It is related to men’s fitness and generally involves conditions to the male reproductive system or urological conditions in men. These consist of premature ejaculation, impotency, foreskin problems, penile disorders, prostate problems, testis related disorders, infertility, and scrotal diseases.
Andrology is the medical field that specializes in men’s reproductive health. If you are seeking treatment for male infertility, your physician may refer you to the Diagnostic Andrology Laboratory.
Male infertility can be a complex issue and our experienced team provides a range of diagnostic testing for men’s reproductive health, including semen analysis and advanced sperm testing. We also provide sperm freezing and storage for fertility preservation and assisted reproductive technology (ART).
DISCOVER OUR DIFFERENCE
The Diagnostic Andrology Laboratory is run by experts in evaluating and treating severe male infertility, and partners with experts in treating male infertility. The procedures in our lab comply with and exceed the current World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) standards. The Diagnostic Andrology Laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists.
Diagnostic Tests
To provide the most accurate semen analysis it is preferred that the sample be produced at the Diagnostic Andrology Laboratory. As a result, it is not uncommon for a man to feel a bit anxious when he is asked to provide a specimen. Our staff has made every attempt to consider these special circumstances and may be able to provide suggestions for reducing any associated stress.
A variety of diagnostic testing is available:
- Semen analysis related to infertility
- Sperm processing for assisted reproductive technology (ART), processes such as IVF used to achieve pregnancy
- Post-vasectomy semen analysis to confirm clinical infertility
- Testicular biopsy evaluations
Cap-ScoreTM Sperm Function Test
The Cap-Score Sperm Function Test is being offered exclusively in Minnesota by the University of Minnesota Health Diagnostic Andrology Lab to better understand and analyze male infertility.
Traditional semen analysis relies on the measurement of count, motility, and shape to determine fertilizing ability. But those don’t actually measure the function of the sperm. The Cap-Score test goes one step further; it measures the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg or capacitation.
Cryopreservation of Sperm Banking
There are a number of reasons men may choose to have their sperm banked (cryopreserved):
- Before cancer treatments, such as radiation and/or chemotherapy
- Before any surgeries that may result in infertility or reduced fertility
- Before deploying for military service if there is a risk of injury or exposure to chemicals or extreme heat that may result in infertility
- In preparation for an in-vitro fertilization process
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT FERTILITY PRESERVATION FOR MEN
How is my specimen frozen?
After your specimen has been analyzed and is determined to be adequate for freezing, it is mixed with a solution to protect it from the ultra-low temperatures required for storage. Your name and other unique identifying information along with a separate, individual storage location ensure the safe-keeping of your specimen at all times.
How long can my frozen specimen be stored?
Your specimen can be safely stored indefinitely. If you choose to use your specimen or to transfer it to another facility, we have special containers that are used to ensure that the required ultra-low temperatures are maintained throughout the transfer process and regardless of the distance to the shipping destination.
What happens to my specimens if I don’t want/need them?
You decide whether you want your specimen disposed of, donated to research or donated to another individual.
Is there a charge for storing my specimens?
There is no charge for the first year of storage. Just before the one-year anniversary of freezing your specimen you will receive notification that you can continue storing your specimen at our facility, transfer the specimen to another facility or have your specimen disposed of. If you choose to continue storage at our facility there is an annual fee.
Can my frozen specimen cause birth defects in our baby?
There are no published reports that the freezing, storage and thawing process of specimens causes any problems in a baby.
