Fertility Tests For Men
Male factor infertility is much higher than most people realise. It is often assumed that fertility is a female issue, but fertility issues are as common in men as they are for women. To make an effective and efficient treatment plan, male partners must also have an up to date fertility test. The first step in testing is a semen analysis.
What Does the Semen Analysis Measure?
Some of the parameters that are checked by the andrology team are:
- Concentration: the number of sperm (the “sperm count”)
- Motility: the sperm’s ability to move
- Morphology: The shape of the sperm
Semen Analysis Cost
Our semen analysis tests costs €120.
We have discreet and private rooms available in our Clinic facilities.
Further Tests for Male Fertility
Additional tests may be recommended if the results of the semen analysis are not optimal.
- Hormone Bloods: These tests will explore the levels of testosterone, FSH and LH in the blood.
- Genetic Bloods:
- Karyotyping: This test explores chromosomes in the cells.
- Y Chromosome Microdeletion: This text explores the Y chromosome as it can cause oligospermia or azoospermia, which can be passed to male offspring.
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Screening: This test is carried out because about two-thirds of men with an abnormal CF gene will also have a congenital absence of the vas deferens, a condition where the sperm ducts do not develop properly, resulting in azoospermia.
- DNA Fragmentation: This test explores DNA damage in sperm cells as an explanation for male infertility. The test requires a sample to be sent to a DNA fragmentation testing centre. The test has yet to be established as a clinically significant test.
Treatment Options for Men
There are several treatment options to overcome male fertility issues.
- ICSI Treatment: ICSI is a form of IVF treatment where a single sperm is injected into each egg in order to increase the rate of fertilisation. This treatment can bypass many male factor fertility issues.
- Surgical Sperm Retrieval: For men with no sperm in the ejaculate, this procedure can retrieve sperm from the testes. The sperm can then be used in an ICSI treatment.
- Cryopreservation: Freezing a sample of sperm for future use.
- Donor Sperm: Patients may decide to use a donor to build their family.
Our Clinic Locations
Dublin
(01) 567 6400
Cork
(021) 4865764
Kildare
(045) 940186
Limerick
(061) 311 655