Male infertility
What Is Male Infertility Testing?
Male factors account for approximately 35–40% of infertility cases, and semen analysis is the most basic test for evaluating male reproductive function.
Through semen analysis, the volume of semen, sperm count, motility, and percentage of normally shaped sperm are examined under a microscope to identify potential causes of male infertility. To ensure accurate test results, it is important to maintain an abstinence period of 2–5 days, and avoiding alcohol is also recommended.
Male infertility testing
1 Urinalysis
Urinalysis is also performed because various inflammatory conditions can occur in the prostate and urethra, which are part of the pathway through which semen passes. Even without symptoms, these conditions can negatively affect sperm quality, so a urine test is performed to check for such conditions.
In addition, when retrograde ejaculation, in which semen flows backward into the bladder, is suspected, a urine test is performed immediately after the semen analysis to check whether sperm are present in the urine.
2 Blood Test
A blood test is performed to check for infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and other underlying conditions that may affect semen quality, as well as to assess the patient’s general health status.
3 Semen Analysis
Semen analysis is the most basic test for evaluating male infertility. For accurate testing, patients should abstain from ejaculation for 2–5 days before the test. Semen is collected through masturbation in a soundproof room and immediately transferred to the Andrology Laboratory for examination.
The semen analysis evaluates various parameters, including semen volume, semen pH, total sperm count, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm viability, and the number of red or white blood cells.