Rotunda Fertility Clinic administers the following tests to determine problems of the male partner concerning inadequate or abnormal sperm production and delivery, anatomical problems, previous testicular injuries or hormonal imbalances. These tests are based on the physician’s examination and analysis.
The male partner provides a semen sample that is analyzed with a battery of advanced andrology tests in our fully-equipped laboratory. In addition to the standard semen analysis using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, we also analyze sperm to assess the number of motile sperm that can be extracted from the ejaculate.
We encourage male partners to have their semen analyzed at our laboratory so the samples can be tested against rigorous standards. In addition to the routine analysis of our morphology, motility and concentration, some of the additional testing we perform on the semen includes:
Routine semen cultures to detect infections
Long Term Survival Studies
Testing for antisperm antibodies
Detection of biochemical markers in the semen for example: fructose testing
Pre and Post processing to determine what to expect for our IUI or IVF procedures
Additional diagnostic testing for patients with severe male problems for example: HOS Test
In cases where the semen analysis is normal, treatment will focus on the work-up of the female partner only. According to WHO a normal semen analysis includes:
Routine semen cultures to detect infections
Volume greater than 2cc
Motility or movement of sperm of greater than 40%
Additionally, our laboratory uses the Kruger classification of more than 14% normal morphology
An Abnormal Sperm Analysis is repeated first for verification. Typically, the male partner is referred to a urologist for evaluation. If the urologic evaluation is normal, results of the sperm count determine further treatment. For example, a total motile sperm in excess of 5 – 10 million would make intrauterine insemination an option. If the number is less than a 1 million, ICSI would be a better course of treatment.
Azoospermia is a condition, where there is no sperm in the ejaculated fluid. In most cases, it is caused by either primary testicular failure or hormonal, chromosomal or obstructive abnormalities. Patients need hormonal, urologic, genetic or ultrasonographic examinations to further evaluate the problem.
Antisperm antibodies are substances that attach to the surface of the sperm and may interfere with the ability of the sperm to move & penetrate the cervical mucus, or to fertilize an egg. They must be ruled out when infertility is either unexplained, following an abnormal postcoital test, or when significant sperm coagulation is noted in the initial semen analysis. Our laboratory uses the immunobead technique to detect sperm antibodies. If they are detected, sperm washing in conjunction with IUI or IVF is considered.