The notion that "fertility is a woman's problem" has been so pervasive that women are often blamed for not having kids. Society has led women to think that they are to be blamed for the fertility problems, making them feel guilty if they still do not have kids after years of trying.
A reproductive endocrinologist of infertility (REI) says that the notion is inaccurate and unfair to women who bear much responsibility for carrying the baby for months and giving birth, as per Motherly.
Male factor fertility issues
When a couple is trying to conceive, they should be mindful that male factor fertility issues are as common as those of females. Research reveals that male factor fertility issues are 40- to 50 percent when couples try to conceive, and the partner is the primary factor in 20- to 30 percent of these cases.
Hence, men need to understand male reproductive health and male infertility by starting with a semen analysis, followed by a discussion with a healthcare provider.
However, sperm testing is something that men are not comfortable doing, and discussing the issue with them is often awkward. Nataki Douglas said that in her experience as REI, many women would ask how to convince their partners or husband to submit to their swimmer's test.
Semen analysis is necessary
According to Healthline, semen analysis or a sperm count test analyzes the health and viability of a person's sperm. The analysis measures the number, shape, and movement of the sperm. Doctors will often conduct two or three separate sperm analyses to get a good idea of the health of the sperm.
Medical experts say that your partner should avoid ejaculation 24 to 72 hours before the test to get the best sample. Men should avoid alcohol, caffeine, and drugs such as marijuana and cocaine two to five days before the test.
Men must keep the semen at body temperature. Medical technicians advise that samples that get too warm or too cold will have inaccurate results. Lastly, they must deliver the semen to the testing facility within 30 to 60 minutes of leaving the body.
At-home sperm tests are now available
For men who do not have a fertility specialist nearby and find giving out their sample in the hospital bathroom awkward, at-home sperm tests may be ideal. However, proper male fertility testing should still include an evaluation by a physician.
There are various kinds of at-home sperm tests. Some tests would only indicate if the sperm is present or absent. Another type of test measures the concentration of the man's sperm. However, these tests only tell a part of the story.
Dr. Sara Vij, the Director of the Center for Male Fertility at Cleveland Clinic, cites that a test showing 100 million sperms, for example, does not conclude that one is fertile, according to Healthcleavelandclinic.org.
There are also smartphone-based test kits that are more advanced. It utilizes light and a close video that records a sperm sample. Most kits would need to attach the phone to another device to evaluate sperm concentration and motility, similar to andrology lab does.
