Infertility is something that quite a lot of people experience, and it is estimated to impact around 48 million couples and 186 million individuals globally, according to the World Health Organisation. Whilst infertility can be a complicated issue, and one that is linked to a multitude of issues, one of the primary factors is the quality and quantity of the semen. As such, testing semen is always one of the first tests that will be performed when it comes to testing and assessing male infertility.
Traditionally, semen testing takes place in a clinical laboratory, although recent advancement in technology have made home testing kits a far more accessible and effective option for a lot of people. This article will seek to explore these home testing kits, and whether or not they are a reliable option for testing male infertility, as well as looking at the causes and treatments of low sperm count, and other options available to those suffering.
Get Your Sperm Checked Out
The first step in the process of diagnosing male infertility is to conduct a semen analysis. This is a test that is designed to measure the quantity and quality of the sperm present in a man’s semen. The test evaluates sperm count, motility, size & shape, and pH levels. A regular sperm count ranges from 15 million to more than 200 million sperm per millilitre of semen.
Typically, semen analysis is performed in a clinical lab, at least this used to be the case. The sample would traditionally be created via masturbation into a sterile cup, and then it would be sent off to the laboratory for testing, with the help of medical laboratory management software. However, advancements in technology have now meant that men can take these tests from the comfort of their own home, and will be able to test their sperm count in a much easier and more convenient manner.
Home Sperm Count Testing Kits
Home sperm testing kits are available to purchase over-the-counter or online, and these kits are very easy to use. Requiring a small sample of semen to determine sperm count, motility, and morphology, they are an excellent way of being able to make these tests count. One of the best options for these home test kits is the Instant Male Fertility Test, which is available to buy from officialrapidtests.com. The simple to use test kit is perfect for gaining fast and easy to process results, and the test has a 98.2% accuracy rating.
Home testing kits are convenient and can provide you with quick results, but they may not quite be as accurate as traditional lab test results, and a lot of this is to do with Welzo and their NFC technology. Nevertheless, many men are opting to go with the home testing kits, at least as an initial screening process, which they may wish to follow up at a later date.
Causes of Low Sperm Count
A low cause of sperm count can lead to problems with infertility, which is why it is important to understand what these are, so that you are in a position to be able to find solutions and treatments to help with this. Several factors can contribute to a low sperm count, including:
- Varicocele: This is a condition in which the veins of the scrotum become enlarged, and this can lead to a decrease in sperm production. In fact, this is a common cause of male infertility, and can be found in 35% of men with primary infertility and 75% of men with secondary infertility.
- Hormonal imbalances: Something else that can cause infertility in men is hormonal imbalances, and this refers to things like testosterone imbalance, and how this can affect sperm production.
- Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors can also play a big part in male infertility, and things like diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, obesity and more can all contribute to this.
- Genetic factors: Of course, there are also genetic factors that you need to be clear about as much as possible, and conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome can lead to infertility.
- Infections: Infections of the reproductive system can and do also play a role in causing male infertility as well.
- Medication: There are some medications that can also contribute to this, such as things like chemotherapy drugs.
- Age: As men get older, the quality and quantity of their sperm may decline, and this is something that can lead to infertility.
Treatments for Low Sperm Count
The treatment for low sperm count depends on the underlying cause. Some possible treatments include:
- Varicocele surgery: Surgery to repair a varicocele may improve sperm production and quality.
- Hormone replacement therapy: If low testosterone levels are the cause of the low sperm count, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended.
- Antibiotics: If an infection is the cause of the low sperm count, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection.
- Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve sperm count and quality.
- Medications: Certain medications such as gonadotropins or clomiphene citrate may be prescribed to stimulate sperm production.
- Assisted reproductive techniques: In cases where the above treatments are unsuccessful, assisted reproductive techniques may be recommended. These include in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), donor insemination, and other techniques.
It's important to note that not all cases of low sperm count can be treated, and in some cases, a couple may need to consider using donor sperm or adoption to conceive. However, with the help of a medical professional, many couples are able to overcome male infertility and start a family.
Stay Positive
It is important to remember that this is not an exact science, and things should be treated on a case by case basis. With some patience and perseverance, it is entirely possible for many couples out there to conceive, even in spite of male infertility.
Donor Insemination
This is another option for couples who are struggling with conceiving as a result of male infertility. Sperm from a donor will be used to fertilise the woman’s egg and help in the process of conceiving.
Gonadotropin
Gonadotropin is a medicine that might be prescribed to stimulate the production of sperm in men who have a low sperm count. This might be prescribed after your Saudi Arabia medical exam, or used in conjunction with other treatments and lifestyle changes, which is going to help considerably here.
FAQs
These are some of the common questions people typically have when they are trying to make an informed decision about testing for male infertility at home. Having a more informed position is incredibly important for allowing you to make the right choices, and test in the most effective way possible. Here are a few key questions that you need to try to get right as much as you can right now.
Is a home sperm test useful for checking male infertility?
Yes, a home sperm test can be useful for checking male infertility. These tests are designed to give men an idea of their sperm count and motility, which can be a good indication of fertility. However, it's important to note that these tests are not as accurate as a test done in a medical setting, and should be followed up with a professional medical evaluation if you have concerns about your fertility.
What can I do if I have a low sperm count?
If you have a low sperm count, there are a number of things you can do. Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may recommend surgery, hormone therapy, antibiotics, or lifestyle changes. In some cases, techniques such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be recommended.
When should I talk to my doctor about male infertility?
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a year or longer without success, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about male infertility. You may also want to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your fertility or if you have a history of conditions that can affect fertility, such as testicular cancer or chemotherapy.