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Male Diagnostic
Procedures.

Clarity, for him too. A full male fertility evaluation, structured and non-invasive.

What it is.

Male factor accounts for a meaningful share of couple infertility. The male evaluation is structured and non-invasive, and forms the foundation of every fertility workup at our center.

/ Sperm health

Number, motility, morphology, DNA integrity. The male workup measures the quality of the sperm cell across several dimensions, not just one.

Sperm cells in motion
/ 01

Semen analysis.

Semen sample being prepared at the laboratory
At the laboratory: volume, pH, sperm count, motility, and morphology are measured against WHO 2010 reference values.

Also referred to as a sperm count test, it is the cornerstone of a male fertility evaluation. It allows to assess the health of a man’s sperm by analyzing the volume, pH, and liquefaction of the sample, the number of sperm cells, their viability, motility, and morphology, as well as the number of red and white blood cells.

The most commonly used normal values for a semen analysis are from the World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 update. Semen analysis is better performed at the laboratory, following an abstinence period of 2 to 5 days.

/ 02

Male Hormonal Workup.

Blood samples for hormonal workup
A single blood draw covers FSH, LH, total testosterone, prolactin, and TSH.

A full hormonal evaluation is warranted in males with altered sperm parameters, in order to identify treatable endocrine causes (hypothalamic, pituitary). The workup generally includes serum FSH, LH, total testosterone, prolactin, and TSH.

/ 03

Testicular ultrasound.

Testicular ultrasound being performed
Color Doppler imaging during the testicular ultrasound rules out varicoceles, a frequent and treatable cause of altered sperm quality.

A testicular ultrasound is ordered in all males with altered sperm parameters to assess the anatomy of the testis, epididymis, and spermatic cord. Color Doppler imaging is always performed to rule out varicoceles, which are known to negatively impact sperm quality.

A transrectal ultrasound can be ordered in some cases of azoospermia in order to assess the prostate, the seminal vesicles, and the vas deferens.

/ 04

Sperm DNA fragmentation test.

DNA double helix illustration
DNA integrity matters for fertilization and embryo development. A high fragmentation index is linked to lower pregnancy rates and recurrent loss.

The sperm DNA fragmentation test measures the proportion of sperm with fragmented DNA. DNA integrity is essential for fertilization and normal embryo development, and a high DNA fragmentation has been associated with decreased fertility, pregnancy loss, and implantation failure.

Other treatments

Saint Joseph Fertility Center

Make an appointment.

When you are ready to explore your options, we are here for you. Our fertility experts will help craft a personalized plan based on your needs.

Visit us
St. Joseph Center, 7th floor Alfred Naccache Boulevard, Achrafieh, Beirut Facing Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital. Get directions
Hours
Mon to Fri
7:30 to 15:00
Saturday
7:30 to 13:00

Schedule a consultation

We will get back to you within 24 hours.

Choose your specialist
Pr. Georges Abi Tayeh
Director & Founder
Dr. Ibrahim Hammoud
Laboratory Director
Dr. Hady El Hachem
Medical Director
Dr. Layal Abi Zeid
IVF Specialist
Dr. Elie Kaadi
IVF Specialist
Dr. Habib Atallah
IVF Specialist
All information is confidential and protected by medical privacy law.