A fertility test for men always begins with a spermiogram, i.e. the ejaculate analysis. This initial examination may later help your physician to decide on the subsequent therapy. The basic parameters to be examined include the determination of volume, pH, liquefaction and the number (concentration) of sperm, its motility and shape (morphology).

Ejaculate is collected in our centre after two to three days of sexual abstinence. Sperm is collected by masturbation in a special sterile container. If collecting a sample in the collection room is difficult for you, you can bring the sample from home or a hotel after prior agreement with the physician. The sample must be handed out in person by the man to whom it belongs, specifically within 40 minutes of the sampling.

This complex test shows the percentage of sperm with fragmented or damaged DNA. DNA fragmentation may occur e.g. during radiation treatment, chemotherapy, acute and chronic inflammatory diseases or high fever. DNA fragmentation of sperm is not necessarily connected with deteriorated basic spermiogram parameters. However, it is associated with reduced pregnancy rates and an increased risk of miscarriage. Men with an increased DNA fragmentation have a reduced probability of natural conception or after IUI.

Oxidative stress means that the body is no longer able to absorb harmful free radicals. Free radicals, i.e. reactive molecules, lack one electron and as such, they try to obtain an electron from other molecules.

If great quantities of free radicals are formed, oxidative stress occurs in the body. Oxidative stress is caused by stressful influence, such as environmental toxins, UV radiation, unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.)

To measure oxidative stress in ejaculate, we use the fastest and most accurate electrochemical test MIOXSYS.

• Properly packaged DNA contributes in 50% to the infant’s individual genome. It is therefore important to acknowledge the importance of sperm DNA – especially the chromatin integrity.

Damage to DNA and/or chromatin correlates with reduced fertilisation, a slower development of embryos when cultured, a reduced implantation or a higher rate of miscarriage. This test focuses on sperm maturity, from the perspective of chromatin, specifically histone replacement with protamines.