Semen Testing

Semen Testing

If the results of your initial fertility tests do not diagnose the problem, your healthcare provider may suggest further testing. A basic physical is usually completed on the initial visit. A semen analysis is always done and often blood will be drawn to asses hormone levels such as FSH, LH and testosterone. Depending on the results of these tests, the health care provider may require more tests such as a sperm function test, testicular biopsy or vasography. This section of Biosynthesis gives you detailed explanations of these male-specific tests. Most healt hcare providers take the time to explain these procedures to their patients. However, it is always helpful to learn as much as you can on your own so you can be better prepared when you meet with your health care provider.

Semen Analysis

A semen analysis is used to determine whether a man might be infertile—unable to get a woman pregnant. The semen analysis has many parts and test a lot of aspects of the semen and sperm. A semen analysis to determine fertility should be performed on a minimum of two samples at least seven days apart over a period of two to three months because some conditions can affect sperm levels.

Sperm Analysis

The sperm analysis also can be used to count sperm after a man has a vasectomy. If there are still a lot of sperm present in the semen, the man and his partner will have to take precautions so that his partner will not become pregnant. He will have to return for one or more sperm counts until the sperm are cleared from his sample(s).