Female Infertility

A primary care physician (PCP) can diagnose male infertility. Or they may refer you to a urologist who specializes in male infertility or a reproductive endocrinologist.

A PCP will perform a complete physical examination to help determine your overall health and identify any physical problems that may affect your fertility. They may also ask you and your partner questions about your sexual habits and health history, including:

• How long have you been trying to get your partner pregnant?
• Have you gotten a partner pregnant in the past?
• Have you ever tested positive for an STI? If so, which STI and when?
• Have you ever received treatment for an STI?
• Have you used birth control (contraceptives)? If so, which one(s) and when?
• Has a provider diagnosed any of your biological family members with male infertility?
• Do you smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational/nonprescription drugs?
• Which medications do you take?

The provider may order tests if the physical exam and review of your health history don’t indicate any apparent cause for male infertility.

What tests will be done to diagnose male infertility?

A semen analysis is one of the primary tests healthcare providers use to help diagnose male infertility. It’s a lab test of a semen sample that examines the volume and quality of your sperm.

Other tests that a provider may order to help identify or rule out the cause of male infertility may include:

• Imaging tests. These may include noninvasive tests, such as an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or invasive tests such as a venogram.
• Blood tests. Blood tests can measure your hormone levels and look for abnormalities with your genes or chromosomes.
• Urinalysis (urine test). A urine (pee) test can help diagnose STIs and diabetes.
• Testicular biopsy. A provider will remove a small amount of testicular tissue to determine how well your testicles produce sperm.