For men, it is very important for men to take part in pregnancy tests. The health status of men, especially reproductive health status, has an important impact on successful pregnancy and fetal health. Here are some tests that men should take when preparing for pregnancy:
Semen analysis
This is an important examination to evaluate male fertility, which can understand the quantity, fluidity and morphology of sperm and evaluate male fertility. Everyone will be curious about how this step is carried out.
Before the examination, the doctor will tell you that in order to provide accurate semen samples, you need to avoid any sexual behavior for 2 to 5 days before collecting samples for examination. Because this can ensure the accuracy of sperm count.
After arriving at the hospital on the day of examination, the nurse will give you a special sterile container and instruct you to collect all the semen in the container as much as possible. Then, you will be guided to a private room, which is very private and has suitable facilities to help you collect semen samples comfortably and smoothly. After sampling, give the sealed container to the nurse. Next, this sample will be sent to the laboratory and analyzed by specialized technicians to evaluate the quantity, vitality and morphology of sperm, as well as the pH value of semen. Warm reminder, you should keep a healthy and positive attitude in the whole process. Remember to avoid excessive tension, fluency is the first.
Sex hormone examination
It mainly includes the determination of testosterone, gonadotropin (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which are all important factors affecting sperm production.
This item is a blood test and matching. After the nurse draws your blood, send the sample to the laboratory for analysis, and then the doctor will check whether the relevant indicators are within the normal range. Pay attention to fasting within 8- 12 hours before the examination to ensure the accuracy of the examination results.
Genetic examination
Chromosome karyotype analysis and examination of common male infertility related genes, such as AZF deletion detection, can be carried out. This is also a blood test, and the blood sample will be sent for DNA analysis.
Usually, the risk of hereditary diseases, such as Down syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and thalassemia, can be determined in advance through genetic examination. But don't worry too much. When receiving genetic examination, the doctor will choose which diseases should be screened according to your specific situation.
Examination of male reproductive system diseases
Including B-ultrasound examination of testis, epididymis, spermatic cord and other organs, detection of infectious pathogens in prostate and urethra, etc. This kind of examination can help find structural abnormalities, tumors, cysts, inflammation and other problems that may affect fertility. If pathogens are detected, antibiotics and other drugs may be needed to treat the infection.
Examination of sexually transmitted diseases
Check for sexually transmitted diseases, which may affect fertility and may be transmitted to children during pregnancy. Such as syphilis, AIDS and gonorrhea. May have an impact on reproductive health. There are usually many ways to help with the examination, and the specific doctor will make arrangements according to the actual situation:
Blood test: HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B can be detected by taking blood samples. These diseases will leave traces of special antibodies or pathogens in the blood.
Urine detection: gonorrhea, chlamydia and other diseases can be detected by providing urine samples.
Physical examination: The doctor may have a physical examination of the genital area to see if there are external symptoms of diseases such as herpes and condyloma acuminatum (a disease caused by human papillomavirus).
Samples of secretions, herpes or warts: If there are suspicious secretions, herpes or warts, doctors may collect samples for testing to determine whether there are sexually transmitted diseases.
Rectal swab: For some diseases, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or human papillomavirus (HPV), it may be necessary to obtain swab samples from the cervix or rectum. This operation needs medical staff to complete in a hospital environment.
General health examination
This includes blood sugar, blood pressure, liver and kidney function, electrocardiogram and other general health assessments. Poor general health may affect fertility. This article should be familiar to everyone, and it is similar to our daily physical examination items. After all, before the baby is conceived, the father must have a healthy body to better meet the baby's birth.
Assessment of living habits
Including diet, exercise, sleep, stress, drinking, smoking and so on. , may affect the reproductive health of men. When evaluating your living habits, the doctor may ask some questions about your daily behaviors and habits to understand the factors that may affect your health or fertility. For example:
Eating habits: Do you have a balanced diet? How many vegetables and fruits do you eat every day? Do you often eat fast food or foods high in sugar and fat? Do you eat on time?
Exercise habit: how often and when do you exercise every week? What kind of sports do you like?
Drinking and smoking: Do you smoke? How often and how much do you drink?
Sleep habits: How long do you sleep every night? Do you sleep well? Do you have insomnia or snoring problems?
Stress and mental health: Are there any major stresses in your daily life? Do you have a strategy for coping with stress? Do you have symptoms of anxiety or depression?
Sex: Do you use contraception? Do you have multiple sexual partners? Do you have regular STD check-ups?
Occupational exposure: Is it possible for your job to be exposed to toxic chemicals or radiation?
The above are some tests that are usually carried out before pregnancy. I hope it will be helpful to you who are going to be a father. Pregnancy preparation is not only a physical matter, but also involves changes in mood and lifestyle. Therefore, in this process, in addition to physical examination, it is also very important for men to be emotionally prepared and face possible difficulties and challenges with their partners. Please remember that you have gone through this process together, and mutual support and understanding can help you through this important stage. I wish you a smooth pregnancy and welcome your baby as soon as possible!