Diagnosis begins with a complete physical examination of the man to determine his general state of health and identify any physical problems that may impact his fertility. The doctor also interviews the couple about their sexual habits. If the physical examination and history do not indicate any reason for the couple's inability to conceive, the next step is to conduct testing to identify the cause of infertility.

For men, we begin with a detailed semen analysis. Physicians in the Male Fertility Center are among the most experienced in the country in performing in-depth analyses to determine sperm counts, viability (sperm's ability to survive), morphology (sperm quality and shape) and motility (the sperm's ability to move to the egg to fertilize it). This information is invaluable in planning the appropriate treatment for each couple. You may also undergo additional tests, including hormone testing to make sure your body is producing the right level of hormones related to fertility and/or genetic testing to evaluate the man's genetic signature and his DNA.

Women who have not previously undergone infertility testing may be referred to a female infertility specialist in the Cleveland Clinic Ob-Gyn and Women's Health Institute.

Comprehensive, expert semen analysis is an essential element of male infertility diagnosis and treatment planning for helping couples achieve pregnancy. The expert physicians and technicians in our Andrology Laboratory are among the most experienced in the country in conducting and analyzing the highly specialized tests related to semen analysis.

Our laboratory technologists are certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Our laboratory is CLIA certified by the Department of Health and Human Services and accredited by the College of American Pathologists in conjunction with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

In addition to providing testing services for our own patients, the laboratory also offers referring physicians accurate, quantifiable results using the latest technology available.

Tests available include a comprehensive semen analysis using a computer-assisted semen analyzer that allows for the quality of the semen to be studied through multiple exposure videomicrography.

Other tests include:

• Direct and indirect immunobead testing to detect antisperm antibodies in serum, sperm or seminal plasma.
• Special stains to test for the presence of sperm in azoospermic specimens
• Post-vasectomy screening

We also offer specialized services related to in vitro fertilization, including:

• Sperm processing for intrauterine insemination
• Donor sperm procurement for artificial insemination
• Sperm cryopreservation

The semen analysis provides the most comprehensive assessment of semen quality and is considered the foundation of the basic infertility workup of a couple. It includes a determination of sperm volume, pH, sperm concentration, total sperm count, percent of motility, velocity, linearity, morphology, color and viscosity. Our computerized semen analysis system is among the most technologically advanced available and yields extremely accurate, quantifiable results.

Other Testing Available:

• Leukocytospermia quantitation/Endtz test
• Kruger's strict morphology classification
• W.H.O. morphology for sperm assessment
• Special staining for azoospermic specimen
• Semen biochemistry fructose test
• Sperm antibody tests (direct and indirect immunobead)
• Reactive oxygen species
• Sperm DNA assessment

Details....