Varicoceles are a common cause of male infertility and can result in low sperm count and poor motility. Semen analysis evaluates the quantity and quality of the man's sperm. Supplemental diagnostics include the acrosin assay, which measures an enzyme essential to fertilization, and the acrosome reaction, which measures the ability of the sperm to release the enzyme. Preparations for semen analysis and the acrosin assay consist of at least three and no more than five days of sexual abstinence. If a contributing cause for infertility is traced to the man, options exist for improving the quantity and quality of his sperm.
Artificial insemination is often the best course of treatment for abnormal sperm count or function.
Using special techniques, the best population of sperm can be isolated, then introduced into the uterine cavity or fallopian tue during ovulation - thus bypassing the potential obstacles of the cervix, cervical mucus and lower uterine cavity. Consultation with a urologist may be necessary for treatment of problems such as infections, varicoceles, or other disorders of the male reproductive tract.