Fertility Library
Male fertility tests: when might more than a semen analysis be needed?
Understand when repeat semen analysis, clinical examination or other investigations may be discussed.
Start with context
Semen analysis is a useful first investigation, but results vary and do not give a complete explanation of reproductive health.
What may prompt follow-up
Persistently abnormal semen parameters, symptoms, a history of undescended testes, surgery, infections or use of testosterone and anabolic steroids may justify a specialist assessment.
Possible next investigations
A clinician may consider repeat semen testing, examination, selected hormonal blood tests or imaging depending on findings. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing is not routinely appropriate for everyone.
The shared picture
Where two partners are involved, assessing relevant factors in both people can prevent avoidable delays and misplaced assumptions.
Explore a clearer next step
Fertility Barrier Finder can help organise your history and highlight possible areas and investigations to discuss with a qualified healthcare professional. It cannot diagnose a fertility condition, confirm a barrier or predict pregnancy.
Bring the pieces together
Explore personalised educational guidance for a one-off £49.95.
Find my fertility barriersMore fertility guides
What does an AMH test tell you about fertility? · Fertility hormone blood tests: FSH, LH, oestradiol, prolactin and thyroid · Irregular periods and ovulation: what might be worth checking? · Male fertility tests: when might more than a semen analysis be needed? · When should you seek fertility advice? Age, timing and other reasons · A fertility investigation checklist for couples: where to begin · Unexplained infertility: what does it mean and what happens next?