When a man thinks about having a child, it’s important to know if everything is working well with his body, especially concerning reproduction. And it’s when visiting a doctor that many men end up taking the well-known hormone level test. However, not everyone knows what it is about and many still have doubts about how this procedure is carried out. Due to the large number of questions surrounding hormone level tests, we will explain in detail how it works and exactly what it is for.

What Is the Hormone Level Test?

This is a type of test that evaluates certain functions of the human body. Specifically talking about male fertility, there are several hormones that are tested to measure testicular function in a man’s body. Some of the main ones include:

The exam is done in a very simple way, just by taking a blood sample so specific hormone levels can be analyzed. Hormone level tests can have several purposes besides fertility measurement, and for each one, different types of hormones will be tested in the body, whether in a man or a woman.

Indications for the Hormone Level Test

Anyone may be recommended by a doctor to take a test like this for different reasons. This test can even be used as a basis in routine check-ups when you see an endocrinologist, for example, that’s why the indications for the hormone level test can vary a lot. However, one of the main reasons to do this kind of test is to check if there is any hormonal issue related to fertility.

Test Requirements

To ensure the exam is done properly, there are certain requirements that must be fulfilled. Each hormone measurement requires a specific preparation before taking the test, but, since a doctor usually asks for tests of several different hormones, there are some requirements that are quite common, such as:

  • Fasting for at least 12 hours (some tests require up to 14 hours);
  • Inform if you use any medications;
  • Inform the date and time of the last medication taken;
  • Do not consume alcoholic beverages within 72 hours before the exam;
  • Not having had a liver biopsy within the last 5 days before the test;
  • In the case of women, inform if you are pregnant

As you can see, there are several requirements for a hormone level test, and since this type of exam can vary greatly depending on the case, the preparation requirements also vary.

Other Important Exams for Men

In addition to the hormone level test, there are also other essential exams to assess male fertility. The main ones are:

We’ll talk a bit more about each of them to explain how they work and how they can help identify the degree of a man’s fertility.

Semen Analysis

This basically consists of a laboratory analysis of a man’s semen. The overall quality of the semen, as well as its motility and quantity, are measured through this test. The abstinence period needed to perform it is between 2 and 7 days, depending on the specific medical instructions for each case.

Post-Coital Test

This test can indicate problems in a man’s sperm, as well as substances that may prevent fertilization from occurring. Interestingly, even though it tests the male cells, sperm is collected from the woman’s vagina between 2 and 12 hours after sexual intercourse. This way, it’s possible to analyze sperm performance in contact with vaginal mucus.

Testicular Biopsy

This is a very common biopsy and presents no risk for men. During the procedure, a small piece of testicular tissue is removed to analyze whether there are any problems with sperm production. If a man has low fertility levels, this exam can assess whether the sperm are healthy at their source and may allow a couple to try an alternative fertilization method. The analysis is done using a microscope, and the minor surgery is simple and painless.

Testicular Ultrasound

This exam analyzes images of the testicular region and nearby areas to check for any abnormality. Besides indicating possible fertility problems, testicular ultrasound also helps identify certain diseases, such as testicular cancer, for example. Doing medical exams is part of everyone’s life, as they serve as a preventive procedure and help keep us informed about the condition of many parts of our body. Exams like the hormone level test are not the most common, but they are necessary in many situations, such as when a man wants to have a child and needs to be sure about his fertility. No matter the reason for the exam, it’s always worthwhile to take it, since it isn’t harmful to your health nor does it hurt you in any way. On the contrary, knowing exactly how your body is working will only bring you benefits, even if it’s to start a treatment you didn’t even know you needed. Also read: How to Convince Your Husband to Take Fertility Tests? Photo: Pxhere