Tests for the Male

Εξετάσεις για τον Άνδρα

Semen analysis is the cornerstone investigation of male fertility. In contrast to female fertility that is mostly attributed to physical conditions rather than a direct assessment of the oocytes (at a prognostic level), in males we have the ability to assess and evaluate multiple parameters, that are crucial in reproduction directly on sperm, through the ability of continuous sperm regeneration from renewable cell lines. Male fertility assessment ranges from basic parameters to specialized tests of genetic integrity and functional properties, such as sperm-egg interaction.

Our ability to investigate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of male fertility, grants us the opportunity to optimize sperm parameters and conception rates for successful reproduction, according to the individual fertility dynamics, or even eliminate small factors that pose inhibitory actions on reproduction (presence of pathogens, oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation).

Other clusters of tests such as biochemical and hormonal testing and molecular investigations, work either prognostically or diagnostically to justify functional disorders of the male reproductive system, always in combination with the clinical examination and the parallel guidance of a specialized Urologist-Andrologist.

Basic & Advanced Sperm Tests

  • Semen Analysis: Evaluation of basic and advanced semen parameters according to the latest WHO criteria for male fertility assessment. Includes assessment of seminal fluid characteristics, sperm concentration and total count, motility and variability patterns, vitality, detailed morphological evaluation, identification of other cell types in semen, and detection of agglutinations (with anti-sperm antibody testing if positive).
  • Oxidative & Reductive Stress Measurement: Assessment of potential imbalance between production and neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that affect semen quality and fertility.
  • Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Test of genetic material integrity in sperm, indicating the ability to fertilize the oocyte and develop into a healthy embryo.
  • Functional Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Integrity test after laboratory isolation of functional sperm, evaluating only those most likely to interact with the oocyte in natural conception or assisted reproduction.
  • Microscopic Examination for Pathogens: Detection and identification of pathogens in the male reproductive system (Trichomonas, cocci, fungi, Neisseria gonorrhoeae).
  • Semen Culture: Detection and identification of reproductive system pathogens (aerobic, anaerobic, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma).
  • Molecular pathogen detection: Molecular identification of aerobic & anaerobic pathogens and molecular antibiotic susceptibility testing.
  • STI Pathogen PCR Testing: (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, Trichomonas vaginalis, Treponema pallidum, Mycoplasma hominis, Haemophilus ducreyi, Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 & 2).
  • HPV PCR Testing: Detection and typing of 35 HPV strains (high- & low-risk).
  • Microbiome Analysis: Identification of symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
  • Seminal Plasma Biochemical Analysis: Evaluation of accessory gland function (epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate) and contribution to male infertility (L-Carnitine, Acid Phosphatase, Fructose, Magnesium, Zinc, α-Glucosidase).
  • Sperm Preparation & Activation Test: Prediction of the recovery rate of motile sperm in assisted reproduction procedures and expected rate of oocyte interaction.
  • Sperm Longevity Testing: In culture medium under lab conditions, reflecting sperm functionality in terms of motility over time.
  • HBA Test (Hyaluronan Binding Assay): Functional test of sperm binding capacity to oocyte receptors.
  • Anti-Sperm Antibodies: Immunological testing for antibodies causing sperm agglutination, a fertility factor after trauma, inflammation, or surgery in the genital area.
  • Sperm Chromosomal Abnormalities (FISH): Testing chromosomes 13, 16, 18, 21, 22, X, Y.

Blood Tests

  • Hormonal Profile: (FSH, LH, PRL, Testosterone, Free Testosterone, TSH, T3, FT3, FT4, E2, E1, Progesterone, DHEA-S, DHT, PSA, SHBG, Inhibin B, AMH, Cortisol F).
  • Virology Panel
  • Immunological Tests
  • Complete Blood Count & Hematological Tests
  • General Health Screening
  • General & Reproductive Wellness Tests

Molecular & Genetic Testing

  • Karyotype (conventional and molecular – Array CGH).
  • Y Chromosome Microdeletions.
  • Sperm Aneuploidy Testing: (Chromosomes 13, 16, 18, 21, 22, X, Y).
  • Cystic Fibrosis Mutations: (covering 99% of population variants).
  • Genetic Disease Testing: (α & β Thalassemia, Achondroplasia, Hypochondroplasia, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Muscular Dystrophy, Deafness).
  • Carrier Screening (22 Genetic Disorders): including alpha-/beta-Thalassemia, delta-beta Thalassemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X Syndrome, Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss (GJB2 & GJB6), Sickle-Cell Disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Tay-Sachs, Bloom Syndrome, Canavan Disease, Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy, Familial Dysautonomia, Fanconi Anemia, Galactosemia, Gaucher Disease, MCAD Deficiency, Mucolipidosis, Niemann-Pick, Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Deficiency, Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome.
  • Structural Chromosomal Abnormalities / Deletions & Genetic Markers.
  • Hereditary Cancer Screening: (colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, gastric, melanoma, thyroid, kidney).

Urine Tests

  • Urinalysis
  • Urine Culture
  • Retrograde Ejaculation Test
  • Molecular Pathogen PCR Testing
  • Molecular pathogen detection: Molecular identification of aerobic & anaerobic pathogens and molecular antibiotic susceptibility testing.
  • Urine Cytology