Semen analysis, otherwise known as sperm count testing, should be a part of every couple’s infertility evaluation. Because women often speak to their gynecologist first when having difficulty getting pregnant, semen analysis may not be suggested right away. When it does come up, understandably the man may be hesitant to go along with the testing. Many folks feel reluctant about any kind of medical testing, so it is not surprising that men may be nervous about receiving the results of their sperm count test…..
Male Factor Infertility Affects 1/3 of Infertile Couples
The sperm count test, unfortunately, is sometimes forgotten in an overall infertility work-up, especially if a reproductive specialist is not evaluating the couple. It really is best, however, to have a sperm count test done as soon as possible, before any other infertility treatments are started. Oftentimes, people think of failure to conceive as a “woman’s problem”, since it is her body that carries the baby; therefore, there is no attempt to involve the man in testing until much later in the evaluation process.
While many couples start their infertility journey believing that it is a female issue, it is critical to remember that research shows that only one-third of infertility cases involves a problem with just the woman. Men are diagnosed with an infertility problem in approximately one third of infertility cases, and at least a third of the time, both the woman and the man are diagnosed with infertility. So even if the woman already has a diagnosis of infertility, the man should also be checked. There could be more than one infertility problem, involving both of them.
Semen Analysis Early on Can Save Time and Money
Completing a sperm count analysis early in the infertility testing process may actually save a couple both money and a lot of heartbreak later on. One main reason to get semen analysis testing done right away is that the earlier the test is completed, the sooner appropriate treatment can be started. If the focus remains on treating the woman’s infertility issues, and the man’s fertility issues are ignored, all the medications and cycles may be wasted.
Another factor to consider is age. After the age of 35, a woman’s fertility declines at a much quicker pace. If male infertility issues are not addressed upfront, then several months of inappropriate treatment could actually lead to a lower chance of success once the right treatment option is determined.
Even if you are younger and not too worried about losing time, consider the cost involved in fertility treatments. Insurance companies definitely differ with regards to infertility treatment coverage, and a couple of IUI cycles can cost several thousand dollars. If those IUI cycles weren’t really the right course of initial treatment, you will have thrown money away. Not only will you have lost money on treatments that were not appropriate or necessary, you will have less money available for further treatments. When dealing with infertility problems, every dollar counts.
Take Control of Your Infertility
Perhaps even more important than lost time and lost money is the fact that getting the sperm count testing done early may save you heartbreak in the long run. Any couple struggling with infertility knows just how hard it is to go cycle-to-cycle, wondering each and every time if the treatments will work. Finding out after multiple months of trying that the treatments had little chance for success will only add to your overall sadness. In addition, contemplating the wasted time and hope will only add to your pain and anger.
So – the bottom line is this: as a couple, take control of your infertility testing in the beginning stages and make sure that sperm count testing is done at the start of your infertility journey. If the sperm count test comes back normal, you will have eliminated a potential cause; if test results show there are problems, you can be sure to start appropriate treatment early on.
Take control of your fertility and make an appointment with one of our compassionate and highly trained reproductive specialists. CORM serves the greater southeast area of Texas with full-service fertility clinics in Webster and Beaumont using the latest techniques and procedures to help you achieve the gift of new life. The professional staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine will work closely with you to choose the most appropriate fertility program for your individual reproductive medical needs.