Male Fertility Tests
Assessment of Male Fertility
Our male fertility assessment includes semen analysis and hormone blood tests.
The most useful male fertility test is semen analysis, or sperm test. Semen analysis measures the amount of semen a man produces and determines the number and quality of sperm present.
Semen Analysis
Factors measured during a semen analysis include:
- Volume: how much semen is present in one ejaculation
- Sperm count: number of sperm present per millilitre of semen in one ejaculation
- Sperm morphology: percentage of sperm that have a normal shape
- Sperm motility: percentage of sperm that can move forward normally
- We also check for antisperm antibodies (ASA) and analyse the sperm to see which type of fertility treatment would be best (if needed)
Hormone Bloods
In some cases, if significant abnormalities are found in the semen analysis it may be necessary to do further evaluation with the following tests:
- FSH, LH and Prolactin
- Testosterone
Genetic Testing
In men with very low sperm counts or no sperm in their semen, genetic testing may be required. This may include:
- A general screen or karyotype
- Screening for the Cystic Fibrosis gene
- Screening for Y chromosome deletions
Please note: Your Merrion Fertility Clinic Doctor may refer you to a Urologist for further assessment if required.
Semen Analysis FAQ’s
Please complete our Semen Assessment Request Form to collect a sperm sample and book a semen analysis. This contains guidelines to ensure the most accurate results.
Patients who have an upcoming fertility consultation with a Doctor at the Merrion Fertility Clinic do not have copies of their test results sent to their GP, unless specifically requested by the patient.
The best way to make an appointment is by using the online referral form, which you will find on this page. Please note that you must also have a GP referral.
As prices can change, it is best to refer to our price list for the most up to date prices.
Merrion Fertility Clinic does not directly give the results or copies of the results to the patient. Results are sent to your GP or referring doctor.
A GP letter of referral is required if you wish to make a semen analysis appointment. We will ask for this information when you are booking your appointment.
Results will take within 10 days. Please advise us at the time of booking if your doctor requires the results for a specific date.
Your semen sample must be collected in one of the sterile Sarstedt containers provided by Merrion Fertility Clinic. Please do not use other containers such as those available in your GP office or in pharmacies, as they may be toxic to sperm. A private room is available at the clinic to produce your semen sample. If you wish to produce at home, you will need to be able to have your semen sample in the clinic within one hour of producing it. Those unable to do so should produce here in the clinic. Your semen sample must be obtained by masturbation into the container.
We recommend all patients to abstain from ejaculation from between 2 and 5 days before your appointment. Shorter or longer periods of abstinence may lead to misleading semen analysis results.
For more information, please refer to the Semen Analysis Request Form. You will be asked to fill out and sign this form on the day of your appointment.
Book an appointment
To book a Consult with one of our Doctors or book an appointment for Semen Analysis, click the appropriate button.
Please note that you need a GP or Consultant referral to book a Semen Analysis appointment, but this is not a requirement to book a Doctor Consult.
