Diagnosis of male infertility
Diagnosis of male infertility is key to proper treatment and increasing the chances of success. The earlier the causes are identified, the faster an effective strategy can be implemented.
Diagnosis of male infertility — the first step towards a solution
Male infertility is the cause of more than half of the cases of difficulty conceiving in couples. Modern reproductive medicine has reliable methods for assessing male fertility, which help to find out the causes and suggest effective treatment.
When do we talk about male infertility?
Male infertility is diagnosed when a partner fails to achieve pregnancy with his partner after 12 months of regular sex life without protective equipment. It can be:
- Primary — pregnancy is never achieved;
- Secondary — pregnancy is achieved in the past, but not in the present moment.
What are the reasons?
The causes of male infertility can be:
- Hormonal disorders;
- Varicocele;
- Infections of the genital tract;
- Genetic abnormalities;
- Obstructions (obstruction of the vas deferens);
- Immunological factors;
- Environmental influences — stress, toxins, smoking;
- Idiopathic infertility — without a clearly established cause.
Basic diagnostic methods
1. Spermogram — the first test
Appreciates:
- Volume and pH of the ejaculate;
- Concentration of spermatozoa;
- Motility (motility);
- Morphology (form);
- Viability.
2. DNA Fragmentation Test
Assesses the degree of DNA damage in sperm. High DNA fragmentation is associated with:
- Decreased chances of fertilization;
- Increased risk of miscarriages;
- Poor quality of embryos.
3. SAT test (aneuploidies in sperm)
Examines the chromosomal profile of spermatozoa by FISH analysis. Useful in:
- Repeated unsuccessful IVF attempts;
- Repeated abortions;
- Men with severe spermogram disorders.
4. Hormonal profile
Assessment of the levels of:
- FSH, LH associated with the regulation of spermatogenesis;
- Testosterone associated with androgenic function;
- Prolactin, estradiol — in case of suspected hormonal imbalance.
5. Genetic tests
Recommended for:
- Azoospermia;
- Severely reduced concentration;
- Suspicion of hereditary diseases.
- Y-chromosome deletions, CFTR mutations, and karyotype are examined.
6. Microbiological and urological studies
If infections are suspected (chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma) or anatomical problems (obstruction, varicocele).
7. Testicular biopsy
It is performed in rare cases with azoospermia — for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes (TESE, TESA, MESA).
What do we offer in our clinic?
In Vitro Clinic “Sofia” we perform a comprehensive diagnosis of male infertility with a modern laboratory and clinical approach. We offer:
- Spermogram with morphology according to the strict Kruger criteria;
- Halosperm, HBA, SAT, CatSper, MAR, genetic and microbiological tests;
- Possibility of in vitro treatment with preliminary sperm selection (ZyMOT, IMSI).
Summary of male infertility tests
Conclusion
Diagnosis of male infertility is key to proper treatment and increasing the chances of success. The earlier the causes are identified, the faster an effective strategy can be implemented. We believe in a partner approach to couples and offer customized solutions with care and expertise.