Insightful Male Fertility Testing in Birmingham, AL
When starting a family, both partners bring something to the table, and sometimes, answers begin with asking the right questions. While conversations around fertility often center on women, male fertility plays a role in nearly 40% of infertility cases.
At ACRM, we believe in a thorough, inclusive approach that never overlooks one half of the equation. That’s why we offer dedicated diagnostic testing explicitly designed to evaluate male reproductive health.
Dr. Cecil Long offers expert support through both referral and consultation.
What is Male Fertility Testing?
Understand what’s happening under the microscope.Semen analysis is often the first and most informative step in understanding male fertility. This simple lab test gives us a close look at the health and function of your sperm—offering insights that can guide your treatment plan or provide reassurance as you move forward. While it might feel a little clinical on the surface, this test can be a powerful tool for managing your reproductive health.
We evaluate three key factors during semen analysis: concentration, or how many sperm are present in each milliliter of semen; motility, or how well those sperm are moving; and morphology, which looks at the size and shape of each sperm cell. Each of these components plays a role in conception, and when something’s off, it can make fertilization more difficult. The good news is that identifying these issues is the first step toward finding the right solution.
What Could Be Getting in the Way?
The root causes of male infertility.Talking about fertility isn’t always easy. For many men, even acknowledging that something might be wrong can feel like admitting defeat, but it’s not. Infertility doesn’t mean something is broken beyond repair; often, it simply means there’s a barrier to overcome. We provide solutions in a space that respects your dignity and focuses on solutions.
Male infertility can result from a range of physical, hormonal, or health-related factors that impact sperm production or delivery. Some of the most common causes we see include:
Resources Designed to Support You Through the What-Ifs and What’s-Nexts
Understanding your options and knowing what to expect can make all the difference.Navigating fertility care can bring up a lot of questions—about procedures, timelines, medications, and what to expect next. We’ve created this resource hub to help you feel more grounded and informed at every turn. And if something feels unclear, we’re always just a call away.
Have Questions About Male Fertility Testing? Let’s Talk.
A semen analysis is a quick, straightforward process. You’ll provide a sample through masturbation into a sterile cup, in a private collection room on-site. If you prefer, you can also collect at home (as long as you bring it to us within the required timeframe and bring a form of government identification). You will still need an appointment just let us know that you plan to drop it off.
The procedure itself isn’t physically uncomfortable, but we completely understand that it might feel emotionally awkward. You’re not the first to feel that way, and we’re here to make it as judgment-free as possible.
A normal sperm count usually falls between 40 and 300 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Anything below 20 million per milliliter is considered low and may impact fertility. However, it’s not just about the number; movement and shape matter, too.
Some men have a high count, but low motility (movement), which can still make it harder to conceive. Others may have a slightly lower count but excellent motility and morphology (shape). This is why we look at the whole picture in a semen analysis.
The answer to this question depends on your insurance plan. In many cases, basic diagnostic testing, like a semen analysis, may be covered, especially when ordered for medical reasons.
Our team will help you navigate the insurance process by checking your benefits and giving you a clear idea of what’s included and what’s not. We know this part can be confusing, so we handle as much paperwork as possible and offer support. We also offer financing options if insurance doesn’t cover the full cost, so nothing stands between you and getting the answers you need.
You’ll usually get your results back within a few business days. We know waiting can be stressful, so we deliver answers as quickly as possible.
Once your analysis is complete, our providers will walk you through what the results mean, not just in medical terms, but in real-life language that makes sense. You’ll know what was found, what it means for your fertility, and what your next steps can be.
If your semen analysis comes back in the normal range, that’s great news! But it doesn’t mean the journey is over. Male fertility is just one piece of the puzzle. We’ll continue working closely with your partner’s care plan, including female fertility testing, to explore other possibilities and move you toward your goals.
Sometimes, we recommend additional testing or lifestyle adjustments to further increase your chances of conceiving. Other times, we monitor things with the guidance of our care team. The goal is always the same: keep things moving in the right direction without unnecessary delays or guesswork.
Hope Starts With Male Fertility Testing & Honest Conversations
Fertility is a shared experience, and your role matters just as much. Getting tested is a sign you care, that you’re ready to be proactive, and that you’re invested in what comes next. It’s one of the most straightforward steps you can take to understand your health and your future better.
There’s no pressure or judgment at ACRM. Just answers, support, and a team that knows how important it is to treat you like a whole person, not just a number on a chart. Whether you’re just starting to ask questions or searching for clarity for a while, we’re here to walk you through it.
Testing is simple. Knowing where you stand? That’s powerful. Schedule your consultation today to get started.