The first and most important test. Evaluates sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). WHO 2021 reference values: count >16 million/mL, motility >42%, normal morphology >4%. Results available same day.
Measures percentage of sperm with damaged DNA. High DFI (>25%) associated with failed IVF, poor embryo quality, and recurrent miscarriage. Critical test for unexplained infertility and repeated IVF failure.
FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin — identifies hormonal causes of male infertility including hypogonadism, pituitary issues, and hyperprolactinaemia. Some hormonal causes are treatable with medication to restore sperm production.
No sperm in semen is called azoospermia. Evaluation includes FSH, testicular size, and genetic testing (karyotype, Y-chromosome microdeletion). Distinguishes obstructive (blockage) from non-obstructive (production failure) — each has different treatment.
Karyotype (for Klinefelter syndrome 47,XXY) and Y-chromosome microdeletion analysis — recommended for severe oligospermia (<5 million) or azoospermia. Important before TESA to predict success and counsel on genetic risks to offspring.
Detects varicocele (dilated testicular veins — most common treatable cause of male infertility), epididymal cysts, testicular atrophy. Varicocele treatment at Mother Hospitals can significantly improve sperm parameters.
For mild oligospermia: quit smoking, reduce alcohol, maintain healthy weight, avoid heat (laptops, hot baths). Antioxidant supplements (CoQ10, zinc, folic acid, lycopene) for 3 months improve sperm parameters significantly in mild cases.
For hypogonadism or hyperprolactinaemia: gonadotropin injections (FSH/hCG) can restore sperm production over 3–6 months. Success depends on the underlying cause and testicular function.
For mild male factor (count >5 million/mL, reasonable motility): sperm washing and density gradient processing concentrates the best sperm for intrauterine insemination (IUI), improving conception chances.
For moderate-severe male factor: a single healthy sperm is injected directly into each egg. Even with very low counts (1–2 million/mL), ICSI achieves fertilisation rates of 70–80%. All IVF at Mother Hospitals includes ICSI.
When no sperm appears in semen: PESA retrieves sperm from the epididymis; TESA retrieves from testicular tissue. Retrieved sperm is used for ICSI. Success rate depends on whether azoospermia is obstructive (higher) or non-obstructive (lower but possible).
Yes. Male factor is present in 40–50% of all infertile couples. In 20–30% of cases, male factor is the sole cause. It is as common as female factor infertility. Both partners should be evaluated simultaneously — not sequentially — to avoid delays in treatment.
Often yes. For obstructive azoospermia (blockage), TESA/PESA successfully retrieves sperm in nearly all cases. For non-obstructive azoospermia (testicular failure), TESA retrieves sperm in 30–50% of cases. The retrieved sperm is used for ICSI to fertilise the partner's eggs.
TESA/PESA cost is discussed during consultation and is separate from the IVF package. It is a day procedure performed under local anaesthesia. The retrieved sperm is immediately used for ICSI within the same IVF cycle or frozen for later use.
Yes. Antioxidant therapy (CoQ10, vitamin E, zinc, lycopene) for 3 months can significantly reduce DFI. Varicocele repair (if present) also improves DFI. In IVF, PICSI (physiological ICSI) selects sperm with lowest DNA damage for injection, improving embryo quality.
Not always. For mild male factor (count >5 million, reasonable motility), IUI with processed sperm is the first option. For moderate-severe male factor, ICSI as part of an IVF cycle is recommended. The decision depends on both partners' fertility assessments combined.
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy · TGMC Reg: 50624
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