When a couple decides to have a child, it’s usually the woman who undergoes all the pre-pregnancy exams. However, over time, several studies have shown that up to 40% of attempts that do not achieve the desired result are due to male infertility.
To better understand the problem1, men need to be willing to investigate the causes and begin the appropriate treatment. It’s important to know that some conditions can affect a man’s overall health, not just fertility, leading to damage to quality of life and sexual health.
Several tests can be done to analyze male fertility. They may, for example, look at sperm production ability (as well as form and motility), monitor hormonal factors, and even determine whether the man’s own body has antibodies acting against sperm and causing the couple’s infertility.
During evaluations, issues such as use of medications, illicit drug use, and frequency of alcohol consumption are also addressed, as these factors can influence the quality and quantity of sperm.
Types of fertility tests
It’s worth remembering that when it comes to infertility, a man’s health is always taken into account. Therefore, he is also evaluated physically, with investigation of diseases and infections. Among the main tests available today, we can mention:
Semen analysis (spermogram)
This is considered the main test of male fertility. Its primary purpose is to observe the number of sperm in the semen sample, their ability to move, and their physical characteristics2.
The idea behind the test is to determine whether the patient’s sperm are able to fertilize the egg in the fallopian tubes after intercourse. In addition to the count, this test also analyzes other factors, such as the volume, viscosity, and color of the semen.
Attention: when undergoing this test, pay close attention to the guidance about sexual abstinence and the method of collecting the sample, as these factors can influence the result.
This is done through blood tests to measure the levels of various hormones, especially testosterone, as it stimulates the production of sperm.
Once this analysis is complete, it’s possible to determine whether there are significant changes in FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) levels. Both are responsible for testosterone production and also regulate sperm production. Hormonal testing also shows whether the testicles are functioning normally.
This test assesses the sperm’s ability to survive and swim through the cervical mucus, which is responsible for the lubrication of the woman. The mucus plays a really important role in pregnancy: if it’s in good condition, like having the right viscosity, for example, it helps make sure the sperm remain healthy as they reach the fallopian tube, where fertilization occurs.
In practice, the post-coital test is done by collecting and evaluating material from the vagina after intercourse, within a certain period after sex.
Sperm DNA fragmentation
This medical assessment is performed in the laboratory and complements the semen analysis, because when sperm have fragmented DNA, fertility can decrease. This happens because sperm in this condition cannot properly fertilize the egg to create a healthy embryo.
When the count of fragmented sperm is high, the chances of natural fertilization are lower, that is, infertility is higher.
This test is usually requested for men with unexplained infertility, those over 40 years old, and also when there is a history of exposure to agents considered toxic to the testicles.
Anti-sperm antibodies
In some men, the difficulty having children happens because their own body creates defenses against sperm, blocking fertilization. This test locates the presence of so-called “anti-sperm antibodies,” revealing where these antibodies bind, in other words, which part of the sperm they are attacking.
Male fertility self-test
Today, in addition to a broad range of available tests, there are also male fertility self-tests. This home test is an option that can be done simply and quickly in the comfort and privacy of your home.
Usually, these kits can be purchased at pharmacies and contain all the necessary items to perform the test, such as the collection container, for example. They indicate the number of sperm per milliliter3, detecting whether the concentration is low or high.
If after doing the male fertility test, you suspect that there may be a problem with the result, seek medical help. Some infertility problems can be resolved with treatment and medication. In other cases, in vitro fertilization can also be a great option to improve your chances.
