Traditionally infertility has been associated with women but it is now known that in 40 percent of all couples it is the man who is responsible for the inability of the couple to conceive. In approximately one third of infertility cases a low sperm count is the dominant factor, while several tests and examinations can be carried out to ascertain male subfertility levels.
The process of testing for male infertility is embarrassing for many men, although it is not as uncomfortable or intrusive as the procedures for testing women’s fertility. Visiting an urologist/andrologist, discussing the problem and having a physical examination is the first step to evaluate male fertility. The consultation will include a medical history of the man’s reproductive past and a number of questions concerning his lifestyle. It may also include questions concerning diet, exercise, smoking, drinking, and medications or drug use. Sexual life, previous problems with sex or sexually transmitted diseases might also play a role in the problem of infertility. The evaluation will end with a sample of semen taken for a male sperm count test.
Semen for the test is obtained through masturbation after two to five days of abstinence from sexual intercourse. The man ejaculates into a sterile container which is then sent off to a laboratory for analysis. The sperm count, the shape and movement are also factors to be assessed.
For a normal sample 15 million sperm per ml is the usual sperm count with at least 40 percent showing forward progressive movement. Anti-sperm antibodies should affect less than 50 percent of the sperm. Sometimes no sperm at all are found in which case the problem might be a physical blockage in the tubes which carry the sperm from the testes. If this is the case the andrologist will do a physical examination and hormone analysis.
Both men and women find fertility testing embarrassing; of the two though, tests for men are infinitely simpler and less costly than those for women. The male sperm count test can be carried out quickly to eliminate possible causes of subfertility. That means less worry for both partners, with the possibility of a solution being discovered much sooner.
SOURCE http://infertility.answers.com/