Assisted Reproductive Technology, ART includes all fertility treatments in which eggs, sperms and embryos are handled.
Male testing
Infertility diagnosis can be complicated and expensive, with no guarantee of success. In some cases, the cause of infertility remains unexplained. Testing for male infertility involves various procedures to assess sperm health and function.
Tests for men may include
- Physical exam
- Semen analysis
- Hormone & genetic testing
- testicular biopsy, and imaging studies
A semen analysis involves collecting a sample to check for sperm count and quality. Hormone testing can assess testosterone levels, while genetic testing may identify genetic defects contributing to infertility.
A testicular biopsy involves removing a small amount of tissue for microscopic examination. Imaging tests like ultrasound can identify structural issues in the reproductive tract. In some cases, a brain MRI may be recommended to check for tumors affecting hormone production.
There are a number of medical conditions that put patients in a high-risk group for male infertility. These include:
- Endocrine disorders or hormone imbalances
- Physical injury to the testicle
- Undescended testes
- Surgery on the testis or in this area, such as hernia repairs
- Exposures to toxic chemicals including chemotherapy or radiation
- Physical blockage of the sperm delivery routes
- Use of testosterone or other anabolic steroids
Your doctor also often tell male and female patients that what is good for their general health is good for their sperm health. Some lifestyle habits may put a males and females at higher risk for infertility or subfertility. They includes:
- Smoking: Tobacco use has been shown to damage sperm and also to limit the chances of survival for embryos that are created.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking to excess can lower testosterone levels and cause erectile dysfunction.
- Exposure to heat: Spending too much time in the sauna or hot tub can lead to lower sperm counts. Patients are also warned against working with laptop computers on their laps.
- Poor diet: Recent studies have shown that poor diets – those high in saturated fats and low in nutrients – can decrease sperm production
- Stress: Just as unmanaged stress can wreak havoc on the body as a whole, it can contribute to a male fertility problem.
- Drugs: From cannabis & marijuana to anabolic steroids to the whole family of opiates, many medications or illicit drugs are linked to lower sperm counts.
Other tests may also be performed to evaluate sperm quality, such as DNA testing. These tests help identify potential causes of infertility, allowing for targeted treatment options like assisted reproductive techniques. Overall, infertility testing aims to pinpoint the underlying issues preventing conception and guide personalized treatment plans.
Women undergo various tests to determine their fertility status. Fertility in women depends on the healthy release of eggs from the ovaries, the passage of the egg into the fallopian tubes, joining with sperm, and implanting in the uterus. Tests for female infertility aim to identify any issues at these stages.
Tests for female fertility focus on identifying issues with ovulation, the reproductive tract, and hormone levels that may affect the ability to conceive.
These tests include:
- Ovulation testing: A blood test to determine if you are ovulating and your ovulation reserve, to choose the assisted reproductive technique protocol that your doctor will ask you to follow.
- Thyroid function test: To check for thyroid gland issues that could impact fertility.
- Hysterosalpingography HSG: An X-ray to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes for blockages or abnormalities.
- Ovarian reserve testing: Assessing the number of eggs available for ovulation.
- Other hormone tests: Checking hormone levels that regulate ovulation and pregnancy processes.
- Imaging tests: Such as pelvic ultrasound to detect uterine or ovarian diseases.
Rarely, additional tests like hysteroscopy and laparoscopy may be performed to investigate specific issues like uterine diseases, endometriosis, or blockages in the fallopian tubes.
The decision to undergo these tests is based on individual circumstances and symptoms. Not all tests may be necessary, and the choice of tests will depend on discussions between you and your healthcare provider. These tests aim to pinpoint the underlying cause of infertility in women, which can impact the release of healthy eggs, passage through the fallopian tubes, fertilization process, and successful implantation in the uterus. Identifying and addressing these issues can increase the chances of conception for women experiencing fertility challenges.