New trailblazing tests detect fertility issues in men

As Fathers' Day rolls around again, would-be dads whose partners are struggling to conceive may be interested to learn about the latest in a series of cutting-edge test packages for sperm health which can help maximise the chances of success with IVF and prevent miscarriage.

It is estimated that for up to 50 per cent of couples with infertility issues these are due to an issue with sperm, and the easiest way to identify a male factor problem is to do a semen test.

Available to men throughout the South West at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM), the new test packages enable men to better understand their fertility potential.

“Semen analysis should be undertaken in all couples seeking investigation for infertility, regardless of whether there is an identified female or suspected male factor problem,” said BCRM senior andrologist Karla Turner.

“Even if the male partner has previously fathered children a semen analysis is necessary since problems may have developed in the meantime.

“The comprehensive panel of tests offered at BCRM check sperm health accurately and offer men motivation to make lifestyle changes that can improve chances of pregnancy.”

These could include modifications to daily life, antioxidant treatment, ensuring an appropriate duration of abstinence, or treating an underlying condition.

Participants can opt for one of three semen analysis packages. The ‘Detailed Semen Analysis’ provides an insight into the number of normal-looking, moving sperm observed down the microscope. Much like buying lottery tickets, this helps give patients an idea of how likely they are to fall pregnant naturally.

Men who want to delve a little deeper may opt for the ‘Enhanced’ or ‘Enhanced Plus’ semen analysis packages, these include a test to establish the presence of oxidative stress which can cause sperm DNA fragmentation. The Enhanced Plus package includes the ‘Exact’ test powered by SpermComet technology to confirm if DNA fragmentation is an issue.

These tests are intended for men whose partners have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, or who have an increased paternal age, unexplained infertility, a history of genito-urinary tract infections, varicocele, lifestyle risk factors or a suboptimal semen analysis.

“The quality of the sperm is crucially important in a couple’s picture of fertility: these tests give an accurate picture of sperm health and, if applicable, the chance to make lifestyle changes that improve the chances of pregnancy,” said, Karla Turner.

“In addition, the DNA fragmentation test will analyse what is going on inside the sperm to detect any damage that may cause the DNA strands to break or fragment, which is important because a high level of DNA damage may lead to delayed time to conception, failed IVF outcomes and an increased risk of miscarriage.”

If sperm DNA damage persists, other methods - such as micromanipulation-based sperm selection or testicular sperm extraction - can be used to select the healthiest sperm to use in IVF and other procedures.

The Exact tests are performed off-site at the Examen laboratory in Belfast with samples frozen and shipped using a special container to ensure the sperm remains frozen at the correct temperature.

BCRM www.fertilitybristol.com is the longest established fertility clinic in Bristol supporting people from the South West and Wales with fertility treatment for both private and NHS patients.

The clinic is involved in innovative research and has one of the best success rates with IVF and other fertility treatments in the UK.    

Photo: MiOXSYS - the male infertility sperm oxidative system