Why is semen testing so important?

While fertility testing often starts with the female partner, it’s also necessary for the male partner to be tested as well. When a couple is struggling to get pregnant, both partners should be evaluated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects upwards of 15% of couples amounting to 48.5 million couples globally. Furthermore, males are found to be responsible for 20-30% of infertility cases

When it comes to sperm testing, many men become anxious. However, thanks to innovative advances in technology, home sperm testing allows men to provide their sample for testing from the comforts and privacy of their home. 

A home semen analysis involves producing a semen sample via self-stimulation and mailing it back for analysis. Discreet, secure, and accurate, once you produce your sample in the provided collection cup, simply call Legacy or our shipping partner for collection. Your sample will remain viable for 48 hours, and once your sperm analysis is complete, within 24 hours you will receive a complete Legacy Fertility Report to include sperm count, motility, and morphology. 

Male Fertility & Pregnancy

Male fertility is a complex process. It’s not merely a matter of completing the sexual act needed for conception. To get a partner pregnant, the following must occur:

• The male must produce healthy sperm. The entire male fertility process starts with the growth and development of the male reproductive organs during puberty. In order to get their partner pregnant, the male partner must have at least one properly functioning testicle. Additionally, the male’s body must produce testosterone and other hormones to initiate and maintain sperm production.
• Sperm must be carried into the semen. Once sperm are created in the testicles, small tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out during intercourse or for sperm testing.
• There needs to be a healthy sperm count. If the number of sperm in semen is low it decreases the odds that one of the sperm will fertilize the female partner’s egg. A low sperm count is less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or fewer than 39 million per ejaculation sample.
• Sperm must be the right shape and able to move. If the movement (motility) or shape (morphology) of sperm is irregular, the sperm may not be able to reach or penetrate the female partner’s egg.

There are also specific medical conditions that could lead to male infertility, to include hormone imbalances and ejaculation difficulties. However, sperm testing is the first step on the road to discovering and treating male infertility.

How to Tell if a Man is Infertile

Male infertility can be due to a variety of factors, to include a low sperm count, a blockage that prevents the delivery of sperm, and abnormal sperm function (such as movement and shape). Additionally, injuries, illnesses, lifestyle choices, chronic health problems, and other factors can play a role in male infertility.

For the most part, men who experience infertility fail to notice symptoms other than their inability to conceive a child. However, common symptoms and signs associated with male infertility include:

• Complications with sexual functions, such as difficulty with ejaculation, small volumes of ejaculated fluid, challenges keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction), or reduced sexual desire
• Swelling, a lump, or pain in the testicle area
• Hormonal abnormalities
• A low sperm count (fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen)

Many instances of poor fertility can be improved. In the event that you determine low fertility, there is a wide range of ways to improve your sperm.

Legacy Sperm Testing

Starting a family is an exciting time in a couple’s life. However, it is not always a straight forward process for many couples to conceive. Sperm testing can save you time, money, and heartache by identifying a male fertility problem before you start trying to conceive.

The fertility specialists at Legacy provide couples with the most accurate and effective fertility treatment plans to help them on their path to conception. Leveraging the latest innovations and advances in scientific technology, our home sperm testing kits help men test their sperm within the comforts and privacy of their home. With a wide variety of fertility testing packages to choose from, Legacy makes it easy to test and store your semen sample.

Contact a member of our fertility team to learn more.