Why a Male Fertility Check is Vital if You and Your Partner are Having Trouble Conceiving
Often, when a couple has difficulty conceiving, the woman might believe that the issue lies with her. However, an egg and sperm are needed for conception, so it’s essential to consider both partners’ reproductive health. Both male and female fertility checks can deliver a clearer picture of any potential issues, and give you important insights that can help you to make informed decisions about successfully starting a family.
Our clinic provides a range of benefits, including access to experienced fertility specialists, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and personalised care plans. In this article we’ll explore how and why these in-depth male fertility checks can help to identify and address any issues, giving you the most accurate information and effective treatment options available.
Why Might You Want a Male Fertility Check?
Many couples have difficulties conceiving, so understanding your fertility status can be incredibly beneficial. Whether you're planning to start a family now, or you’re weighing up your reproductive options for the future, a male fertility check can offer valuable insights into your reproductive health. During an appointment with one of our fertility experts, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your overall health, ask questions, interpret test results, and explore any additional steps you can take to improve your chances of having a child.
The Facts Around Male Fertility
When a couple are trying to conceive, there is up to a 50% chance that any problems have something to do with male fertility. In these cases, the most common cause is a man’s semen having too few normal sperm to fertilise an egg.
If you’re at all concerned about your fertility, a semen analysis can help you to identify any issues. We would recommend this as a first step to getting more clarity around any problems you are facing, regardless of whether there is an identified problem with your partner’s reproductive health.
The Benefits of an In-Clinic Male Fertility Check
While at-home tests can include standard semen evaluations, they might not provide a detailed picture of your reproductive health. When you receive your results at home, you won’t have the guidance of a specialist who can help you to understand what they mean, and how they relate to your personal medical history. They can also cause unnecessary anxiety when not interpreted or personalised to you.
We recommend having your fertility assessed with a semen analysis in a clinic setting. Not only can you discuss any aspect of your reproductive health with a fertility expert during your appointment, but you will also have the chance to ask further questions relating to your semen analysis results during a follow-up telephone call, or appointment.
What Male Fertility Tests at Our Clinic Involve
At our clinic, we offer comprehensive male fertility tests which focus on the quality and quantity of sperm, including:
- Semen Analysis: This test measures the number of sperm, their movement/motility, and their shape/morphology.
- Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test: This non-invasive procedure is performed on a semen sample and can identify DNA damage in sperm. If sperm DNA damage is high, we may recommend treatments such as antioxidants, lifestyle changes, and, if needed, IVF with ICSI (injecting a sperm into the egg during IVF).
Where do You Provide Your Sperm Sample?
Prior to your appointment, you will be asked to provide a sample of your fresh sperm, which you can do at an allocated nearby London clinic. Once you’ve produced this sample, the lab will take it straight away for analysing.
The Importance of a Detailed Semen Analysis
A detailed semen analysis can reveal important information about sperm health, which is vital for fertility. If your results highlight any potential concerns, we will discuss what can be done to improve sperm count, quality, and motility. This might include further testing, such as sperm DNA fragmentation tests, or exploring treatment options like IUI, IVF, or, in some cases, sperm donation.
When is the Right Time to Have a Fertility Check?
Gathering as much information as possible about your reproductive health can help to inform your next steps towards starting a family. We would advise you to have a fertility check if you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a while; if you’re a forward-planner, you might also want to visit our clinic for a male fertility check before you’ve even started trying for a baby with your partner.
Our fertility experts offer specialist consultations that give you a comprehensive overview of your reproductive health. This approach ensures you have the knowledge and guidance needed to make the best choices for your situation. While at-home tests are convenient, they may not provide the same depth of exploration, expertise, and reassurance.
Make an Appointment at Our Clinic
If you’re having trouble conceiving, we’re here to help. Please call us on 020 7244 4200, or make an appointment online