Andrology services we provide:
Andrology services involve anything related to sperm and male (AMAB) infertility. It includes fertility testing, sperm preparation for insemination or IVF/ART procedures, and sperm cryopreservation.
Semen Analysis:
What is a semen analysis?
A semen analysis is a laboratory test that evaluates specific parameters of your seminal fluid and sperm, such as the viscosity of the semen, how the sperm move, the physical characteristics of individual sperm cells, and the number of motile sperm in a sample. Your testing results are compared to World Health Organization standard values and help your physician develop a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Why would you need a semen analysis?
A semen analysis is often the first step in fertility testing. Your physician may order a semen analysis to determine if you have an identifiable medical reason for infertility and to come up with a treatment plan. A semen analysis can also help determine if you can start with IUIs or if you need to go to more advanced treatments like IVF or ICSI.
Sperm Preparation:
What is sperm preparation for insemination?
Sperm washing. Sperm preparation is when semen is washed to remove seminal fluid and prepared for intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Why would you need sperm prepared for inseminations?
IUI is typically the first step when trying to establish a pregnancy while struggling with infertility. You want the best possible sample, with the strongest moving sperm. At RDI we use the density gradient processing method which separates the seminal fluid and non-motile (non-moving) sperm cells from the motile (moving) sperm cells. Density Gradient processing concentrates the motile sperm, leaving you with the strongest swimming sperm in your sample. Providing you with your best chance at establishing a pregnancy when using IUI.
Sperm Cryopreservation:
What is sperm cryopreservation?
Sperm Cryopreservation is when sperm is prepared and frozen in liquid nitrogen for future use.
When to consider sperm cryopreservation:
To use in future IUI, IVF, or ICSI treatments
When you are using Pregenetic Testing (PGT)
If you are going to undergo cancer treatments or procedures that can affect your fertility in the future
If you are going to undergo gender-affirming treatments or procedures that can affect your fertility in the future
Prior to hormone treatment
Prior to military deployment
Prior to urological surgeries
Prior to potential exposure to substances that can affect your fertility in the future
Prior to other medical treatments or procedures
Sperm Storage:
What is sperm storage?
Once the sperm has been cryopreserved, it must remain frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen tanks until you decide to use it or no longer need it. There is a monthly recurring storage fee.
What if you want to use your sample?
You would store your sperm for the same reason you would choose cryopreservation. It is essentially the same thing. Just think of it as the process of actually “storing” the sample in a safe place to be used later when or if you might need it.
