Office Visit

In order to diagnose and treat male infertility, a patient starts with a consultation.

The visit includes the following:

• Review of your health and surgical history
• Discussion about any current health problems
• Review of medications
• Discussion about use of alcohol, tobacco and other recreational drugs and exposure to environmental factors
• Review of how your body works during sex
• Review of you and your partner’s efforts to get pregnant
• Physical exam of penis, epididymis, vas deferens and testicles

Types of Testing

Following the initial assessment, additional diagnostic testing maybe needed, which could include:

Seminal Fluid Collection & Analysis

To assess male fertility, an analysis of seminal fluid is helpful to assess the number of sperm present and identify abnormalities in the sperm’s shape or movement.  

OSF HealthCare uses the perforated seminal collection device to collect seminal fluid during a marital act as a way to respect a person’s religious, moral and aesthetic beliefs while also obtaining reliable results.

The seminal fluid is then emptied from the collection device and put into a plastic container that is provided. The fluid should be kept warm and transported to the hospital or laboratory within 30 to 45 minutes after collection.

Scrotal Ultrasound

This test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images inside your body.

A scrotal ultrasound can help your doctor see if there is a varicocele or other complications in the testicles and supporting structures.

Testicular Biopsy

This test removes sperm samples from the testicle with a needle.

If the results of the biopsy show sperm production is normal, then infertility is likely caused by a blockage or another problem with sperm transport.

Hormone Testing

This is a blood test that measures the level of testosterone and other hormones. These hormones play a key role in sperm production.