Sperm count might be one of the first measures you consider when thinking about male fertility. It can be a vital indicator of a male’s ability to conceive. Here, we’ll go over how sperm count is measured, what affects it, and how to improve it. What Does “Sperm Count” Mean? Sperm count is defined as the number of sperm cells within a man’s ejaculate, or semen sample. To determine this number, we measure the number of sperm within one milliliter of semen. This is also known as sperm concentration. Then, sperm concentration is multiplied by the volume of semen within the total ejaculate to ..read more

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is an important factor to consider when it comes to passing down genes from parent to child. Epigenetics is how your DNA can be influenced by experiences and the environment, without altering the DNA itself. Transgenerational inheritance then refers to the effects of the influences being passed on to your children. Throughout this article, we will delve into the details of how this occurs and what it means for your fertility journey.  What is Epigenetics? Before we jump in, let’s go back to biology class to catch up on some definitions. Your ge ..read more

Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of sperm. A normal sperm has an oval head and a single long tail. Abnormally shaped sperm might have more than one tail or a crooked head. Having an abnormal shape can make it difficult for sperm to penetrate an egg.  So, how do you know what shape your sperm are, and what should you do if they’re abnormal? Here, we’ll go through everything you need to know about sperm morphology and its effect on fertility. Let’s go!  Measuring Sperm Morphology Sperm morphology is one of the typical measures included in a standard semen analysis, alo ..read more

Path Fertility and its partners presented innovative male fertility research at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s annual Congress & Expo. The 2023 conference, held in New Orleans on October 14-18, brought together leading experts in the field to delve into the latest advancements in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, genetics, male reproduction, access to care, and mental health, among other critical topics. Path’s sessions showcased discoveries that encompassed: An epigenetic biomarker predictive of sperm quality that could change how we identify subfertile men A ..read more

DNA Fragmentation is a type of male fertility test that measures the amount of damaged DNA in a sperm sample. DNA is considered damaged when the strands or chains are broken. All men have some amount of damage to their sperm DNA. However, high percentages of damage may indicate greater difficulty achieving and maintaining pregnancy. In this article, we will cover additional details about DNA Fragmentation, how to understand the results, and how it differs from other fertility tests.  Testing for Sperm Quality For decades, male fertility testing has relied on a basic semen analysis, wh ..read more

The prospect of starting or growing your family is often accompanied by feelings of excitement and, in many cases, a hint of apprehension. Receiving fertility test results, in particular, can feel both nerve-wracking and intensely significant. You might be asking questions like, “What if the results aren’t what I expect?” or “How do the results affect what we do?” These are natural concerns, and you’re not alone in feeling them. While the journey may be challenging, it is also filled with promise. Fertility testing is a crucial step toward understanding your unique biological profile. It can ..read more

This article was originally published by the American Urological Association. Authors include Kristin Brogaard, PhD, Co-founder and CSO of Inherent Biosciences; TIm Jenkins, PhD, Brigham Young University; and Larry Lipschultz, MD, Baylor College of Medicine.  Male infertility is a growing concern in the United States. It affects an estimated 7 million men and plays a causative role in nearly 50% of infertility cases.1 However, despite the size of the global fertility market estimated at $26 billion, there remain few diagnostics tests related to male fertility. The lack of testing and i ..read more

The journey to parenthood can be an exciting chapter filled with dreams of building a family and creating a life together. As you embark on this adventure, it’s natural to have questions and curiosity about your reproductive health, including male infertility causes. However, with the amount of information available today, from medical experts’ advice to personal stories on the internet, it’s critical to find reliable guidance that enables you to make informed decisions about male infertility.  At Path Fertility, we understand the importance of accurate information in your early steps to ..read more

Trying to start a family can be an exciting time in life. While it may seem simple, many biological processes have to happen in order for a couple to conceive. It can be highly beneficial for couples to understand their reproductive health so that they know what to expect. Fertility testing for women offers insights into hormone levels, ovulation patterns, and health of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Male fertility tests, however, are just as important. Without a solid understanding of both sides of the equation, it will be difficult to figure out the problem. Male infertility is a ..read more

Helping patients to understand their fertility is a critical part of supporting their pregnancy goals. OB/GYNs, reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, and other fertility specialists play a huge role in guiding their patients through what can be a highly uncertain and emotional time. Of course, before diving into infertility treatment options or therapies, it’s crucial to get the full picture of a couple’s biology–their individual reproductive systems, hormonal imbalances, and overall health. But, the key here is to have an equally thorough look at both the male and female sides to fertil ..read more