What to Expect at Your Doctor Visit for Male Infertility

by | Feb 17, 2016

Visiting your urologist for male infertility isn’t anything to be embarrassed about.

Urologists are trained to help you identify the cause of your inability to conceive with your partner.

While there are several factors that influence male infertility, it’s crucial to visit your urologist to determine if you are infertile and what the treatments are.

What can you expect at your doctor’s visit for infertility?

Medical History Review

Your urologist will go over your medical history with you: this includes any current or past health conditions, current medications, any sexually transmitted infections, and more. It’s best to be open with your doctor, as the more information you can give him or her, the more they’ll be able to help you. To prepare for your appointment, bring your medical history, if applicable, and a list of medications you’re currently taking. Your urologist will also need to talk to your partner in order to get a full scope of information as to what the problem is. Sexual practices, including libido and lubricants, as well as a family history, are just a few of things you and your doctor will discuss during the evaluation.

Physical Exam

Be prepared to have a physical exam during your evaluation for male infertility. Your doctor needs to check for the presence of varicoceles, cysts, or the vas deferens, which is the vessel that helps your sperm get into your urethra so that they can exit the body. Your doctor may be able to determine if a blockage or any other abnormalities are present by performing a physical exam, so this is an important part of the evaluation.

Blood and Semen Analyses

Sometimes a hormonal imbalance is responsible for male infertility. In order to have your hormone levels checked, a blood test will be necessary. A blood test can also uncover any genetic reasons that fertility may be a problem for you. It’s also vital that several semen analyses are taken in order to determine numerous factors about the sperm that could affect your fertility. The factors that will be measured from your semen sample include:

  • Volume of semen
  • Sperm density (sperm count per ejaculate)
  • Motility (percentage of sperm moving)
  • Forward progression (quality of sperm movement)

Based on these factors, your urologist may find abnormalities. Semen analyses can help detect a blockage, total lack of sperm in the ejaculate, and if the sperm have trouble moving. Several analyses are needed (the first will likely be taken during your initial visit) because these factors can fluctuate with each ejaculation.

During your initial doctor visit for male infertility, be prepared to give blood and semen samples. Also be prepared to have a thorough physical exam as well as a detailed medical history review. Remember that history for both you and your partner is relevant, and no detail is too small in order to help determine the cause of your infertility. Let a urologist help you and your partner conceive naturally—schedule an appointment to determine if a problem with male infertility is hindering your ability to conceive with your partner today.