Male fertility testing for solo dads by choice

For solo dads, fertility testing isn't about diagnosing why conception hasn't happened. It's a proactive step before treatment starts. Since donor eggs are already thoroughly screened, your sperm quality is the main variable, which makes this testing an important starting point.

Male fertility factors are more common than many people expect. A male factor is the cause of 20-30% of infertility cases1, and in Australia, the rate of male infertility is 9%.2

Many men have a reduced sperm count, and some conditions that affect sperm quality, such as hormonal imbalances or a varicocele, can often be treated or improved once identified. Your results also help your specialist recommend whether IVF or ICSI is more likely to improve your chances of success.

A fertility specialist examines you for issues such as varicocele, signs of hormonal imbalance, or blocked tubes, alongside general health indicators like blood pressure, weight, and lifestyle factors that can influence fertility.

Blood tests measure hormones that regulate sperm production, including FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, and thyroid function. Urine tests can detect infections or abnormalities in the urinary and reproductive tract, and in some cases, genetic markers are assessed as well.

This is the most common fertility test, usually completed by providing a sperm sample at the clinic. It measures sperm count, motility, morphology, and semen volume and pH, giving a comprehensive picture of your reproductive health and helping guide which treatment approach suits you.

This test specifically assesses the DNA quality in your sperm cells by measuring the DNA fragmentation index. Since you're the only genetic parent in this pathway, this test carries a little extra weight. The SCIT test can flag issues that a standard semen analysis wouldn't catch, and your specialist can guide you on options if results come back outside the expected range.

For a semen analysis, it's recommended that you abstain from ejaculation for 2 to 7 days beforehand and avoid excess alcohol and illicit drugs in the days prior, since both can affect sperm quality. Reducing smoking and caffeine is also worthwhile, though not always essential for a single test. If you've recently had a fever or illness, your specialist may ask you to wait a few weeks before testing, since this can temporarily affect results.

Blood tests generally need no special preparation, though testosterone testing may require a morning appointment. Your specialist will confirm if this applies to you.

Semen analysis results usually take 5 to 10 business days, blood tests 1 to 3 days, and genetic testing 2 to 6 weeks, depending on complexity. Your specialist will talk you through what your results mean for your pathway, including whether IVF or ICSI is the better fit.

If anything comes back outside the expected range, this doesn't necessarily rule out solo fatherhood. Your specialist may suggest lifestyle changes, treatment for an underlying cause, or ICSI over IVF. Genetic counselling is available if any genetic results need further discussion.

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