When Should You Consider a Male Infertility Panel? Signs & Risk Factors

When a couple struggles to conceive, the focus usually shifts to the woman’s health. But did you know male infertility accounts for almost 50% of all infertility cases? This makes the male infertility panel an essential tool for men wanting to improve their chances of conception. This panel is basically a set of tests that help identify the underlying causes of infertility in men.¹

This blog will take you through all you need to know about the male infertility panel. Start scrolling to know more!

Key Takeaways

• Male infertility accounts for nearly 50% of infertility cases, making testing essential.
• A Male Infertility Panel includes blood, hormone, genetic, and semen analysis tests to detect causes like hormonal imbalance, sperm quality issues, or genetic conditions.
• Warning signs of male infertility include erectile dysfunction, low semen volume, reduced libido, frequent infections, etc.
• Infertility risk factors include growing age, smoking, alcohol, obesity, hormonal issues, genetic disorders, etc.
• You should consider testing if you face issues like difficulty conceiving, sexual dysfunction, testicular trauma, prior surgeries, etc.
• Early testing saves time and stress, guides treatment, and improves your chances of conception.
• The testing process is simple, and results are usually available within 1-10 days.
• In India, the cost of the panel ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹9,000, depending on the tests included.

What is a Male Infertility Panel?

A male infertility panel is a collection of blood and semen tests. These help evaluate different aspects of male reproductive health. The panel may include: 

• Tests for measuring hormones that support sperm production
• Genetic tests for identifying chromosomal abnormalities
• Semen analysis for evaluating your sperm count and quality.

With these, a doctor can tell if your infertility issues are:

• Hormonal
• Genetic
• Due to low sperm count or poor sperm quality
• Related to other medical causes.

Before we learn more about the male infertility panel, let us first take a look at the common signs and symptoms that may indicate infertility in men.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Male Infertility

Male infertility does not always show obvious symptoms, but there are warning signs that men should not ignore. Some of these include: ²

• Difficulty ejaculating
• Low semen volume during ejaculation
• Decreased sexual drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pain or discomfort in the testicle area
• Decreased facial or body hair
• Enlarged breasts
• A lump or swelling in the testicles
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Loss of sense of smell

Key Risk Factors for Male Infertility

If you are wondering what increases the risk of infertility in men, there can be numerous factors. They include: ^{3, 4}

• Aging
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Drug abuse
• Obesity
• Trauma to the testes
• Exposing the testicle area to high temperatures
• Exposure to radiation or toxins
• Smoking
• Certain medications
• Hormonal issues
• Genetic disorders
• High fever or mumps history
• Blockage in the ducts that carry sperm

When Should Men Consider a Male Infertility Panel?

It is important to consider a male infertility panel if you and your partner have trouble conceiving. You should also consider it in case of the following issues: 

• Sexual dysfunction
• A history of infertility 
• Recent or old testicular trauma
• Prior surgeries or chemotherapy

You can also consider the panel if you simply wish to learn about your fertility health.

Benefits of Early Testing with a Male Infertility Panel

Choosing a male infertility panel early in your fertility journey is the best decision you can ever make. Here’s why:

• It saves time and emotional stress. You can avoid unnecessary delays and guesswork.
• If there is an issue, it guides you towards effective treatment.
• Your doctor may recommend anything from lifestyle changes to medications.
• Once you address the issue, you can improve your chances of conception.

How is a Male Infertility Panel Performed?

If you are considering the infertility panel for your reproductive health, you might also be curious about the process. If yes, there’s nothing to worry about. The process is pretty simple. Here’s what you can expect:

• A lab technician will collect your blood or semen samples, as required.
• The samples are sent to a lab for further diagnosis.
• There, they access them for hormone levels, genetic factors, and other markers.
• You will get the results within 1-2 days. However, some tests, like those for Y Chromosome Microdeletion, may take 9-10 days.

Once you have the results, you can consult a doctor. They may also ask you about your medical history, lifestyle habits, symptoms, etc.

Cost & Availability of Male Infertility Panels in India

In India, the cost of a male infertility panel may vary based on your location, diagnostic centre, and the number of tests included. Here is a basic about the cost:

• A basic fertility panel may cost around ₹1,500 - ₹2,500.
• For a comprehensive panel, you need to pay around ₹3,600 - ₹9,000.

Final Thoughts

Male infertility is more common than many realise. That is why early testing can make a huge difference in fertility outcomes. A male infertility panel offers a complete, evidence-based way to understand reproductive health and guide the right treatment. If you notice symptoms, fall into a high-risk category, or have been trying to conceive without success, considering this panel is a smart step. Remember, infertility is not just a woman’s issue. Taking responsibility for male reproductive health is equally important in the journey to parenthood.

For men looking for reliable testing, options like LifeCell Diagnostics offer male infertility tests. These provide a convenient and comprehensive way to evaluate reproductive health and take the first step toward solutions. 

FAQ

When Should A Man Be Tested For Infertility?

You should get tested for infertility if you and your partner have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success (6 months if the woman is over 35). You should also do the same if you have risk factors like testicular injury or sexual dysfunction. 

What Are The Risk Factors For Male Infertility?

Age of over 40 years, smoking, drinking, obesity, and drug abuse are some of the risk factors of male infertility. Other factors include hormonal problems, genetic disorders, exposure to heat or toxins, and prior infections like mumps. 

What Blood Tests Are Done For Male Fertility?

Blood tests for male infertility usually include hormone evaluations such as testosterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinising hormone), and prolactin. In some cases, genetic blood tests may also be done. 

What Is The Most Important Male Fertility Test?

A semen analysis is often the first and most important test for checking male fertility. It measures sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). After this, your doctor may also recommend blood tests to check for hormones or genetic issues. 

Can Male Infertility Be Cured?

Yes, it is possible to treat male infertility in most cases. Depending on the cause, treatments may include lifestyle changes, medications, surgery (for varicocele or blockages), or assisted reproductive techniques (like IVF or ICSI). 

What Is The Cost Of A Male Fertility Test?

The cost of a male fertility test may depend on factors like your location, the type of test, or the lab you choose. However, in general, a test may cost around ₹1,500-₹2,500. Some comprehensive male infertility panels may range from ₹3,600 to ₹9,000.