Conception challenges can be frustrating and emotionally draining for couples, and while it’s common to focus on female fertility, it’s important to recognise that male fertility issues contribute to a significant amount of these struggles. Many men are unaware that their sperm quality or count could be affecting their ability to conceive. 

Male fertility testing offers an effective way to uncover potential problems, providing vital information that can guide the next steps in the fertility journey. At London IVF and Genetics Centre, we help couples to identify and overcome their conception challenges through our range of fertility tests and treatments. 

In this post, we’ll outline how male fertility testing can help you understand conception challenges, giving you a well rounded understanding of the importance of this type of testing in your journey to parenthood.

What is a Male Fertility Test?

A male fertility test is a diagnostic process used to evaluate a man’s ability to have a baby by examining different aspects of sperm health. This typically includes testing the sperm count, shape (morphology), and movement (motility), as well as looking at other key characteristics. The aim is to determine if there are any factors that may be hindering the sperm from reaching and fertilising the egg. We provide two male fertility test options; the Comprehensive Basic Male MOT Assessment and the Complete Male Fertility MOT (Andrology) Assessment. Below, we’ll explain both tests in more detail and highlight their key features.

Comprehensive Basic Male MOT Assessment

The Comprehensive Basic Male MOT Assessment is an essential male fertility test that provides a detailed overview of sperm health. This test includes semen sample analysis to assess various sperm parameters such as;

  • Concentration (sperm count)
  • Motility (how well the sperm move)
  • Morphology (the shape and structure of the sperm)
  • Anti sperm antibodies (MAR test), which can detect antibodies that may prevent sperm from fertilising an egg.

Complete Male Fertility MOT (Andrology) Assessment

The Complete Male Fertility MOT (Andrology) Assessment is a more comprehensive and in depth fertility test that we provide. This assessment includes everything covered in the basic MOT, but also delves deeper into the overall health of the sperm and reproductive system. The additional features of this assessment include;

  • Assessment of Oxidative Damage – This looks for damage to sperm caused by reactive oxygen species.
  • Genetic Material Damage Assessment – This examines any damage to the sperm’s DNA.
  • Screening For Genetic Abnormalities – This helps identify any genetic issues that could impact fertility.
  • Silent Infection Screening – This checks for infections that may not present symptoms but could still affect sperm health.

Who Can Benefit from a Male Fertility Test?

Male fertility testing is beneficial for men in different situations, particularly for those who have encountered difficulties conceiving, those who plan to start a family in the future, and those who want a clear understanding of their fertility health. Whether you’ve been trying to conceive without success or you want to be proactive about your fertility, testing can help identify any issues early and provide peace of mind.

  • For Men Who Have Had Difficulty Conceiving

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, a male fertility test can be a crucial step in uncovering potential fertility issues. Common problems like low sperm count or poor sperm motility may be affecting your ability to conceive. Identifying these issues early allows you to explore treatment options, including lifestyle changes or fertility treatments, to increase your chances of success.

  • For Men Planning to Start a Family in the Future

Even if you haven’t yet begun trying for a baby but plan to in the near future, male fertility testing can be a proactive way to ensure there are no hidden issues that could affect your ability to conceive when the time comes. This type of testing provides a clear understanding of your reproductive health, allowing you to address any potential problems in advance and helping you prepare for a smoother journey to parenthood.

  • For Men Seeking a Clear Understanding of Their Fertility Health

For men who simply want to understand their fertility status, male fertility testing offers valuable insights. Whether you’re curious about your sperm health or want to confirm that there are no underlying issues, this test gives you a detailed overview of your reproductive health. Knowing where you stand can provide peace of mind and help you make informed decisions about family planning when the time is right.

The Next Steps Post Male Fertility Testing

After male fertility testing, the next steps depend primarily on your results. If no fertility issues are found but you’re still struggling to conceive, it may be worth exploring female fertility testing to uncover any potential issues affecting your partner. If your male fertility test indicates a problem, we can guide you through lifestyle changes, medications or supplements, and discuss fertility treatments. Whatever the outcome, we will work with you to develop a tailored fertility plan, helping you and your partner move forward confidently in your journey to parenthood.

By working with a specialist fertility clinic like London IVF and Genetics Centre, you can understand your male fertility and take actionable steps toward achieving pregnancy through male fertility testing and tailored fertility treatments. Operating from two state of the art private clinics, located in London and Milton Keynes, offering personalised fertility solutions that cater to the unique needs of each couple. 

In addition to male fertility testing, we also offer female fertility testing and couples testing, giving you different options to meet your conception needs. Our highly experienced consultants will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you receive the assistance and advice necessary to optimise your chances of having a baby. To learn more about our male fertility testing, contact London IVF and Genetics Centre today to schedule your free consultation.