1 in 7 couples will deal with infertility.

In up to 50% of patients, a male infertility factor will be identified.

What happens at the

initial male fertility evaluation?

  • Detailed History & Physical

    A detailed clinical history and physical exam is performed at the first visit. This will aid Dr. Chu in better understanding your current fertility journal, and what potential diagnoses could be contributing to infertility. Dr. Chu will ask you questions regarding:

    • your partner’s age

    • how long you have been trying to conceive

    • current nutrition and lifestyle

    • medical conditions

    • past medical history of STI, UTI, or genitourinary trauma

    • medications you are taking

    • surgical history

  • Semen Analysis

    A semen analysis give us an idea of how much sperm is present in your semen, as well as various characteristics that give us an idea on the sperm quality and health.

    We recommend that you abstain 2-3 days prior to semen analysis.

  • Hormone Panel

    Hormones are vital towards the fertility process, as the brain needs to instruct your testicles to produce sperm, as well as provide a healthy testosterone level for spermatogenesis. A blood test will be obtained, and will survey the following serum levels:

    • Total Testosterone

    • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

    • Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

    • Estradiol

    • 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP)

Male Infertility Diagnoses

  • Varicoceles are a structural abnormality characterized by a “worm-like” bundle of enlarged or dilated varicose veins around the testicle. Varicoceles are the most common identifiable causes of male infertility. 15% of normal men and 40% of infertile men have varicoceles. They are most commonly found on the left side, but may also be present on both sides.

    Varicoceles can cause abnormal sperm count or have a negative effect on sperm quality. The mechanism for this is thought to be related to an abnormal backflow of blood into the scrotum. This causes a rise in testicular temperature, as well as possibly increase reactive oxidative species - which is harmful to sperm.

  • A lowered sperm count or sub-optimal sperm quality could be a result of anatomic abnormalities - such as a varicocele - or due to hormone deficits.

    Hormone levels, such as testosterone levels, are integral in maintaining optimal sperm production and quality. A deficit in testosterone may require medication to help with production. It is important to consider that testosterone replacement therapy may actually cause sperm production to be suppressed.

  • The medical terminology for patients who are found to have no sperm in their ejaculate is azoospermia.

    The cause of azoospermia is either from a sperm production issue, or due to obstruction.

    If sperm production is suspected, further diagnostics such as genetic testing (Karyotype and Y-chromosome microdeletion) may be indicated. While no sperm in the ejaculate may be devastating news for an infertile couple, there is technology and procedures that can be performed to attempt to find sperm in the testicle.

    Obstruction can occur due to anatomic abnormalities, prior vasectomy, history of sexually transmitted infections, or genital trauma. Multiple options exist for a patient if obstruction is determined to be the etiology, such as sperm aspiration or reconstruction.

  • Lifestyle and nutrition can have an effect on your fertility. Additionally, hormone levels such as testosterone may be suboptimal, resulting in more poor sperm count or quality. Proper counseling by a male fertility specialist will aid you in understanding your fertility optimization.

Dr. Chu is strongly passionate about treating male infertility.

He understands the difficult journey that is infertility. He understands the stress of time and uncertainty.

Dr. Chu has spoken at numerous reproductive conferences and published in international academic journals in an effort to progress the infertility field.

Schedule a consult with Dr. Chu.