Male fertility test: everything you need to know

A male fertility test becomes relevant after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse without success. However, in certain cases, it may be recommended to carry out an assessment earlier:
- For those over 40 years of age
- In the presence of a medical history (infections, varicocoele, chemotherapy)
- In the event of erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction
- If the female partner is over 35 years of age

The aim of this assessment is to quickly identify any potential issue so that appropriate medical support can be put in place.

It can also be carried out earlier, to identify any potential issues. This makes it possible to act quickly on the relevant parameters and thereby improve fertility. 

Male infertility presents several characteristics, particularly relating to sperm: 

• Oligospermia: low concentration 
• Asthenozoospermia: total absence of motility or reduced motility 
• Teratozoospermia: insufficient number of normal-shaped sperm.

Up to 90% of infertility cases are due to a low sperm count or a sperm defect, or indeed both. 

The semen analysis: the reference male fertility test

The semen analysis is the reference standard for assessing male fertility. A semen sample is collected and the following are measured:

• Its volume
• Sperm concentration
• Their motility 
• Their morphology

Taking a fertility self-test

A self-test kit is also available from pharmacies and allows you to determine sperm concentration at home. Whilst convenient, these tests do not replace a semen analysis carried out in a laboratory. They provide less precise and comprehensive results. However, such a kit can be a useful first step to obtain information and take further action if needed, such as undergoing additional tests.

The process generally begins with a consultation with a urologist or andrologist. For a semen analysis:

1. Sexual abstinence of 3 to 5 days before collection (or 2 to 7 days depending on recommendations)
2. Semen collection by masturbation at a laboratory
3. Analysis within a few hours
    

What are the normal results?

According to the WHO, normal values are:

• Volume:> 1.5 ml
• Concentration:> 15 million/ml
• Count> 39 million
• Progressive motility:> 32%
• Normal forms:> 4%

Any deviations may then require further examinations and tests (sperm morphology analysis, DNA fragmentation analysis, etc.).

Before undergoing a male fertility test, it is essential to follow certain recommendations. This will help ensure that the results are as accurate and representative of your semen as possible.

One of the first recommendations to follow is to observe a period of sexual abstinence of between two and seven days beforehand. This duration helps ensure an optimal concentration of sperm without compromising their motility.

In the days leading up to the test, it is also recommended to avoid consuming alcohol, tobacco or drugs. These substances can affect sperm parameters.

Give all relevant information to the doctor or biologist supervising the test, including details of any medication, supplements or other products being taken.

It is also recommended to get a good night's sleep and to try to avoid stress. Sources of heat and tight-fitting clothing should also be avoided. All of these factors can have a negative impact.

Several factors can have a direct impact on the results of a male fertility test.

One of the first factors to consider is age. Although men remain fertile for longer than women, male fertility gradually declines after the age of 40. With age, sperm quality can deteriorate, with a reduction in sperm motility and an increased risk of genetic mutations.

Lifestyle also plays a key role in the chances of conceiving. Smoking, alcohol and drug use can all have significant effects. A sedentary lifestyle, frequently wearing tight clothing or prolonged use of laptops on the lap can also raise testicular temperature and impair spermatogenesis.

Diet also plays an important role. A diet low in essential nutrients, particularly antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, zinc or selenium, can have a negative impact on fertility. Conversely, a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats supports better reproductive health.

Chronic stress, by acting on the hormonal axis, can also slow down spermatogenesis.

Finally, certain environmental exposures and medical history must be taken into account. Chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals or endocrine disruptors found in plastics or cosmetics can damage the male reproductive system. Conditions such as sexually transmitted infections, testicular trauma, varicocele, or intensive treatments such as chemotherapy are all factors that may justify carrying out a male fertility test.

Certain food supplements based on antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10, are notably used to improve sperm quality. The men's fertility food supplement Cocooning+ Men contains selenium, coenzyme Q10, NAC and carnitine, amongst other ingredients. This product therefore helps to give things a boost.

It is essential to highlight the importance of lifestyle changes, which often accompany medical treatments. Adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, losing weight if overweight, and reducing stress all contribute to optimising the chances of conception. These adjustments, whilst straightforward, can significantly improve the results of a male fertility test and thus maximise the chances of success with fertility treatments.

When the cause is anatomical, surgical intervention may be necessary. Varicocelectomy is often performed to correct a varicocele, an abnormal dilation of the testicular veins that impairs sperm quality.

If these approaches are not sufficient, assisted reproductive technology (ART) represents an effective alternative. ART with intrauterine insemination or the ICSI technique, which involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, may then be considered. 

A male fertility test is a crucial step in the conception journey. It helps assess reproductive health and guide towards appropriate solutions if any issues are identified. Early screening and personalised care can notably improve the chances of success. You can start with a home test kit and then consult a specialist for further investigations.

Our recommendations as part of a baby project: 

• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day to benefit from their vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients
• Consume sources of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA)
• Consume nuts and seeds, and wholegrains
• Maintain a healthy weight / stay active
• Pay attention to your nutrient intake and take a fertility food supplement if needed (zinc, selenium, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D)
• Limit red meat consumption
• Avoid alcohol, sugar and processed/refined products
• Get good sleep and manage stress
• Avoid excessive exposure to high temperatures