Male Fertility Check: How is it Done?
You might need a male fertility check if you and your partner have tried to conceive for a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success. If done correctly, a male fertility check can reveal hidden issues.
If you’re already considering male fertility check in Singapore but still unsure where to begin, we’d recommend engaging a fertility doctor at: https://holisticgynae.com/male-infertility/. We offer discreet and thorough fertility assessments, including semen analysis and personalised consultations.
Rest assured our team will take the time to explain each step, so you’ll know what to expect and how to move forward. Now, known risk factors for male fertility include varicoceles enlarged veins in the scrotum—prior mumps infection, testicular surgery or undescended testes in childhood.
Even if your partner’s tests all come back normal, male factors may still explain the delay. A fertility check can reveal low sperm count, poor motility (movement) or abnormal sperm shape.
It may also detect hormonal imbalances that affect sperm production. The good thing with male fertility checks is that early assessment helps you and your doctor choose the right path.
Depending on your needs or risk factors that could mean lifestyle changes, medical therapy or even assisted reproductive techniques. The sooner you identify a cause, the sooner you can start targeted treatment and boost your chances of conception.
How is Semen Analysis Performed?
Semen analysis is a key part of male fertility testing. Just as it sounds, it is a specialised test that measures key factors that determine sperm health and fertility potential.
Before providing a sample, you will be asked to abstain from ejaculation for two to seven days to help balance sperm count and quality. After the waiting period, you collect the sample in a private room at the clinic or use a home-collection kit, then return it within an hour for analysis.
In the lab, technicians will assess factors like volume which basically is the total amount of fluid you produce. They will also count sperm concentration per millilitre of semen, then assess motility, or the percentage of sperm that move actively.
The specialists will also check morphology which is basically the shape and structure of sperm. Reference ranges vary, but as a rule of thumb, a concentration above 15 million sperm/mL, over 40% motility and at least 4% normal-shaped sperm indicate healthy values.
Because sperm production fluctuates, your doctor may request two or three samples, spaced weeks apart. Repeat testing may be done to confirm any abnormal findings and ensure your diagnosis rests on solid data.
But that isn’t the only test that can be done. The other assessments you may be recommended during your male fertility check include;
- Hormone Profile: Here, a blood test measures testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and prolactin. These hormones govern sperm production and sexual function. Abnormal levels can point to testicular failure or a pituitary gland issue.
- Scrotal Ultrasound: An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to image the scrotum. It checks for varicoceles (dilated veins) that can overheat testes and detects cysts or tumours. The test takes minutes, feels painless and helps decide if surgery might improve sperm quality.
- Genetic Testing: If semen analysis shows very low sperm count or no sperm, the doctors may also test for Y-chromosome microdeletions or cystic fibrosis gene mutations. A blood sample or cheek swab provides DNA for analysis. Finding a genetic cause can explain why sperm production fails and guide options like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or donor sperm.
- Infection Screening: Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or HIV can harm sperm DNA and block sperm transport. Clinics use urine, urethral swabs or blood to check for these infections. Early detection lets you clear the infection with antibiotics and protects your fertility. Some centres also screen prostate fluid to rule out prostatitis.
- Post-Ejaculation Urine Test: This test checks for retrograde ejaculation, where sperm flow backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis. You provide a urine sample immediately after ejaculation. Finding sperm in the urine confirms the condition. Treatment may involve medications to tighten the bladder neck or techniques to retrieve sperm for assisted conception.
When should you Seek Specialist Help?
If you’re like many men, you’re probably also hesitant to proceed with a male fertility check. However, it could be all you need to explain your struggles.
If initial tests reveal low sperm counts, poor motility or genetic anomalies, your GP may refer you to a reproductive urologist or fertility specialist. You should also seek early advice if you had childhood mumps affecting your testes, undescended testes, testicular trauma or prior chemotherapy.
Each of those issues raises infertility risk. It would also help to ask for prompt hormonal assessment if you are experiencing hormonal symptoms like low libido, unexplained fatigue or muscle loss.
Don’t wait more than a year of unprotected intercourse to start investigations, or six months if you’re over 35. With that out of the way, here’s how to prepare for your male fertility check;
- Maintain 2–7 Days of Abstinence: Avoid ejaculation for at least two days before sample collection but no more than seven. This window balances sperm count and quality for accurate analysis. Too-frequent ejaculation lowers sperm numbers, while extended abstinence can affect motility and vitality. Follow your clinic’s timing advice precisely to get reliable results.
- Avoid Heat Exposure: High temperatures impair sperm production. So, you will want to skip hot baths, saunas and tight underwear for at least one week before testing. Wear loose-fitting shorts or pants to keep testicular temperature optimal.
- Limit Alcohol and Avoid Drugs: Heavy drinking and recreational drugs damage sperm DNA and motility. So, you will want to cut back or quit for at least three months before testing, as sperm develop over roughly 72–90 days. This gives your body time to regenerate healthier sperm. Also discuss prescription medications with your doctor to rule out any fertility-impacting drugs.
- Fast if Required for Blood Tests: If you need a hormone profile, follow fasting instructions. Usually, it is recommended to go for just about eight to twelve hours without food. Drinking water is usually allowed. Book a morning appointment when hormone levels best reflect baseline function.
In Closing
A male fertility check can bring clarity to your family-building goals. Early assessment means you can explore treatments, lifestyle changes, medical therapies or assisted reproduction sooner rather than later. To get accurate results, prepare well and maintain open communication with your doctors.
Our discreet, professional team offers comprehensive semen analysis, hormonal panels and advanced imaging to pinpoint issues. We also guide all patients through preparation, explain each result clearly and recommend personalized treatments. To learn more, please drop us a line or visit our facility at;
Holistic Gynaecology & Fertility
290 Orchard Rd, #13-08 Paragon Medical Centre, Singapore 238859
