A fertility check-up for men is a medical evaluation aimed at assessing a man’s reproductive health and ability to father a child. This check-up typically includes a variety of tests and assessments to determine sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and overall semen quality.

These tests help identify any underlying issues that may be affecting a man’s fertility and guide appropriate treatment options or lifestyle changes to improve reproductive health.

What is “fertility check up for men”

A fertility check-up for men is a comprehensive evaluation of a man’s reproductive health to determine his ability to father a child. This assessment typically includes a series of tests and examinations aimed at identifying potential issues with sperm production, function, and overall reproductive system health.

Indications for a male fertility check-up

A fertility check-up for men helps in diagnosing and treating potential causes of infertility, thereby increasing the chances of successful conception. Fertility control is not only done for married couples. Even before marriage, people sometimes wonder whether they can have children. In general, checking for fertility is done in the following cases:

• Infertility: The primary indication is difficulty in conceiving after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse.
• History of Medical Conditions: Conditions like undescended testes, testicular cancer, or other urological issues can affect fertility.
• Genetic Conditions: Family history of genetic disorders that might impact reproductive health.
• Lifestyle Factors: Exposure to environmental toxins, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or drug use can impair fertility.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Issues such as erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory problems.
• Previous Surgeries or Trauma: Surgeries or injuries to the reproductive organs.
• Hormonal Disorders: Symptoms or diagnosis of hormonal imbalances affecting reproductive function.
• Partner’s Fertility Issues: If the female partner has been diagnosed with fertility issues, evaluating the male partner is also essential to identify any contributing factors.

Components of a male fertility check-up

Male patients who come for a fertility check-up are generally evaluated as follows. Apart from these if necessary, other tests are also requested.

• Medical History Review: The doctor reviews the patient’s medical, surgical, and sexual history, including any medications or lifestyle factors that might affect fertility.
• Physical Examination: A thorough examination, particularly of the genital area, to detect abnormalities such as varicoceles (enlarged veins), infections, or hormonal imbalances.
• Semen Analysis: The cornerstone of male fertility testing, this involves collecting and analyzing a semen sample to assess sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and other semen parameters.
• Hormonal Testing: Blood tests measure hormone levels, including testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin, which play critical roles in sperm production and overall reproductive health.
• Genetic Testing: Recommended in some cases to identify genetic conditions that might affect fertility, such as chromosomal abnormalities or Y chromosome microdeletions.
• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound of the scrotum to visualize the testes and other structures, checking for blockages, tumors, or other abnormalities.
• Other Specialized Tests: These might include sperm function tests, antisperm antibody tests, or testicular biopsy in specific situations.

Summary

A fertility check-up for men is a medical evaluation to assess a man’s reproductive health and ability to father a child. It includes a review of medical history, a physical examination, a semen analysis to evaluate sperm count and quality, hormonal testing to measure levels of key hormones, and sometimes genetic testing and imaging tests like scrotal ultrasound. Indications for a fertility check-up include difficulty conceiving after one year of trying, history of medical conditions or surgeries affecting the reproductive system, lifestyle factors, sexual dysfunction, and hormonal disorders. This evaluation helps identify and address potential causes of infertility.

Prof. Dr. Emin ÖZBEK

Urologist

Istanbul- TURKIYE