Fertility Tests for Men

Waterstone Clinic offers a range of fertility testing for men. We can help you explore your fertility potential, access fertility treatments, and offer fertility preservation. The results of your fertility test can help you make decisions and guide your care if treatment is required.

Testing Options

  • Basic Fertility Testing: Semen Analysis & phone call from the andrology team to discuss the results
  • Full Fertility Testing: Semen Analysis & a private Consultation with one of our Fertility Consultants

If you are attending the clinic with your partner, a semen analysis test is required for your first consultation.

What is a Semen Analysis Test?

A semen analysis test is a simple test that provides vital information about your fertility potential. It is the first test carried out at the start of any fertility investigation process. As part of the test, the andrology team will examine the following:

  • Sperm Count: the number of sperm in the sample
  • Motility: the sperm’s ability to move in the sample
  • Morphology: The shape of the sperm in the sample

Following this test, the team may recommend a repeat semen analysis within six months or further tests such as blood tests.

Experiences of Male Factor Infertility

Further Tests

Investigative Blood Tests

Blood 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 is relatively new and expensive and has yet to be established as a clinically significant test.

 

Treatment Options for Male Factor Infertility

If there is an issue with male factor infertility, there are several treatment options to overcome the issue.

  • 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 male factor fertility issues.
  • Surgical Sperm Retrieval: For men with no sperm in the ejaculate, this procedure can retrieve sperm from the testes for use in ICSI treatment.
  • Donor Sperm: Patients may decide to use a donor to build their family.
  • Cryopreservation: Freezing a sample of sperm for future use

Find Out More

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