Male Infertility Evaluation
Our urology specialists help you understand why it’s difficult to conceive with your partner so you can get the right treatment.
Medically reviewed by Marc Dall'Era, M.D. on May 20, 2026.
Advanced Infertility Testing and Diagnosis for Men
The urology specialists at UC Davis Health are experts in helping couples who have difficulty conceiving. We offer complete evaluation for male infertility that’s informed by decades of experience in clinical care and research.
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How Is Male Infertility Diagnosed?
Infertility becomes a concern if you and your partner are unable to conceive after a year of trying. Male infertility happens if your body can’t make enough sperm or sperm can’t travel through your reproductive system.
Our urology specialists offer compassionate care and expert diagnosis for men’s infertility. An infertility evaluation typically includes:
Lab Tests
We take blood and urine samples to check your hormone levels and look for indicators of infection or disease.
Medical History
Your urologist will ask you about health conditions you’ve experienced, family health issues and your efforts to achieve pregnancy. We also want to know if you’ve had radiation exposure and if you smoke, drink alcohol and use certain medications.
Physical Exam
You will have a physical exam, including an examination of your genitalia. We look for varicoceles (dilated varicose veins around the testicles) and other factors that affect fertility.
Semen Analysis
We’ll ask you to provide samples of your ejaculate to analyze your sperm levels.
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Preparing for a Fertility Exam
Our urology specialists have helped many men understand the cause of infertility and navigate treatment options. We understand infertility can be a sensitive topic, so we want you to feel comfortable during your evaluation. Here’s what you can expect:
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Fluid Samples
We’ll draw blood and ask you to give a urine sample and at least two semen samples.
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Medical Questions
Think about your medical and sexual history ahead of time, so you can provide your urologist with complete answers.
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Physical Review
We look for changes in your genitals, including an examination of your penis and testicles. Your evaluation may include a digital rectal exam.
Additional Fertility Testing for Men
You may need additional tests to help determine the cause of infertility and guide your treatment.
Biopsy
We use a minimally invasive procedure to remove a sample of tissue from your testicles.
Genetic Testing
Genetic tests help identify inherited conditions, like an extra X chromosome found in men with Klinefelter syndrome.
Imaging
A pelvic MRI and transrectal ultrasound create detailed images of your reproductive system.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the best in 6 specialties
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and neonatology. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and recognized in 23 types of care including acute kidney failure, cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, diabetes & endocrinology, ear, nose & throat surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, geriatrics, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, pneumonia, pulmonology & lung surgery and stroke.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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