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.

Certains compléments alimentaires à base d’antioxydants, comme le coenzyme Q10, sont notamment utilisés pour améliorer la qualité du sperme. Le complément alimentaire fertilité homme Cocooning+ Men contient notamment du sélénium, coenzyme Q10, NAC et carnitine. Ce produit aide ainsi à donner un coup de pouce.

Il est essentiel de souligner l’importance des changements de mode de vie, qui accompagnent souvent les traitements médicaux. Adopter une alimentation saine, pratiquer une activité physique régulière, perdre du poids en cas de surpoids et également réduire le stress contribuent à optimiser les chances de conception. Ces ajustements, bien que simples, peuvent significativement améliorer les résultats d’un test de fertilité homme et ainsi maximiser les chances de succès des traitements de fertilité.

Lorsque l’origine est anatomique, une intervention chirurgicale peut être nécessaire. La varicocélectomie est souvent pratiquée pour corriger une varicocèle, une dilatation anormale des veines testiculaires qui altère la qualité du sperme.

Si ces approches ne suffisent pas, les techniques d’assistance médicale à la procréation (PMA) représentent une alternative efficace. La PMA avec insémination intra-utérin ou la technique ICSI, qui consiste à injecter un spermatozoïde directement dans l’ovocyte, pourront ainsi être envisagées. 

Le test de fertilité homme est une étape cruciale dans la démarche de conception. Il permet d’évaluer la santé reproductive et d’orienter vers des solutions adaptées en cas de problème. Un dépistage précoce et une prise en charge personnalisée augmentent notamment les chances de réussite. Vous pouvez débuter avec un autotest puis consulter un spécialiste pour faire des examens complémentaires.

Nos recommandations dans le cadre d’un projet bébé : 

• Manger une variété de fruits et légumes au quotidien pour bénéficier de leurs vitamines, minéraux et phytonutriments
• Consommer des sources de bon gras dont les acides gras oméga 3 (DHA et EPA)
• Consommer des oléagineux, des céréales complètes
• Garder un poids de forme/bouger
• Veiller à ses apports en nutriments et prendre un complément alimentaire fertilité au besoin (zinc, sélénium, magnésium, vitamines B, vitamine C, vitamine E, vitamine D)
• Limiter la consommation de viande rouge
• Eviter l’alcool, le sucre et les produits industriels/raffinés
• Bien dormir et limiter le stress
• Éviter l’exposition excessive à des températures élevées