Men's Reproductive Health (Andrology)
Overview
Andrology is the medical field that specializes in men’s reproductive health. If you are seeking testing for male fertility/infertility or fertility preservation, your physician may refer you to the Diagnostic Andrology Laboratory.
Male infertility can be a complex issue and our experienced team provides a range of diagnostic testing for men’s reproductive health, including semen analysis and advanced sperm testing. We also provide sperm freezing and storage for fertility preservation and assisted reproductive technology (ART).
The hours for the Diagnostic Andrology Laboratory are:
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Please call 612-672-4072 for scheduling.
Our approach
The Diagnostic Andrology Laboratory is run by experts in evaluating and treating severe male infertility, and partners with experts in treating male infertility. The procedures in our lab comply with and exceed current World Health Organization (WHO, 2010, 2021) standards. The Diagnostic Andrology Laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists.
To provide the most accurate semen analysis it is preferred that the sample be produced at the Diagnostic Andrology Laboratory. As a result, it is not uncommon for a man to feel a bit anxious when he is asked to provide a specimen. Our staff has made every attempt to consider these special circumstances and may be able to provide suggestions for reducing any associated stress.
Diagnostic Semen/Sperm Tests
Semen Analysis
The Semen Analysis has for many decades been a valuable clinical laboratory test for assessing male fertility potential. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published its 6th Edition of a manual containing standardized procedures for evaluating semen samples and methods to ensure the highest quality control standards for testing. The Diagnostic Andrology Laboratory strictly adheres to the recommended standards provided in the WHO manual (2021).
The semen analysis evaluates both qualitative and quantitative parameters. The latter consists of sperm concentration and sperm motion determinations along with critical assessment of sperm shape. Collectively, these determinations provide important information regarding male fertility potential. Further, recent evidence demonstrates that the semen analysis can provide early warning for other medical conditions, such as testicular cancer, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Other tests performed at the Diagnostic Andrology Laboratory related to the semen analysis are:
- Post-vasectomy semen analysis to confirm clinical infertility
- Testicular biopsy evaluations
Cap-ScoreTM Sperm Function Test
The Cap-Score Sperm Function Test is being offered exclusively in Minnesota by the M Health Fairview Diagnostic Andrology Lab to better understand and analyze male infertility.
Traditional semen analysis relies on the measurement of count, motility, and shape to determine fertilizing ability. But those don’t actually measure the function of the sperm. The Cap-Score test goes one step further; it measures sperm capacitation - the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg.
Sperm/Semen Cryopreservation or Fertility Preservation
There are a number of reasons men may choose to have their sperm banked (cryopreserved):
- Before cancer treatments, such as radiation and/or chemotherapy
- Before any surgeries that may result in infertility or reduced fertility
- Before deploying for military service if there is a risk of injury or exposure to chemicals or extreme heat that may result in infertility
- In preparation for an in-vitro fertilization process
Common Questions About Fertility Preservation for Men
After your specimen has been analyzed and is determined to be adequate for freezing, it is mixed with a solution to protect it from the ultra-low temperatures required for storage. Your name and other unique identifying information along with a separate, individual storage location ensures the safe-keeping of your specimen at all times.
Your specimen can be safely stored indefinitely. If you choose to use your specimen or to transfer it to another facility, we have special containers that are used to ensure that the required ultra-low temperatures are maintained throughout the transfer process and regardless of the distance to the shipping destination.
You decide whether you want your specimen disposed, donated to research or donated to another individual.
There is no charge for the first year of storage. Just before the one-year anniversary of freezing your specimen you will receive notification that you can continue storing your specimen at our facility, transfer the specimen to another facility, or have your specimen disposed. If you choose to continue storage at our facility there is an annual fee.
There are no published reports that the freezing, storage and thawing process of specimens causes any problems in a baby.
Providers for Men's Reproductive Health (Andrology)
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Conditions We Treat
While we do not treat patients with infertility or male infertility, we do provide valuable testing or fertility preservation services that may be needed during the course of your treatment for these conditions.
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