TEST FOR MALE INFERTILITY

Edited by, SNEHA MAVIS

Male infertility accounts for roughly one-third of all reproductive problems. A man may be perfectly healthy but generate poor quality sperm. Some men may have more serious medical issues, such as low testosterone levels or male sex hormones.

SEMEN ANALYSIS:

Semen analysis is the initial step in the medical evaluation of a male's fertility. The patient is asked to submit a specimen at the andrology laboratory. This examination measures the amount of sperm in the ejaculate (sperm count), analyses their form and size (morphology) and calculates the total volume and percentage of moving sperm (motility). There should be no substantial white or red blood cells, sperm clumping or hyperviscosity.

FRUCTOSE TEST:

The presence of fructose in semen is determined. The seminal vesicle contributes fructose, which is generally present in sperm. The absence of fructose in the sperm indicates a seminal vesicle obstruction. A blockage could be the result of an infection, such as a sexually transmitted disease, an accident or previous surgery that damaged the delicate tubules of the epididymis or obstructed the Vas deferens.

IMMUNOBEAD TEST:

Anti-sperm antibodies are detected using the immunobead test. These can be detected in the serum, semen or on the sperm itself. When the sperm is exposed to the immune system, anti-sperm antibodies can develop. Anti-sperm antibodies are usually formed in approximately 70 % of males following a vasectomy.

LIVE SPERM STAIN:

This test is performed to validate the presence of live sperm if the motility of the semen analysis is less than 35 %. The staining procedure is carried out with the small amount of the sample. On the slide, this small part is combined with the drop of red stain. The living sperm will selectively block the stain from entering and appear white, whereas the dead sperm will absorb the stain and appear red since their outer membrane has lost the ability to selectively block the stain from entering. 

ENDOCRINE TEST:

Blood tests to access circulating hormones can be used to understand more about testicular function and the reasons for infertility. FSH and LH, pituitary hormones are both involved in sperm formation and testosterone generation. Other pituitary hormones, such as prolactin and TSH, influence testosterone levels.

RETROGRADE EJACULATION TEST:

Retrograde ejaculation is a condition in which the sperm is discharged backward into the bladder during ejaculation. This condition can be inherited, but it can also occur in men who have diabetes, multiple sclerosis or have had previous prostate surgery. Certain drugs, such as antidepressants and blood pressure medication, may cause it. Urine is collected and examined to see if there is retrograde ejaculation; if so, the sperm is examined.

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