Fertility blood tests for men can help uncover the causes of male infertility

Fertility blood tests for men help the doctors at our Indianapolis fertility center determine what type of care a man might need. This bloodwork reveals information about a man’s fertility hormones, which can indicate whether he has certain conditions that could prevent the conception of a healthy child. In addition to bloodwork, we typically do a semen analysis during the initial evaluation.

What hormones do fertility blood tests for men evaluate?

When a man comes to our Indianapolis fertility center for support, our team may measure his hormone levels. Knowing a man’s levels of certain fertility hormones can allow the doctor to make well-informed recommendations for his care.

FSH, or follicle stimulating hormone, stimulates the testes to produce and transport mature sperm. We test a man’s FSH level to help assess his sperm count and testicular function.

LH, or luteinizing hormone, plays a role in the testes by making testosterone. A man’s LH level can tell us about a man’s sperm production.

Testosterone affects a man’s libido and sperm health. Testosterone supplements can negatively affect a man’s fertility, which is why it’s not typically a treatment option we recommend.

Because the fertility hormones we test depend on the specific issues a man is experiencing, our doctors may also order tests for hormones other than FSH, LH and testosterone.

How do we utilize the results of the bloodwork?

After the doctor receives the results of a man’s blood tests, he or she typically gains a more comprehensive view of his fertility. However, the doctor might recommend additional testing in some cases.

In addition, the results of fertility blood tests for men can help our doctors determine what type of medication to prescribe. For example, fertility specialists sometimes prescribe Clomid, as it can increase sperm and testosterone production.

The doctor may also recommend certain treatments that can help bypass various male fertility issues.

IVF, or in vitro fertilization, with ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This treatment consists of an embryologist injecting a single live sperm into the center of a mature egg during an IVF cycle.

IVF with microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration, or MESA. IVF with MESA involves the collection of semen from a man who can produce sperm but cannot ejaculate it.

IUI, or intrauterine insemination. During this procedure, a fertility doctor inserts sperm into the uterus of the female patient.

With the combination of fertility blood tests for men, other helpful evaluations and effective treatments, the team at our Indianapolis fertility center provides high-quality support for men hoping to start or grow a family. Contact us for more information about male fertility evaluations.