Infertility affects both men and women equally.
It’s a fact that bears repeating because there is a common assumption that infertility in a heterosexual couple is solely a female-partner issue.
The reality is that just about half of all infertility cases stem from male-factor infertility. This statistic is undeniable, and for this reason, we know that male infertility testing is crucial in order to be sure every couple’s treatment is as effective as possible upon the start of care.
In-House Testing
Our male fertility experts and andrology laboratory makes testing and analysis easier, more accurate, and less time-consuming for our patients. Equipped with the latest diagnostic technology and operated by specially trained staff, our laboratory and team provide convenient, accurate results.
Male Infertility Causes
Common causes of male factor infertility include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculation problems (no sperm or premature)
- Azoospermia: no sperm resulting from physical obstruction of the ducts in the testicles
- Varicocele: a collection of varicose-like veins above the testicle
- Physical trauma to the testes
- Undescended testicles
- Chemotherapy for cancer
- Hormone imbalances
- Age-related infertility
- Genetic abnormalities
- Obesity
- Poor nutrition
- Stress
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Smoking
- Use of recreational drugs
Our team possesses the experience and science to swiftly identify the source of any male-factor infertility issues that may be present.
Our male infertility workup includes an in-depth look at the male partner’s medical history, a physical exam, and a Semen Analysis test.
This is one of the most important tests conducted during the infertility evaluation and it can identify many sperm disorders that can lead to male factor infertility. As part of the initial assessment, all male patients at NewLife Fertility are asked to provide a sperm sample for semen analysis. The sample will be evaluated for the quantity of sperm, the viscosity of the ejaculate, the shape of the sperm (morphology), an evaluation of how the sperm swim (motility), and many other characteristics. The sperm sample can be provided at home and driven to the laboratory within 45 minutes, or it can be provided in one of our private, comfortable collection rooms. This test should be done after three to five days of abstinence to yield the most accurate results.
According to the semen analysis results, further testing may be requested. This may require another sperm sample to be provided a few weeks later, for either a repeat analysis or specialized sperm tests like DNA fragmentation, antibody tests, or strict morphology. A scrotal or testicular ultrasound or hormonal blood tests may also be advised.
Because male factor infertility has an impact on half of all fertility cases, the analysis of a semen sample provides critical information for treating male infertility.
After a fresh semen sample is collected via masturbation at home or at one of our locations, our laboratory staff will microscopically analyze the following:
Volume
Indicates how many milliliters of semen is produced. Low volumes can indicate a blockage or dysfunction in the seminal vesicles or prostate. The volume should be more than 2 ml.
Motility
Shows how many moving sperms are present. This aspect is vital to enabling the sperm unites with the egg in the Fallopian tube. Typically, 50% or more of sperm should be motile.
Morphology
This refers to the shape of the sperm. Although the vast majority of sperm have abnormal shapes, if over 50% are abnormally shaped, male fertility is affected.
Concentration
Indicates how many million sperm cells per milliliter are produced. Lower numbers may indicate that sperm is being blocked from coming out, or that the testicles are not producing sperm properly.
Appearance
Sperm color can indicate the presence of blood or a side-effect of medication.
Male Hormone Testing In Ontario
In some situations, we may perform a blood test to check for hormonal imbalances or genetic conditions. These causes are less common than others. Therefore, testing is not always performed unless there are other underlying factors.
At NewLife Fertility, we rely on comprehensive fertility testing and analysis to diagnose male infertility.
If we discover a concern within semen analysis testing that may hinder pregnancy, there are several options we may recommend for treatment, including:
IUI Process In Ontario
A first-line office procedure which involves the placing of sperm (utilizing a thin catheter) inside a woman’s uterus when she is ovulating, to help facilitate fertilization
IVF Process In Ontario
The joining of a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm in a laboratory dish. In-vitro means “outside the body”. Embryos are placed into the woman’s womb 3 – 5 days after egg retrieval and fertilization.
ICSI Process In Ontario
A single, healthy sperm is injected into the egg to help with fertilization during IVF.
Varicocele Surgery In Ontario
Because a varicocele rarely produces symptoms, it is not uncommon for a man not to be aware of it unless it causes problems with fertility. Surgical treatment redirects the blood flow toward normal veins. Surgery is done on an outpatient basis.
Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
PESA is a simple technique to obtain sperm for Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This procedure analyzes sperm content and motility.
Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA)
MESA is a procedure involves microsurgical techniques to remove small samples of epididymal tissue in an effort to extract sperm from the tissue.
Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)
TESE or testicular biopsy is a procedure that involves a small surgical incision in the testis, aiming to remove small samples of testis tissue for processing and eventual extraction of sperm.