Patient's question:
I and my wife are both quite eager to have children, but we haven't been able to get pregnant. Last year, my wife went to the hospital for a thorough examination. After the examination results showed no problems, she waited for me to go for an examination. I kept delaying until this year when I finally went to the hospital. After explaining the situation to the doctor, I prepared to undergo many examination items. What tests are included in male infertility examinations?Doctor's answer:
Infertile men should undergo a physical examination. The general check-up typically includes height, weight, and the span of their outstretched arms. A careful observation of the development of secondary sexual characteristics is also necessary, such as the growth of facial hair, Adam's apple, axillary hair, and pubic hair, as well as the presence of gynecomastia. The physical examination for male infertility primarily focuses on the urinary and reproductive systems. This includes assessing the size of the penis, the presence of hypospadias, the size and consistency (softness/hardness) of the testicles. The examination should also involve checking the epididymis for thickening, tenderness, and cysts. A thorough examination of the vas deferens and varicocele is crucial for infertile patients, as timely treatment can reduce the incidence of the condition. If left untreated, it may affect fertility.