Male infertility study

If the initial semen analysis shows abnormalities, an andrological consultation is recommended, i.e., an examination by an andrologist, who is a specialist in male reproduction.

In addition to compiling a male medical history, which will include questions about any previous children or abortions with your current partner or in previous relationships, the andrologist will perform a physical examination to check the integrity of the male reproductive system and will recommend additional tests to help complete the diagnosis and propose the appropriate treatment.

The motile sperm count involves the patient providing a semen sample. In the laboratory, the sample is treated in a specific way to determine the total number of sperm with proper motility that we can ultimately count on.

It is particularly useful for choosing the most effective assisted reproduction technique in cases of male infertility. Thus, an MSC under 3 million are associated with low probabilities of pregnancy with insemination, and it is advisable to move on to in vitro fertilisation.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is usually measured, as it is the best indicator of testicular function.

• Immunological: Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C Antibody (HC Ac), Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR), and HIV Antibody (Ac HIV)

cromosomasKaryotyping involves taking a blood sample to determine each individual's chromosome pattern. Karyotype abnormalities may be linked to infertility problems or recurrent miscarriages. This entails an examination of 22 pairs of chromosomes and the 2 sex chromosomes: X and Y. Requested in cases of recurrent miscarriage, unexplained infertility, and sometimes before commencing an IVF-ICSI [In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) - Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)] cycle.

The testicular doppler ultrasound is a scan to rule out testicular varicose veins and varicocele, as well as to determine their severity and impact on fertility. It is also used to rule out the presence of other masses such as testicular cysts, hydroceles, etc.

Sperm DNA integrity is studied in cases of:

• Recurrent miscarriages
• Pregnancy failure after several infertility treatments
• Man over 45 years of age
• History of high fever
• Varicocele

This test aims to rule out abnormalities in the number of chromosomes in sperm.

It is only indicated in cases where the problem is suspected after failed in vitro fertilisation (IVF), with alterations in embryonic development, severe oligozoospermia, implantation failures attributable to male causes, or in cases of recurrent miscarriages, if the andrologist considers it appropriate.

Testicular biopsy (TESE) is a very simple surgical procedure that involves obtaining small samples of testicular tissue for the differential diagnosis of azoospermia, or in cases of obstruction of the vas deferens, to obtain a sperm sample for infertility treatment.

The CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) gene test measures whether the cystic fibrosis gene is present in the blood. If both partners are carriers of the mutation, the probability of having a child with cystic fibrosis is 25%.

This test is performed if there is a family history of cystic fibrosis in the man's family or in cases of azoospermia due to congenital absence of the vas deferens.