Can fertility tests be performed while using contraception?

Most fertility tests require discontinuation of hormonal contraception 2-3 months before diagnosis. Hormones in the pill or other preparations can interfere with the results of hormonal testing and assessment of the menstrual cycle.

When is it worth consulting a psychologist during an infertility diagnosis?

Psychological support is particularly helpful when a couple is experiencing high stress, infertility-related conflicts or when one partner is having difficulty accepting the need for treatment. The clinic offers psychological counselling as part of comprehensive care.

What happens if tests do not reveal a specific cause of infertility?

In about 15-20% cases, infertility remains unexplained despite a full diagnosis. This does not mean that there are no treatment options - couples with unexplained infertility can benefit from assisted reproduction methods, which often prove successful.

Why should you have your fertility tested at Invimed?

Infertility is always a couple's problem. Diagnosing the causes of infertility should involve both the woman and the man at the same time. The diagnosis consists of a series of tests that both partners go through.

How much do fertility tests cost and are they reimbursed by the National Health Service?

The costs of fertility diagnosis vary depending on the extent of the tests. The National Health Service reimburses basic tests after one year of unsuccessful efforts (six months after the age of 35), while private tests can be carried out immediately. It is worth checking exact prices directly with the clinic.

Diagnosis of male infertility

Andrological examinations are specialised tests to assess male fertility to identify the causes of problems in getting pregnant. The basic test is a semen analysis checking the number, quality and motility of sperm according to WHO standards. In addition, advanced tests such as oxidative stress assessment, sperm DNA fragmentation and testicular imaging are performed. In the case of azoospermia, a testicular biopsy may be necessary. All tests are selected by the andrologist based on a detailed medical history. Find out the details of each test and which may be needed in your situation. All the tests described below can be performed at Invimed.

Highlights

Semen examination, is the first step in the diagnosis of male infertility, assessing sperm count, quality and activity according to the WHO standard.

Test MiOXSYS measures the oxidative stress on the semen caused by excessive stress, poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Technology MSOME allows the live sperm to be observed at 6000x magnification, determining its normal structure.

Testicular biopsy confirms the presence of spermatogenic cells in patients with sperm absence in semen.

Semen examination

The first step in assessing your partner's fertility is to perform a semen tests. This is a basic test in the diagnosis of male infertility, which assesses sperm count, quality and activity according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard.

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MiOXSYS oxidative stress test

Oxidative stress semen is the result of lifestyle - excess stress, poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle. MiOXSYS is the most accurate and currently fastest oxidative stress test available. It is a qualitative electrochemical test that measures sORP, the static oxidation-reduction potential in the semen.

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MSOME-6600

Technology MSOME (Motile sperm organelle morphology examination) allows the structure of a living sperm to be observed under 6000x magnification. This makes it possible to determine whether the structure of the sperm is normal and which sperm is best.

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Testicular biopsy

A test that confirms the presence or absence of spermatogenic cells in the testes. Biopsy is most commonly prescribed for patients found to have no sperm in their semen (azoospermia).

Biopsy involves taking a piece of tissue from the testicles of the epididymides for histopathological examination. Biopsy is performed by puncturing the testicle with a needle through the skin. The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia.

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Ultrasound examination, Ultrasound of the testes and scrotum

The aim of the study Scrotal ultrasound is to assess the structure and vascularisation of the testes, epididymides and spermatic cord. Through the examination, the presence of pathological changes such as varicocele, cysts and nodules can be detected.

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SCD test

Defragmentation of sperm DNA may be one of the main reasons for the reduction in male fertility.

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HBA® test

HBA® test determines the ability of sperm to bind to hyaluronan and thus the percentage of sperm that are capable of fertilising an egg.

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Make an appointment for an andrology consultation!

In the case of andrological consultation At an infertility clinic, it is advisable, firstly, to attend with your partner, and secondly, to bring with you a previously performed semen quality test (seminogram or spermiogram). Result semen tests and a very thorough medical history already provide some insight into the situation, which the specialist will supplement with a physical examination.

Find out more about andrology consultation >>

Male urology procedures in Gdynia

Surgical treatment of a frenulum, frenulum lengthening of the foreskin, removal of lesions, puncture and evacuation of a hydrocele of the testis. Each of these procedures can take as little as 30 minutes. Invimed Clinic Gdynia offers surgical treatment as part of one-day urological surgery.

Key questions - FAQ

Are andrology tests painful?

Most andrological examinations are painless or cause only minor discomfort. The exception is the testicular biopsy, which is performed under local or general anaesthesia. Testicular ultrasound and semen examination are completely painless.

How much do male fertility tests cost?

The costs of andrological tests vary considerably depending on the type and extent of diagnosis.

How long to wait for andrology test results?

The waiting time for the results depends on the type of study. A basic seminogram is usually ready within 2-3 working days. More advanced tests such as DNA defragmentation or oxidative stress testing may require a week or more to wait.

Can semen quality be improved prior to testing?

Yes, semen quality can be improved for 2-3 months before the test. Avoiding alcohol, smoking, eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, regular physical activity and avoiding overheating the perineal area are key. Supplementation is also worth considering.

When is a repeat semen test necessary?

Semen testing should be repeated when the first result shows abnormalities, after treatment or lifestyle changes and when assisted reproduction procedures are planned. The WHO recommends at least two tests at an interval of 2-3 weeks.

Bibliography:

1 World Health Organization. (2021). WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen (6th ed.). Geneva: World Health Organization. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004311398

2 Słowikowska-Hilczer, J. (Ed.). (2022). Andrologia: zdrowie mężczyzny od fizjologii do patologii. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Lekarskie PZWL. ISBN: 978-83-200-6287-0.

3 Björndahl, L., & Kirkman Brown, J. (2022). The sixth edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen: ensuring quality and standardization in basic examination of human ejaculates. Fertility and Sterility, 117(2), 246-251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.012

The medical information presented should be considered as general guidelines and does not replace the individual judgement of the doctor regarding the medical management of each patient. The doctor, after a thorough examination of the patient's condition, determines the extent and frequency of diagnostic tests and/or therapeutic procedures, taking into account specific medical indications. All medical decisions are made in full consultation with the patient.

Author of the article

Invimed editorial team - we serve patients by solving their fertility problems. We use world medical knowledge, state-of-the-art technology and treatment methods. We are here to make dreams of parenthood come true. The smiles on the faces of happy parents give meaning to our work.

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