Tests Men Should Request from Their Doctor to Assess Underlying Issues That Affect and Contribute to Male Factor Fertility

There are specific tests that you can request from your doctor to assess underlying issues that may be contributing to male factor infertility. These tests will help determine where your hormones are at and what needs to be done to address any imbalances or optimize normal levels for fertility health.

Below are some of the tests and their relevance to male fertility:

1. Fasting Insulin: Diabetes mellitus can cause long-term damage, dysfunctions, and failures of various organs, including the male reproductive system. Glucose metabolism is important for maintaining basic cell activity, as well as specific functions, such as motility and fertilization ability in mature sperm. Fasting insulin levels can help assess glucose metabolism and identify any detrimental effects of diabetes on male fertility.

2. Hemoglobin A1C: High levels of hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) in diabetic plasma have been linked to negative effects on sperm motility parameters. Monitoring HbA1c levels can help identify and address any detrimental effects of diabetes on male fertility.

3. Homocysteine: Hyperhomocysteinemia can affect various levels of the reproductive process and contribute to male infertility. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to poor oocyte quality, abnormal morphology, low sperm concentrations, loss of motility, congenital malformation, miscarriage, hypertension, and low birth weight.

4. hs-CRP: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) can be a marker for inflammation and can help assess the risk of erectile dysfunction, which can affect male fertility.

5. Testosterone Levels: Testosterone is responsible for male reproductive health, and low levels can cause decreased libido, decreased mood, and erectile dysfunction. Monitoring testosterone levels can help identify and address any underlying issues affecting male fertility.

6. LH & FSH: These two hormones are responsible for the production of sperm. Monitoring levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) can help assess male fertility.

7. SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding-Globulin): Low levels of SHBG can result in decreased sperm count and sperm mass, increasing the risk of male infertility. High levels of SHBG may cause decreased sex drive, infertility, reduced bone and muscle mass, and decreased energy levels.

8. Vitamin D: Optimal levels of Vitamin D have a positive effect on male fertility potential, particularly through better sperm motility.

9. Lipid Panel: High levels of total cholesterol have been positively correlated with sperm motility, which can affect male fertility.

10. Liver Enzymes: Low levels of liver enzymes may be associated with irreversible structural and functional changes in the testes, reducing fertility and affecting development.

11. TSH: Low thyroid hormone levels in men can cause poor semen quality, low sperm count, reduced testicular function, erectile dysfunction, and a drop in libido. Monitoring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels can help assess male fertility.

12. CBC: High white blood cell and red blood cell concentrations in semen, known as leukocytospermia and hematospermia, respectively, can affect male fertility.

13. Uric Acid: Uric acid contributes to preserving and enhancing sperm motility, viability, and morphology, which in turn protects sperm function.

14. Magnesium: Magnesium has been shown to increase sperm motility, and decreased levels of magnesium can lead to premature ejaculation processes.

15. Potassium in seminal plasma is necessary to maintain sperm volume, intracellular pH, and sperm motility.  

16. Vitamin B-12

17. Vitamin B-12 has beneficial effects on semen quality due to increased functionality of reproductive organs, decreased homocysteine toxicity, reduced amounts of generated nitric oxide, decreased levels of oxidative damage

Men who are trying to conceive with their partner should consider requesting these tests from their doctor to assess underlying issues that affect and contribute to male factor fertility. These tests not only help identify hormonal imbalances, but also provide crucial information about overall health, including metabolic, liver, and kidney function. Through comprehensive testing, a holistic fertility doctor can develop an individualized treatment plan to address underlying issues and optimize fertility health. Remember, testing is key to uncovering the answers and ultimately achieving a successful pregnancy.

I do have to add that oftentimes male factor infertility goes well beyond these labs— it is important to find any relevant to the case concerns. Please reach out if you’d like to figure out more about the cause to male factor infertility.