It is very important that the male partner be evaluated during the initial work up. A history of genital infections, trauma, or environmental exposure to toxins, can reduce male fertility. One of the first tests will be the Semen Analysis. No treatment of the female will prove effective unless the male produces enough viable sperm to cause fertilization. The Semen Analysis determines the number, shape, and swimming ability of the sperm.
Healthy sperm have a characteristic structure and tend to swim in straight lines.
A normal male will produce over 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Ovulation must occur for an egg to be released. The graphic depicts the expulsion of the ovum from the ovary and it's progress through fertilization to the blastocyst stage. High levels of progesterone indicate that ovulation has occurred. An endometrial biopsy may be required.