Examination Methods for Men

• Physical and Ultrasound Examination
  If the man consults a urologist or andrologist the physician will first of all carry out a physical examination to see if there are any abnormalities of the testes and the epididymis. The prostate is palpated through the rectum. Just to be on the safe side an ultrasound examination of the testes and prostate is usually carried out as well.


• Semen Analysis
  The fertility of the male partner can be evaluated by means of a microscopic examination of the semen. Semen that is produced by masturbating is examined under the microscope to see if the sperm has a normal form (morphology) and is active (motility).
  As sperm quality can fluctuate this test is carried out twice with an interval of at least one month between the two tests.
  In rare cases a tissue sample is taken from the testes to see if there is any disorder that impairs the production of sperm cells.


• Hormone testing
  Inadequate sperm production can be caused by a hormonal imbalance.
  This type of disorder can be ruled out by blood tests to measure hormone levels. However, hormone disorders are far less common among men than in women.


• Genetic tests
  In the case of a low sperm count tests can also be carried out to detect genetic abnormalities. This is done by taking a blood sample which is then examined by a laboratory.