Which genetic tests should men with infertility have?
Men with a very low sperm count or no sperm at all should usually have a karyotype and a Y chromosome microdeletion test. Men with no sperm because the vas deferens is missing should have CFTR testing. Men with unexplained infertility, failed IVF or repeated miscarriage often benefit from a sperm DNA fragmentation test. The Male Fertility Clinic by LDC brings all four together in one package, with sample collection in the UK, Nigeria, Dubai and worldwide.
- Male factor plays a part in 40–50% of infertility cases, yet men are often tested last.
- A normal-looking semen analysis can still hide a problem, such as damaged sperm DNA.
- Genetic results change treatment. They show whether surgical sperm retrieval is worth trying, whether embryos need testing, and what could be passed on to children.
- One package, one coordinator, one set of results, wherever you live.
Book your male fertility genetic package today.
- Email: contact@londondiagnosticsclinic.com
- WhatsApp / Telegram / Line / WeChat: +44 7585 610211
- Phone: +44 2081500059
Why does genetics matter in male infertility?
A semen analysis tells you what is happening: how many sperm there are, how well they move and their shape. It rarely tells you why. Genetic testing can answer the why, and that changes what happens next.
The lower the sperm count, the more likely a genetic cause becomes. Men with no sperm at all (azoospermia) or a very low count are the group most likely to have a chromosome change or a missing piece of the Y chromosome.
Getting the genetics right early can:
- avoid unnecessary surgery, by showing when sperm retrieval is unlikely to succeed
- guide IVF, including whether ICSI or embryo testing is needed
- protect future children, by finding conditions that could be passed on, such as cystic fibrosis gene changes or Y chromosome deletions passed to sons
- save time and money, by stopping repeated treatments that can't work
What tests are in the male fertility genetic package?
|
Test |
What it looks for |
Sample |
Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semen analysis |
Sperm count, movement and shape |
Semen |
The starting point that guides which genetic tests are needed |
|
Sperm DNA fragmentation |
Damage inside the sperm's DNA |
Semen |
Linked to failed IVF and miscarriage, and often improvable |
|
Karyotype |
Missing, extra or rearranged chromosomes, such as Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) |
Blood |
A common genetic cause of very low or absent sperm |
|
Y chromosome microdeletion (AZFa, AZFb, AZFc) |
Missing sections of the Y chromosome needed to make sperm |
Blood |
Predicts whether surgical sperm retrieval is likely to work |
|
CFTR gene test |
Cystic fibrosis gene changes |
Blood |
Common in men born without the vas deferens; partner testing protects future children |
Y chromosome microdeletions explained The Y chromosome carries genes in three regions, called AZFa, AZFb and AZFc, that are needed for sperm production. A complete deletion of AZFa or AZFb usually means sperm cannot be found, even with surgery. Men with an AZFc deletion often still have some sperm that can be retrieved and used with ICSI. Any son conceived this way will inherit the same deletion.
CFTR and the missing vas deferens Some men have no sperm because the tubes that carry sperm (the vas deferens) never formed. Most of these men carry changes in the CFTR gene, the cystic fibrosis gene. Sperm can often be retrieved for IVF, but the female partner should be tested too, so the couple knows the risk of cystic fibrosis in their children.
Who should consider male fertility genetic testing?
|
Your situation |
Tests usually recommended |
|---|---|
|
No sperm in the semen (azoospermia) |
Karyotype, Y chromosome microdeletion, CFTR if the vas deferens is absent or blocked |
|
Very low sperm count (severe oligozoospermia) |
Karyotype and Y chromosome microdeletion |
|
Normal or borderline count but no pregnancy |
Sperm DNA fragmentation |
|
Failed IVF or ICSI, poor embryo development |
Sperm DNA fragmentation, with karyotype if not done before |
|
Repeated miscarriage with your partner |
Sperm DNA fragmentation and karyotype for both partners |
|
Planning surgical sperm retrieval |
Karyotype and Y chromosome microdeletion first |
|
Family history of a chromosome or genetic condition |
Karyotype, with advice on other targeted tests |
Not every man needs every test. We review your semen results and history first, so you pay only for the tests that can change your treatment.
Fees are a guide only. They exclude consultations with your own doctor, genetic counselling, sperm retrieval, IVF, embryo testing and sperm freezing. Overseas collection and accompanied transport are quoted per country.
