Male infertility diagnostics include a variety of tests designed to assess sperm health, reproductive function, and potential causes of infertility. These tests go beyond basic semen analysis and help doctors identify hidden issues such as DNA damage, infections, or testicular problems that may affect fertility and treatment outcomes.
What is DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI)?
The DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) measures the percentage of sperm with damaged DNA. Even if sperm count and motility are normal, DNA fragmentation can affect fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy success.
A high DFI indicates poor sperm quality, which may contribute to infertility, recurrent miscarriages, or failed IVF cycles.
When is DFI Recommended?
Unexplained male infertility despite normal semen analysis
Recurrent miscarriages without a female factor
Poor embryo development in IVF despite good egg quality
Repeated IVF/ICSI failures
Men with varicocele or testicular issues
Men with lifestyle risks – smoking, stress, toxins
What is Semen Analysis?
Semen analysis evaluates sperm quality and quantity by measuring count, motility, morphology, and other semen parameters. It is the first-line test for assessing male fertility potential.
When is Semen Analysis Recommended?
To assess male fertility – natural conception chances
To diagnose sperm-related issues – low count, motility, or abnormal shape
To check post-vasectomy sperm health
Before IVF or ICSI to decide treatment
To monitor sperm quality after treatment
What is Sperm Function Test?
A sperm function test goes beyond semen analysis to evaluate how well sperm can move, penetrate the egg, and survive in the female reproductive tract. It is useful for detecting hidden sperm defects.
When is Sperm Function Test Recommended?
To assess sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg
To evaluate unexplained infertility
To choose the right treatment – IUI, IVF, or ICSI
To check sperm survival in cervical mucus
To detect sperm DNA damage causing failed fertilization
What is Semen Culture Test?
Semen culture detects bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms in semen that may cause infections affecting fertility. It helps diagnose conditions such as prostatitis, urethritis, or STIs.
When is Semen Culture Test Recommended?
To check for genital tract infections
To investigate unexplained male infertility
To diagnose STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia
For symptoms like pain, swelling, or discharge
To guide targeted antibiotic treatment
What is Testicular Biopsy?
A testicular biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample to check sperm production. It helps differentiate between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia and can provide sperm for IVF/ICSI.
When is Testicular Biopsy Recommended?
Diagnosing azoospermia (blockage vs production issue)
Retrieving sperm for IVF/ICSI
Investigating testicular health (failure, tumors, infection)
Assessing infertility when other tests are inconclusive
What is Post Ejaculation Urinalysis (PEU)?
Post Ejaculation Urinalysis checks for sperm in urine after ejaculation. It helps diagnose retrograde ejaculation, a condition where sperm flows backward into the bladder instead of out through the urethra.
When is Post Ejaculation Urinalysis Recommended?
To diagnose retrograde ejaculation
To assess male infertility causes of low/no sperm
To differentiate between obstruction and retrograde ejaculation
To guide fertility treatments (IVF/ICSI with retrieved sperm)
