Male fertility tests help men take the next step towards parenthood

The doctor at our Connecticut fertility clinic utilizes male fertility tests to help patients determine the potential cause of their fertility struggles. These tests allow the doctor to assess factors such as a man’s sperm and genetic health. In some situations, a man needs more extensive testing from a urologist. After reviewing the results from the tests, the doctor can often determine if male factor infertility is a barrier in the man’s path to parenthood.

Learn more about male fertility tests at our Connecticut fertility clinic

One of the first aspects of care for male factor infertility is a review of the man’s medical history. After this review, the doctor will recommend the male fertility tests he thinks could reveal the cause of any fertility challenges the man might be experiencing.

Sperm test. It’s common for male patients at our Connecticut fertility clinic to undergo a semen analysis. This test allows the doctor to evaluate important factors, such as sperm count; motility, or sperm movement; and morphology, or shape of the sperm.

Genetic testing. In some situations, abnormalities in the number of chromosomes in the sperm, or in the structure of the male chromosome, can cause male factor infertility. Genetic testing allows the doctor to evaluate if this is an issue, and can determine if the man has certain inheritable genetic conditions.

Bloodwork. Male fertility tests often include a blood test to check for infectious disease.

This testing is an important first step in a man’s fertility treatment, as it can provide answers about why he might be struggling to have child with his partner. These tests are also a critical first step for single men or same-sex male couples who hope to have a child with the support of an egg donor and gestational surrogate.

Potential treatments the doctor might recommend for male factor infertility

When male fertility testing reveals certain issues, the doctor at our Connecticut fertility clinic supports the man in creating an effective treatment plan. While IUI, intrauterine insemination, or standard IVF, in vitro fertilization, are ideal options for many patients, more advanced treatments are sometimes required. Our fertility specialist may recommend the use of one or more of these advanced treatments in conjunction with IVF.

ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Men with severe male factor infertility might require ICSI, which involves an embryologist injecting a single live sperm into the center of a mature egg.

MESA, or microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration. If a man can produce sperm but cannot ejaculate it, he’ll likely be a candidate for MESA. This treatment consists of a urologist collecting semen from the coiled tube lying behind and above each testicle, so an embryologist can then utilize it to fertilize eggs from the man’s female partner or egg donor.

Third-party reproduction. Single men or gay couples will need both an egg donor and a gestational surrogate to have a family through IVF. Men unable to use their own sperm will also require a sperm donor. Our clinic supports men in finding carefully screened donors and surrogates.

The knowledgeable team at our clinic is by the patient’s side for each phase of his treatment plan, helping to ensure he has the best possible chance of fulfilling the dream of fatherhood.