Infertility Profile Male

Infertility profile test for males looks for the hormonal imbalances which may be the reason for infertility. This involves luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, semen volume, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm concentration, semen pH.

Test parameters:

• Luteinizing hormone
• Follicle stimulating hormone
• Testosterone
• Semen volume
• Sperm count
• Sperm Motility
• Sperm concentration
• Semen pH

Luteinizing hormone (LH):

LH is a gonadotropin hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland. It affects the sex organs in both men and women during sexual development. In men, LH hormone binds to receptors in Leydig cells present in the testes. This hormone stimulates the production of testosterone from these cells that are necessary for the production of sperms. Therefore, LH plays a major role in regulating the function of testes in men. This hormone plays an important role in puberty and fertility.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH):

Follicle stimulating hormone is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It plays an important role in sexual development. In men, FSH stimulates the production of testosterone that is necessary for the production of sperms. Thus, FSH plays a major role in regulating the function of testes in men. This hormone plays an important role in puberty and fertility.

Testosterone:

This hormone is responsible for male physical characteristics and known as a male sex hormone. This is mainly produced by the Leydig cells which are present in the male testicles. In the presence of LH only, testicles produce testosterone. Testosterone plays an important role in the facilitation of spermatogenesis. Testosterone stimulates the development of secondary sexual characteristics in men like the growth of the body hair, deepening of the voice, enlargement of the penis (sex organ in men), muscle development.

What is infertility?

Infertility is a condition in which an individual is unable to get pregnant. It is diagnosed after a couple has tried to get pregnant for 12 months without success. Infertility may also be diagnosed when a woman succeeded to get pregnant but has been unable to carry a fetus to term (miscarriage). Hormones produced by glands play important role in fertilization including the hypothalamus, thyroid gland, and pituitary gland and also woman’s ovaries and a man’s testicles. Age is an important factor which plays a role in fertility. Peak fertility in a woman occurs at her early 20’s and declines substantially by age 35 and even more so after age 40. By the time a woman reaches menopause, few eggs may be available or functional. As man ages, the number of sperm decreases, along with sperm motility, thus reducing the chances of pregnancy. Other age-related problems are erectile or ejaculation problems and low testosterone and prostate. Apart from age, the other factors that may affect fertility in both men and women are diabetes, obese or being underweight, exposure to chemicals or toxins, excessive exercise, unhealthy lifestyle or habits like smoking, alcohol, or drugs, diabetes, etc.

Why this test is performed?

This test may be recommended to you to rule out the causes of infertility. This test also helps in selecting the suitable treatment based on the test results.

The normal test results may vary depending on age, health history, medical condition, etc.

If your testosterone levels are increased it may be due to androgen sensitivity. If the testosterone levels are decreased with increased FSH and LH it may be due to primary testicular failure.

If your semen volume, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm concentration are less than the reference range it may cause infertility.

The test results can be interpreted correctly by your doctor. Hence consult your doctor soon after receiving your lab test reports for further diagnosis or medical intervention.