Male Fertility Testing: What Semen Analysis Reveals (and What You Can Improve)

On the topic of conceiving, it is crucial to remember that fertility outcomes are influenced by shared biology. Surprisingly, male factors are involved in approximately one-third of infertility cases on their own, and in another one-third of cases alongside female factors, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

What’s the reassuring part? Male fertility can be evaluated during the early stages through medical care or lifestyle adjustments.

This guide is designed to educate readers like yourself about what can and cannot be tested while trying to conceive. In doing so, this will hopefully replace uncertainty and doubt with direction and clarity.

Layering the Groundwork: Semen Analysis

First and foremost, a semen analysis is an essential test in assessing male fertility.

According to the World Health Organization (2021 Guide), this test examines:

• Semen volume

• Total sperm count

• Sperm concentration (number per mL)

• Motility (movement)

• Morphology (shape).

Some important reference values are as follows:

• ≥40% total motility

• ≥4% normal morphology

• ≥15 million sperm per mL

These are strictly reference ranges; they do not imply rigid threshold values. In fact, it is common to see healthy pregnancies that happen outside of these listed values. Rest assured, one abnormal result does not necessarily indicate infertility. On the science side of things, sperm production, otherwise known as spermatogenesis, takes about 70-75 days and thus, it is advised to perform multiple tests before formulating conclusions.

When is the Best Time to Take a Hormone Test?

It is recommended to do bloodwork if sperm counts are lower than expected.

The American Urological Association suggests evaluating hormones such as:

• Testosterone

• Luteinizing hormone (LH)

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

• Prolactin

The science says that sperm-related abnormalities are more common than hormonal causes, but it is good practice to determine them to facilitate treatment options.

What are Some Lifestyle Factors That May Influence Sperm Health?

Recent studies show that health, life, and environmental implications influence overall sperm quality.

Some of these implications are as follows:

• Obesity, which can cause unbalanced hormonal levels

• Frequent heat exposure, such as saunas and hot baths

• Smoking, which can reduce sperm motility, production and concentration

• Heavy alcohol use, which may impair testosterone production

To delve further, some studies implicated that dietary plans filled with vegetables, whole grains, fish, and antioxidants are correlated with healthier sperm levels. Since it takes approximately 2-3 months for a sperm cell to completely develop, promising outcomes often require consistent efforts.

When Should Testing Be Considered?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests a thorough fertility examination

after:

• 6 months (if age 35+)

• As soon as possible if there are medical risk factors involved

• 12 months of trying (if under age 35)

It is important to understand that testing early does not allude to an underlying problem. It is merely a test to provide essential information and next steps while trying to conceive. Seeking clarity is a proactive step and it can be one of the most empowering steps in fertility journeys. Early testing can provide clarity and direction and physician-led fertility assessments are available at My Fertility Labs.