What to Expect During Sperm Testing

Difficulty conceiving a child after a year of trying is the definition of infertility. The underlying cause of infertility varies and in 33% of cases, the cause is related to male reproductive health. 

At CARE Fertility in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, we understand the many factors that affect fertility, and we offer male infertility treatments. Before we can develop a treatment plan, our team of specialists needs to find the underlying cause of male infertility, which often includes sperm testing.

Here’s what to expect during sperm testing, what the results mean, and how we help support conception.

What happens during sperm testing?

Sperm testing, also called semen analysis, is a diagnostic test for male infertility. The test looks at sperm count, mobility, and shape. 

For the test, we need a sample of semen produced through masturbation. You can collect a sample at home or at the clinic in a private room.

You need to wash your hands and penis first and then collect the sample in the provided container. Any home samples must get to the office within an hour to reduce risk of temperature-related changes to sperm that can affect results. 

If you’re unable to masturbate, the lab can give you a special condom that can collect sperm during intercourse.

Sperm testing results

Once we have the sample, our lab runs a fertility test to evaluate your semen and sperm. The test analyzes:

• pH levels — semen that’s too acidic affects sperm health
• Sperm count — the amount of sperm per milliliter of semen; low sperm count decreases chances of pregnancy
• Sperm morphology — the size and shape of sperm; sperm with an abnormal shape may not fertilize an egg
• Sperm motility — how sperm moves determines if it can swim to an egg
• Vitality — the percent of live sperm in the semen sample
• White blood cell count — high white blood cell counts may indicate an infection affecting fertility

The results of your sperm test give us insight into how your health affects conception. Abnormal results don’t mean you can’t conceive a baby, but they do give us direction for treatment.

Treating male infertility

The approach we take with male infertility depends on the underlying cause. You may need medications that support sperm production, improve hormone balance, or treat an underlying infection. 

Certain procedures can improve male infertility, such as varicocele repair to reduce heating of the testicles that affects sperm quality or removing any blockages that impede sperm flow. 

Surgeons may also retrieve sperm surgically and then use it for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

We also encourage healthy lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, smoking cessation, and prioritizing sleep to benefit fertility.

Sperm testing helps us better understand the underlying cause of a couple’s infertility so we can create a plan that leads to positive results. Are you having a difficult time conceiving? Do you want to know why? Call us today or request an appointment online.