While fertility problems have traditionally been considered a female concern, we now know that around 35 to 40 percent of problems lie with the man. Sperm counts, in particular, have been declining at a very rapid rate over the last 10 years, so at Zita West Clinics, a semen analysis is one of the first tests offered to men. Knowing the quality and quantity of male sperm, particularly if couples have been trying to get pregnant for a while, is extremely useful information.
The good news is that there is a lot that can be done to improve sperm. New sperm are constantly being produced over a 72 day cycle, and a few, often very simple, lifestyle changes in a number of ways can make a significant difference to both the quality and quantity of sperm.
At Zita West Clinics, a full semen analysis is offered for men, especially if this hasn’t been checked before, prior to consultation with our male fertility expert. Also provided is a comprehensive questionnaire on all aspects of a man’s general health, diet and lifestyle to be completed prior to this appointment. The questionnaire is very specific, detailed and wide-ranging, and the kind of detailed history it provides is enormously valuable. Problems with sperm production can often be overcome by rectifying a series of seemingly minor imbalances in diet, lifestyle or general health, which only this kind of comprehensive review can reveal. Sometimes it may be necessary for a DNA Fragmentation test to be arranged for a more detailed analysis of the semen quality.
Dealing with a negative result can be difficult, particularly as many men find it difficult to admit to how they feel. Finding somebody to talk to about it (other than a partner) isn’t always easy, even though the problem is far more common than most people imagine. Zita West Clinics have many years of experience in handling these kinds of issues, and the support programme offered also ensures availability of a professional counsellor to talk to.
