What male fertility tests are available?
As there are a number of factors that can impact male fertility, the best way to identify which of these is affecting your infertility, is to have a comprehensive consultation and analysis to discuss your situation and options, maximising your chances of conceiving your own biological child. Tests include;
Blood and urine tests for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone. Both play a role in the development and maturation of sperm.
Genetic testing may help to diagnose genetic disorders that in addition to causing infertility, may sadly cause birth defects.
Tests such as DNA fragmentation can help to identify more complex sperm issues, helping us guide you with treatment options.
Male infertility treatment
Depending on the root cause of male infertility there are several treatments you can try. Usually, ICSI is the most common form of fertility treatment, as it is a simple and highly effective way to get pregnant.
Your treatment journey begins with a consultation with your doctor to discuss your medical history and if necessary, any recommendations for further investigations.
Once we have established the easiest, least invasive and quickest way to achieve a pregnancy, we design an individualised treatment plan to deliver the best possible results for you.
How to improve male fertility
While many medical causes are out of your control, there are a number of lifestyle choices that can have an impact on male fertility, these can include:
- Smoking can cause decreased sperm count, motility and morphology. Find out more about the effects of smoking on fertility here.
- Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels and cause sperm production to decrease. If you’re concerned that drinking alcohol is affecting your sperm, cut down your alcohol intake.
- Certain foods will promote male fertility, and some will have the opposite effect. Fruit, veg, fish and whole grains help improve sperm quality, however, processed meat, caffeine and saturated fats are linked to low sperm quality. Find out about the fertility diet here.
- Recreational drugs like marijuana and cocaine can also negatively affect sperm quality.
- Having a BMI that is classified as being overweight or obese can affect the quality and quantity of sperm. Read more about the effects of weight and fertility here.
- Keeping your testicles too warm can reduce sperm quality, sitting down for prolonged periods, using laptops, saunas and hot baths, can affect male fertility.
- Wearing tight underwear can reduce sperm count, as it pushes your testicles closer to the body, making them hotter.
- Some medications such as antidepressants and steroids can affect ejaculation and thus cause fertility issues.
- Using some lubricants during sex can affect the quality of your sperm and make them less likely to fertilise an egg.
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can also cause infertility in men.
Ready to speak to someone?
We know having problems conceiving is a difficult time, so we have designed our centre with both male and female fertility in mind.
Our expert team will analyse your sperm and make recommendations, and once we have established the easiest, least invasive and quickest way to achieve a pregnancy, we design an individualised treatment plan to deliver the best possible results for you.
Support and advice
Our knowledge hub is where you can find everything from articles about male fertility preservation, what to eat to improve sperm health and the benefits of freezing sperm, all the way through to real-life stories from Evewell patients.
Our team of experts are only one call away to offer support and help
For advice, regular tips and support, connect with us
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