Fertility Test for Men: Types, Process & What Results Mean

Male Fertility Tests: An Overview

Having a baby is an important milestone for many couples, but sometimes conceiving can take longer than expected. When a couple has been trying for a year or more without success, it is usually the right time to consult a fertility specialist. In these situations, doctors often recommend fertility tests for both partners to help identify the underlying causes.

Male infertility is a significant factor in such cases. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), around 10–15% of couples in India face fertility challenges, and male infertility is a contributing factor in 50% of those cases. To assess this, male fertility tests examine sperm, the cells that fuse with a female egg to create an offspring, evaluating both their quality and quantity.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of fertility tests for men and explain how the process works and what the results mean.

What Is a Fertility Test for Men?

A fertility test for men is a simple procedure that checks how healthy and viable the sperm are. It usually involves a semen analysis, where a sample of semen is studied to see the number of sperm, how they move (motility) and their shape (morphology).

The test also helps find problems like blockages or hormone issues. This helps doctors suggest the right treatment to improve the chances of pregnancy.

How Can Men Prepare for the Test?

You can prepare well for a fertility test to get the best and most accurate results. Your doctor will advise you to:

• Inform them about any medicines or supplements you take, as they may affect the test results.
• Avoid ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before the fertility test. This ensures you get a good sperm sample.
• Avoid having sex or masturbating during this time.
• Avoid smoking or alcohol for a few days before the test, as they may lower sperm quality.
• Stay away from hot baths, tight underwear and saunas to keep testicles cool.
• Eat healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Add lots of fruits, vegetables, and protein to your daily diet.

What to Expect During a Fertility Test for Men?

Here is what you can expect during a fertility test for men:

• The doctor will record your history to know about your general health and past issues.
• They will perform a physical exam to check your genitals for abnormalities.
• You will be asked to masturbate and provide a semen sample in a sterile container in a private room at the clinic.
• If you prefer collecting the sample at home, it should be kept close to body temperature and handed over to the lab within an hour.
• The lab technician will evaluate your sperm health.
• Your doctor may recommend additional tests like an ultrasound scan, blood tests or a testicle tissue biopsy.

The whole test is quick and non-invasive, and it helps provide a clearer understanding of fertility.

What Happens After the Test?

After the fertility test for men, your doctor will get the results in a few days or a week. They will evaluate the results and explain them to you in simple terms.

• If your sperm count, shape and movement are normal, you will be advised to try conceiving naturally.
• If the rest results are abnormal, your doctor may suggest treatments or medicines to improve sperm health.
• If needed, more tests might be done to find the cause of fertility issues.

What Do the Test Results Mean?

When you get your fertility test done, doctors look at various aspects to understand your sperm health. Here is what they usually examine:

Sperm Count

• First, they check the sperm count. A normal sperm count usually ranges between 15 million and 200 million sperm in each millilitre of semen.
• A low sperm count can make conception hard.

Sperm Motility

• Good sperm movement is important because sperm need to swim fast to reach the egg.
• About 40% of the sperm should be moving, with 32% or more being progressively motile.

Sperm Morphology

• Healthy sperm must have a certain shape to fertilise the egg.
• Doctors expect around 4% or more sperm to look normal.

Sperm Volume

• A normal volume of sperm is about 1.5 to 7.6 millilitres per ejaculate.
• If the amount is low, it could mean there is some kind of blockage or problem with glands that make semen (testicles).

If your initial test results are unclear, your doctor may ask for a repeat test after 6 to 8 weeks.

How Can Doctors Help if the Fertility Results Are Abnormal?

If the fertility test for men shows abnormal results, specialists can offer treatment to help. They may:

• Prescribe medicines to improve sperm production or hormone balance.
• Prescribe antibiotics to treat infections or problems that block the sperm flow.
• Recommend surgery to correct physical issues like varicose veins or blockages.
• Offer assisted methods like IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation) or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) to help sperm reach and fertilise the egg when natural ways don’t work well.
• Advise you on lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise and quitting smoking and alcohol intake.

The Bottom Line

Facing repeated challenges in conceiving for a long time can be exhausting. Getting a fertility test can help ease your worries. A fertility test for men checks the quality and quantity of sperm.

The most common test is semen analysis. It evaluates the sperm count, shape and movement needed for egg fertilisation. Doctors may suggest other fertility tests like ultrasound scans, blood tests or a biopsy to find the reasons if couples are having trouble conceiving.

If the results indicate any concerns, doctors may recommend steps to improve fertility. This may include lifestyle changes, medications, surgical treatment or assisted options such as IVF.