Very often, questions of pregnancy planning are of greater concern to women. There is a lot of information on the Internet about the tests and examinations that need to be taken. However, it is important to understand that both parents participate equally in the process. After all, the genetic material is transmitted to the baby equally from the father and mother. Therefore, preparation for the man is no less critical.

Importance of Medical Examinations

The future father is obliged to participate in preparation if he wants to have healthy offspring. The test results will allow to assess the state of the reproductive system of the spouses. If any deviations are detected, doctors will be able to carry out timely correction to avoid possible complications during later stages and the birth of unhealthy children.

Often, conception occurs spontaneously. In such cases, men still need to take a number of tests. The most important thing is to identify the risks of hereditary problems in the male line. If they exist, the partners should consult a geneticist and undergo genetic screening.

If we talk about a responsible approach to family planning, then for men, preparation for the expected conception begins at least 3 months in advance. This period was not chosen by chance. This is due to the maturation of spermatozoa, the full cycle of which is approximately a three-month period. If, during this time, the male body has been exposed to negative influences, this will be reflected in the spermogram analysis. So, fertilitysolution specialists also recommend conducting this test to evaluate the risks.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Men

People often feel confused before such an important step. To make it easier to understand what stages the future father needs to go through, we have prepared instructions.

Take Tests and Consult a Doctor

If standard tests are normal and conception has occurred successfully, then the pregnant wife should be monitored by a gynecologist throughout the gestational period. But it is not always possible to get pregnant. In this case, in-depth tests are required. The man must also undergo them since, in almost half of the cases, the cause of infertility is the male factor. Most often, the problem lies in the violation of spermatogenesis.

When planning a pregnancy, a man needs to take the following tests:

  • PCR test. A urethral smear is taken to determine the presence of pathogens that cause STIs. In the case of untreated forms of STIs, it is enough to eliminate the infection to restore fertility.
  • A sperm analysis is prescribed if infertility is suspected. It allows you to determine the type of infertility and prescribe treatment. During the diagnosis, the quality and quantity of the gametes are assessed. The analysis is done by masturbation in a specially designated room of the clinic. The sperm must be collected in a labeled container and immediately handed over to the lab technician.
  • MAR test. Sperm morphology, according to Kruger. The shape, size, and integrity of the germ cells are assessed. The analysis shows such abnormalities as the absence of a sperm tail, a double head, or an elongated or shortened sperm shape. With such deviations, natural conception is unlikely. If the Kruger spermogram result is unsatisfactory, the couple may be offered in vitro fertilization or IVF with ICSI. These ART procedures provide a high chance of pregnancy if the woman is healthy.
  • Sonography of the prostate gland. Ultrasound examination will show prostatitis, neoplasms. For example, an adenoma can cause mechanical obstruction of the vas deferens. Removing the formation will normalize the passage of sperm through the genital tract. Prostate fluid analysis — microscopic examination of prostate secretion allows to detect inflammation, evaluate gland function.
  • Hormonal blood test. A man gives material to determine follicle-stimulating, luteotropic hormones, prolactin, androgens, and thyroid hormones. Among the tests for male hormones, the testosterone indicator is significant. In women, the level of gonadotropins and gonadosteroids depends on the menstrual cycle. Therefore, they are assigned a specific day for the analysis.

Men are not required to adhere to strict deadlines. They can take the test on any calendar day. Before the analysis, you cannot have sex for 3-4 days. You need to avoid stress. Upon arrival at the laboratory, you should rest and calm down.

Follow the Recommendations

Sperm cells are adversely affected by nicotine, drugs, and poisons that form in the body when drinking alcohol. These substances either kill or mutate gametes. Therefore, to increase the chances of successful conception, you need to give up bad habits. Even if sperm with damaged DNA fertilizes an egg, either a spontaneous abortion will occur, or a sick child will be born.

  • The future father may take medications due to a chronic pathology. Also, during preparation for planning, a viral or bacterial infection is possible. Then the man will have to take antibiotics and other drugs. The doctor should know what medications are being taken, whether they can negatively affect spermatogenesis. Even some dietary supplements can be harmful. In some cases, after passing tests, doctors recommend postponing attempts to become parents for a while.
  • Thermal effects on the scrotum should be excluded. Refrain from visiting saunas and baths and taking hot baths. The scrotum has a lower temperature than the general temperature in the body. This allows spermatogenesis to proceed normally. When the temperature rises, the sex cells die or mutate.
  • It is undesirable for men to wear tight underwear made of synthetic materials. The genitals should be in comfortable conditions. Squeezing the scrotum with tight underwear contributes to the deterioration of spermatogenesis. Clothes should be loose, light, made of natural fabrics. Also, the organs overheat when sitting behind the wheel for a long time. Therefore, the time spent in the car should be limited.

It is also essential to pay attention to nutrition. The diet should be complete, varied, and rich in vitamins. Vitamin deficiency and lack of microelements worsen reproductive health. Thus, with zinc deficiency, normal spermatogenesis does not occur. Therefore, the list of tests for men may include a biochemical test to determine significant microelements.

Conclusion

Responsible future parents plan their pregnancy together. Undergoing examinations, taking tests, and consulting doctors is not only a woman's business. In order for the family to be replenished with a healthy child, men also need to take care of their health. Therefore, doctors advise both partners to come to the first consultation.