Fertility Testing for Men

Fertility Testing FAQs

• How is a man’s fertility tested?

  At RMA of New York, your physician may recommend some or all of the following male fertility tests:

  • A semen analysis, which evaluates the volume of ejaculate, or concentration of sperm, sperm motility (movement), and morphology (shape)
  • A health history review and basic physical exam
  • Hormone blood tests including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and estradiol (E2) tests

• When should a man consider getting his fertility tested?

  A man should consider fertility testing when he and his partner have been trying to conceive for a year without success, or six months if his partner is over the age of 35. RMA of New York also recommends male fertility testing be performed for those with a medical history or condition that may affect fertility, such as testicular damage, erectile dysfunction, or prior cancer treatment.

• Should my partner and I have fertility tests done at the same time?

  Yes, RMA of New York recommends that both partners get fertility testing at the same time. Infertility can be caused by factors from either the male or female partner, and sometimes a combination of both. Evaluating both partners simultaneously provides the most comprehensive picture of potential fertility issues.

• Are there lifestyle factors that negatively impact male fertility?

  Yes. An unhealthy diet or excess body weight can decrease sperm count and sperm movement. Insufficient sleep and unmanaged stress can decrease sexual function and interfere with the hormones needed to produce sperm. Tobacco use can damage sperm and limit the chances of embryo survival, and excessive alcohol consumption can lower testosterone levels and cause erectile dysfunction. Finally, certain medications can affect sperm quality. All of these factors will be discussed and reviewed at an initial consultation with Dr. Natan Bar-Chama, RMA of New York’s Reproductive Urologist.

• What type of doctor does a man see for fertility testing?

  RMA of New York’s Reproductive Urologist, Dr. Natan Bar-Chama, treats all aspects of male infertility and conducts male fertility testing and diagnostic procedures. Additionally, a primary care physician or the female partner’s gynecologist can order a semen analysis and refer the male patient for testing.

• How is sperm count evaluated?

  A semen analysis is a laboratory test that measures the amount, quality, and movement of sperm in a semen sample. Semen can be collected in one of RMA of New York’s conveniently located offices in a private collection room, or at home by self-stimulation. The sample is then evaluated in a laboratory. The number of sperm present in the ejaculate, the percentage of moving sperm, and the shape or morphology of the sperm are all determined.

• What factors can affect sperm motility and morphology?

  Many factors can affect sperm motility and morphology, including:

  • Lifestyle factors including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, and obesity
  • Exposure to chemicals, electromagnetic radiation, and excessive heat can all damage sperm
  • Medical issues like varicoceles (swollen veins in the scrotum), hormonal imbalances, or scarring in the reproductive system from sexually transmitted infections
  • Aging

• How does age impact male fertility?

  Sperm quality, volume, and motility all decrease with age.

• What is a testicular biopsy and when is it needed?

  A testicular biopsy is a procedure that removes a small tissue sample from the testical. It is often performed to determine the cause of male infertility, especially when a semen analysis suggests abnormal sperm.

• How is male hormone testing related to fertility?

  Hormones in the male body control sperm production. Too much or too little of these hormones can cause problems with sperm production. During male fertility testing at RMA of New York, blood tests for FSH, LH, testosterone, and E2 will be performed.

• How long should a man abstain before a semen analysis?

  Men should abstain for 2 and 7 days before a semen analysis, to allow enough time for sperm to accumulate in the testicles for an accurate sperm count. Your RMA of New York care team will provide specific instructions.

• Are at-home fertility tests accurate?

  At-home fertility tests can be accurate, but there are many variables including the type of test, the user’s health history, and how the test is used. We recommend that you consult with a RMA of New York physician to determine if an at-home fertility test is appropriate for you.