It is common for many people to still think of fertility as a "woman's problem". However, up to half of all cases of infertility involve problems with the man. In fact, today's statistics show that about 20% to 30% of the time, a man's low fertility is the main obstacle to conception.

Today more than ever it has become crucial that men get tested for fertility just as regularly as well as women. It can be very embarrassing, but discovering male fertility issues early on can mean earlier treatment and therefore a more successful pregnancy. Male infertility testing can also spare women unnecessary discomfort and expense when trying to fall pregnant.

Male Infertility: The Initial Evaluation
Many Doctors arbitrarily diagnose infertility when a couple hasn't conceived a child after one year of unprotected sex at frequent intervals. It is more accurate to call it or describe it as Impaired fertility; often many couples who keep trying do and will fall pregnant within the second or third year.
The initial evaluation for male infertility starts with a visit to the urologist. The urologist will usually begin with an interview and an exam regarding the following:

• A full medical along with your reproductive history, and with any surgeries you've had previously and medications you're taking.
• A full set of lifestyle questions, including details of your exercise routine, any smoking or drug use, including steroids and excessive use of Human Growth Hormone.
• A complete physical exam.
• A serious and detailed discussion about your sexual life, including any problems your currently having or have had in the past with sex or previous sexually transmitted diseases.

During all evaluations for male infertility, the man will need to provide a sample of semen which will be used for analysis. The sample will have to be given in the doctors rooms, or at least someplace nearby, because it is vital that the tests and analysis be done immediately after the sample has been produced.

Male Infertility Tests
It is not easy to identifying the cause of a man's infertility, the process is as much a form of art as it is a science. Male infertility tests can differ in their approach, but listed below are some forms of the infertility test that men can expect:

Detailed Analysis of the Sperm and Semen sample
The man's sperm count is assessed by an expert where analysis is given to the man's sperm count, the shape of the sperm, their movement and various other variables. In general, a higher number of normal-shaped sperm means higher a fertility rate, however, there are various exceptions. Many men have a low sperm count and/or abnormal semen and are still fertile. It is also important to note that about 15% of infertile men have normal semen and plenty of normal sperm.

Often, if the first sperm and semen analysis results are normal, the doctor will request a second analysis to make sure of the results. If there are two normal results for this test, it is considered that the man does not have any significant infertility issues. However, if something in the results is irregular, the doctor can add additional tests to the samples to pinpoint the irregularity.

Azoospermia is a condition where zero sperm or semen is found. This can be considered to be a good thing as it indicates that there can be a blockage in the "plumbing" which can easily be corrected with surgery.

The Male Physical Exam
Varicocoeles - abnormal formations of veins above the testicles - can be detected through a physical exam. In order to do this, the urologist should measure the testicular size and examine the vein formations on the testicles.

The Hormone Evaluation
Sperm production is controlled by multiple hormones made in the brain including Testosterone. However, in 97% of infertile men hormones are not the problem at all. Currently, experts disagree as to how big a search should be done for hormonal infertility problems.

Genetic Testing
Specific obstacles to fertility and problems with sperm can be diagnosed through genetic testing. Experts differ as to when genetic tests should be done.

The Anti-Sperm Antibodies
Numerous men create abnormal antibodies which fight against their own sperm. These antibodies attack the sperm while they are on their way to the egg which prevents fertilisation.
In various other men, the creation of sperm is definitely not the issue; it's the actual process of getting the sperm to their desired location. The men with this type of condition have normal sperm in their testicles. But, the sperm within the semen are missing, very low, or abnormal. Listed below are the various reasons why some men have a low sperm count in their semen even when the man is making enough sperm:

• Retrograde ejaculation.
Men with this condition find that sperm ejaculate backwards into the bladder. This condition is usually caused by previous surgery.
• An absence of the main sperm pipeline (the vas deferens). This is usually a genetic problem, where some men are born without the main pipeline for sperm.
• An obstruction found anywhere in the "plumbing" between the testicles and the penis.
• Anti-sperm antibodies, which abnormally attack a man's own sperm while they are on their way to fertilise the egg.

Varicocoeles are the most common cause of correctable male infertility -- up to 38% of cases. These abnormal formations of veins above the testicle can be fixed with surgery.

Idiopathic infertility is a condition that finds up to 25% of infertile men have abnormal or low sperm counts causing their infertility, for no identifiable reason.

Through thorough testing of both the man and the woman, 85% of couples can discover the cause of their infertility. Many couples will become pregnant after the first year, with continued attempts and treatment.

Fertility testing is an embarrassing process for both men and women, but it is important to note that couples who go through this process together have a 95% chance of fixing whatever condition they may be experiencing then having one person from the couple going through the process alone.