to have a baby. Me and my husband, we do not have the health insurance which is why we are unable to visit a physician.

Submitted by crave baby on Tue, 05/03/2011 - 6:30am
me and my partner are trying to concive but it just is not happening his sperm count is very low what can we do we cant afford fertility treatment as its so expensive i am 31 and he is 27

Submitted by basil schoeman on Sun, 09/04/2011 - 2:42am
My son is35 yrs old and has a fertility count problem .My wife watch the Dr Oz show but missed the episode of remedies for fertility problems.What do you suggest he uses ti increase his sperm count.He spoke t a fertility doctor as well

Submitted by charlotte seo on Thu, 09/08/2011 - 3:19am
Treatment options are based on the underlying etiology and range from optimizing semen production and transportation with medical therapy or surgical procedures to complex assisted reproduction techniques. Technological advancements make conceiving a child possible with as little as one viable sperm and one egg. Although the workup was traditionally delayed until a couple was unable to conceive for 12 months, evaluation may be initiated at the first visit in slightly older couples.

Submitted by tmatt0608 on Sun, 01/15/2012 - 7:54pm
My wife and I have been together for over 4 years, and we have been trying to concieve a child for almost 3 1/2 years now. I have 2 sons to two different women from when I was younger and in my teens to early to mid 20's, however I was never tested before recently. My wife had an internal ultrasound done and the Dr. said that her ovaries, cirvics, and tubes were all in great condition, she is now 25 yrs old and I am now 43 yrs old. I also had a semen analsys done and my count came back at a 3 which they told me is pretty low it is below normal and I was very upset however my first child was concieved after only being with my first partner 1 time, and then my second child was concieved after 5 years of being with my 2nd partner, so I believe that I may have had this problem for years and that it may just take time, but neither of us are getting any younger and we would like to have atleast 1 child if not 2 and I was just wondering if anyone can give me any info on how to improve me semen count or where to go next with this process. I would greatly appreciate the help and so would me wonderful wife, she would be a great mother and she wants nothing more than to have children together and I would love to be able to give her that gift, and we have been following all of what the Dr. had told us, but it still has not happened, so anyone with advice for me it would be greatly appreciated thank you all so much!

Submitted by Jady on Sun, 04/28/2013 - 10:34pm
I had has vasectomy for 17 yrs , and now I had vasectomy reversal, we have been trying to get my wife pregnent after my reversal for 2 yrs. I don't know the problem is please help us to find out

Submitted by KimAtFertilityA... on Mon, 04/29/2013 - 7:38am
Hi Jady, Has your wife also consulted a fertility doctor? It might be in your best interest to see a fertility specialist who can address whatever the problem may be as a couple. Please give us a call at 1-855-955-BABY (2229) or email carecoordinator@fertilityauthority.com and we can help you connect with a fertility doctor near you! Best, Kim

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