What do the results mean, and what comes next?
|
Result |
What it usually means |
Possible next steps |
|---|---|---|
|
All genetic tests normal |
No major genetic cause found |
Focus on other causes, such as hormones, varicocele or lifestyle |
|
High sperm DNA fragmentation |
Sperm DNA is damaged |
Lifestyle changes, treat varicocele or infection, shorter abstinence before IVF, retest after about 3 months |
|
Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) |
An extra X chromosome |
Specialist review; surgical sperm retrieval (micro-TESE) may still find sperm |
|
Balanced translocation |
Chromosome pieces have swapped places |
Genetic counselling; IVF with embryo testing (PGT-SR) |
|
AZFc deletion |
Some sperm production is often still possible |
Sperm retrieval and ICSI; sons will inherit the deletion |
|
Complete AZFa or AZFb deletion |
Sperm retrieval very unlikely to succeed |
Avoid unnecessary surgery; consider donor sperm |
|
CFTR changes |
Cystic fibrosis gene changes found |
Test the partner; sperm retrieval with IVF; PGT-M if both carry changes |
We help you share results with your fertility doctor. Where needed, we connect you to genetic counselling, sperm freezing, embryo testing and accompanied transport of sperm or embryos between clinics.
How does the package work?
- Contact us with any semen results and your history. We recommend the right package.
- Book your collection at our London clinic or a collection site near you, in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Dubai or elsewhere.
- Give your samples. A semen sample and a blood sample, usually on the same visit.
- Accompanied transport. Blood for karyotyping must reach the laboratory alive and unfrozen within a short window, and semen samples must be handled carefully. Our sister logistics team accompanies time-critical samples to accredited laboratories.
- Laboratory analysis at accredited partner laboratories.
- Your results review. We explain each result and the next steps, and share the report with your doctor.
Why the Male Fertility Clinic by LDC leads
- Built around men. A dedicated male fertility service, so men are tested properly from the start, not as an afterthought.
- Leaders in worldwide cross-border testing, across the UK, West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Benin), the Middle East and beyond.
- Reproductive science expertise. Our team works in embryology and fertility every day.
- One coordinated pathway. From testing to sperm freezing, embryo testing and accompanied transport of sperm or embryos between clinics.
- Discreet and confidential, with results shared only with you and the doctor you choose.
Ready to start? Our team will guide you through every step.
- Email: contact@londondiagnosticsclinic.com
- WhatsApp / Telegram / Line / WeChat: +44 7585 610211
- Phone: +44 2081500059
Frequently asked questions
My semen analysis was normal. Do I need genetic testing? You probably don't need the chromosome or Y chromosome tests. A sperm DNA fragmentation test can still be worthwhile if pregnancy isn't happening, IVF has failed or miscarriages keep occurring.
Can a man with no sperm still become a father? Often, yes. Depending on the cause, sperm can sometimes be retrieved surgically and used with ICSI. Genetic tests help predict whether retrieval is likely to work.
Will my son inherit my fertility problem? Some causes can be passed on. For example, a son conceived using sperm from a man with a Y chromosome microdeletion will inherit it. Genetic counselling explains the risks.
Why should my partner be tested if the problem is mine? If you carry CFTR or chromosome changes, testing your partner shows the risk to your children and whether embryo testing is advisable.
Can I do the package if I live in Nigeria or Dubai? Yes. We arrange collection near you and accompanied transport of samples to accredited laboratories.
How long do results take? Semen analysis and DNA fragmentation results are usually quickest. Karyotyping takes longer because cells must be grown first. Your full package report is usually ready within [X] weeks.
Is the test confidential? Yes. Results are shared only with you and anyone you authorise.
Book your male fertility genetic package
If you've been trying for a baby without success, been told your count is low, or IVF hasn't worked, the right tests can show you why. Wherever you live, we'll make it possible.
- Email: contact@londondiagnosticsclinic.com
- WhatsApp / Telegram / Line / WeChat: +44 7585 610211
- Phone: +44 2081500059
- Website: [londondiagnosticsclinic.com]
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical, legal, financial or other professional advice. Genetic results should be discussed with a qualified doctor or genetic counsellor.
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