Up to 15% of couples experience infertility, which is defined as the failure to become pregnant after one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse. In 40% of couples struggling with infertility issues, male infertility is the primary cause. Because low sperm count is a leading cause of male infertility, an important first step in determining the cause of infertility is to test the sperm count.

Sperm concentration (or sperm count) is one of the main factors used to diagnose male infertility. There are many reasons why a man may be infertile and therefore unable to fertilise the female ovum during reproduction. One of the most common reasons is an abnormally low production of viable sperm cells. Medical or physical conditions may also interfere with normal sperm cell production, including high stress, recent high fever or illness experienced within two months prior to testing, and abrupt changes in diet. Taking this initial screening test will indicate if a low amount of sperm production exists.

The Male Fertility Test gives a positive result when sperm concentration is above 15 million/mL in semen – a level internationally accepted as the minimum level of sperm for normal fertility. A low sperm concentration would indicate less likelihood of conception. Please refer to our ‘Next Steps Guidance’ if you obtain an abnormal result.