Chromosome (Karyotype) analysis – Men with a low sperm count (e.g. less than 10 million/ml) may have a problem with their chromosomes, so require a Karyotype test to check whether their Karyotype is 46 XY; Y chromosome analysis – men with very low sperm count (e.g. less than 5 million/ml) may also have a problem with the AZF genes on the Y chromosome; Cystic fibrosis screening (CFTR) test – mutations of the cystic fibrosis gene are involved in male infertility. Some causes of male infertility such as absence of the vas deferens are considered to be mild incomplete forms of cystic fibrosis disease. It is of really importance to also screen the female partner of the affected male for CFTR gene mutations.
Identifying such problems is important as some problems may have a negative impact on the health of the affected individual and the offspring after successful IVF. These tests may influence the decision on whether or not to perform surgical sperm retrieval.
