If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, a sperm analysis test can reveal if you’re dealing with infertility. This test takes a close look at a man’s sperm to determine if irregularities are preventing conception. Below is a helpful guide you can use to decide if this service is right for you and what you can expect.

A Guide to Sperm Analysis

Why Is It Needed?

Infertility affects roughly 15% of couples, and males contribute to nearly 50% of all cases. Many cases are related to issues with sperm production and function. A fertility clinic can perform a sperm analysis to determine what factors are contributing.

What Does It Test?

Patients deliver a sperm sample to the fertility clinic. There, professionals examine the shape, quantity, and movement of the sperm under a microscope. If over 50% of sperm are abnormally shaped, or if fewer than 40% of sperm move an hour after ejaculation, a man may be dealing with infertility. A healthy sperm count is usually over 15million per ml of seminal fluid analyzed. Irregularities may be related to an infection, hormonal imbalance, or genetic disorders. Once professionals have identified all factors that potentially contribute to infertility, they can help you make positive changes to overcome them.

What’s the Next Step?

Many centers typically use about two sperm analysis tests to find the best assessment of sperm health. If there are irregularities, it doesn’t mean you are permanently infertile.

Some factors, like being under- or overweight, not exercising enough, or abusing alcohol and tobacco, can cause temporary infertility. Professionals at the fertility clinic will identify these contributing factors and recommend healthy lifestyle changes to improve sperm health.

Some medications and hormone treatments may improve testicular function to create healthier sperm. The clinic may surgically retrieve sperm if a male is unable to ejaculate or fix blockages that may be inhibiting ejaculation.

If you’re concerned about infertility, Dr. Ndidiamaka Onwubalili and the team at Diamond Institute for Infertility & Menopause can assist. Based in Millburn, NJ, these professionals offer various fertility solutions, including egg freezing, IVF procedures, and surrogates. You can explore their broad range of treatments on their website or call (973) 761-5600 to schedule an exam.