Male Infertility Diagnostics

What is DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI)?

The DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) is a male fertility test that measures the percentage of sperm with damaged DNA. Sperm DNA fragmentation can negatively affect fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy success rates, even if a man has a normal sperm count and motility.

A high DFI indicates poor sperm quality, which may lead to infertility, recurrent miscarriages, or failed IVF cycles. This test is particularly useful for men with unexplained infertility, poor embryo quality in IVF, or repeated pregnancy loss.

When DFI is recommended?

Unexplained male infertility despite normal semen analysis
Recurrent miscarriages (multiple pregnancy losses with no clear female factor)
Poor embryo development in IVF despite good egg quality
Repeated IVF/ICSI failures
Men with varicocele or testicular issues
Lifestyle factors (smoking, stress, exposure to toxins, etc.)

What is Semen Analysis?

Semen analysis is a male fertility test that evaluates the quality and quantity of sperm in a man’s semen. It helps determine male fertility potential by assessing sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and other semen parameters.

Semen analysis is often the first test performed for male infertility and is essential for diagnosing conditions such as low sperm count (oligospermia), poor sperm motility (asthenospermia), or abnormal sperm shape (teratospermia). It is also used to check sperm health after a vasectomy.

When Semen Analysis is recommended?

To assess male fertility – Helps determine if a man can conceive naturally.
To diagnose male fertility issues – Identifies sperm-related problems like low count, poor motility, or abnormal shape.
To evaluate post-vasectomy sperm count – Ensures that no sperm are present in semen after a vasectomy.
To check sperm health before IVF or ICSI – Helps doctors decide the best fertility treatment.
To monitor treatment effectiveness – Tracks improvements in sperm quality after fertility treatments.

What is Sperm Function Test?

A Sperm Function Test is an advanced fertility evaluation that assesses the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg. Unlike a standard semen analysis, which measures sperm count, motility, and morphology, sperm function tests focus on how well the sperm move, penetrate the egg, and survive in the female reproductive tract.

These tests are often recommended when a couple faces unexplained infertility despite normal semen analysis results. They help identify hidden sperm defects that may impact fertility and guide treatment decisions.

When Sperm Function Test is Recommended?

To assess fertilization potential – Determines if sperm can effectively penetrate and fertilize an egg.
To evaluate unexplained infertility – Helps identify sperm dysfunction in cases where semen analysis appears normal.
To select the best fertility treatment – Helps decide whether IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), IVF, or ICSI is the best option.
To check sperm survival in cervical mucus – Ensures sperm can survive and swim through the female reproductive tract.
To detect sperm DNA damage – Identifies whether DNA fragmentation is contributing to failed fertilization or recurrent miscarriages.

What is Semen Culture Test?

A Semen Culture Test is a laboratory test used to detect the presence of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms in semen that may cause infections affecting male fertility. It is primarily done to diagnose genital tract infections, such as prostatitis, urethritis, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can negatively impact sperm health and reproductive function.

Unlike a semen analysis, which evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology, a semen culture focuses on identifying infection-causing organisms and determining the appropriate antibiotic treatment.

When Semen Culture Test is Recommended?

To check for infections in the male reproductive system – Detects bacteria or fungi that may cause fertility issues.
To investigate unexplained male infertility – Identifies infections that could be impairing sperm function.
To diagnose sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – Helps detect gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other STIs that may be present in semen.
To evaluate symptoms like pain, swelling, or abnormal discharge – Helps diagnose conditions like prostatitis or epididymitis.
To guide antibiotic treatment – Identifies the specific bacteria present to prescribe the most effective medication.

What is Testicular Biopsy?

A Testicular Biopsy is a medical procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken from the testicles to evaluate sperm production and identify potential causes of male infertility. It is commonly performed when a man has azoospermia (absence of sperm in semen) and is used to determine whether sperm production is occurring inside the testes.

This procedure helps diagnose obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia, testicular failure, and other fertility-related conditions. In some cases, sperm retrieved from a testicular biopsy can be used for assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).

When Testicular Biopsy is Recommended?

Diagnosing Azoospermia – Determines if the cause of no sperm in semen is due to a blockage (obstructive azoospermia) or a problem with sperm production (non-obstructive azoospermia).
Retrieving Sperm for IVF/ICSI – If sperm is present in the testes but not in semen, a biopsy can help retrieve sperm for fertility treatments.
Investigating Testicular Health – Helps diagnose testicular failure, infections, tumors, or hormonal imbalances affecting sperm production.
Assessing Male Infertility – When other tests like semen analysis or hormonal tests do not provide a clear diagnosis.

What is Post Ejaculation Urinalysis?

Post Ejaculation Urinalysis (PEU) is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of sperm in the urine after ejaculation. It is primarily performed to diagnose retrograde ejaculation, a condition where sperm flows backward into the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra.

This test helps determine whether male infertility is caused by retrograde ejaculation or obstructive issues that prevent sperm from being expelled normally. If sperm is found in the urine, it may be retrieved for assisted reproductive treatments (ART) like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).

When Post Ejaculation Urinalysis is Recommended?

Diagnosing Retrograde Ejaculation – Determines if sperm is entering the bladder instead of being ejaculated normally.
Assessing Male Infertility – Helps identify causes of low or no sperm count in semen analysis.
Checking for Obstruction – Differentiates between obstructive azoospermia (blockage) and retrograde ejaculation.
Guiding Fertility Treatment – If sperm is found in urine, it may be washed and used for IVF/ICSI.