A possible cause of sterility is the reduction in sperm quality in men. The ejaculate of healthy, powerful men can also show abnormalities. The examination of the sperm is therefore one of the first diagnostic steps if the desire to have children is unfulfilled. A semen sample should be given after two to seven days of sexual abstinence. The assessment of the sperm is based on the WHO (World Health Organization) reference values.

Possible causes for a limited spermiogram can be:

•  undescended testicles as a small child,
• mumps,
• unhealthy lifestyle (nicotine, alcohol, obesity),
•  medications,
• varicose veins on the scrotum (varicocele),
• genetic causes and blockage of the spermatic ducts (due to inflammation, congenital).

In order to find a possible cause for your unfulfilled desire to have children and to be able to discuss therapy with you, we recommend that you provide a semen sample before the first consultation in our fertility Center. The sperm is delivered in our donation room. The findings are subject to fluctuations, so a check-up may be necessary for a final diagnosis. If you are unable to obtain ejaculate at the fertility Center, you can bring it with you from home under certain conditions. In this case, it must be ensured that body heat is transported to us within half an hour. Please note that the costs for the spermiogram (including blood sampling) do not apply to those with statutory health insurance. For those with private insurance, costs are incurred according to the fee schedule for doctors.

To improve sperm quality, we recommend: not smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a normal body weight.