Male Fertility Check

This check measures a broad set of hormones involved in male fertility and reproductive health. These hormones control the production of sperm and testosterone and the balance between them, so measuring them can give useful insight into fertility and help investigate issues such as difficulty conceiving, low sex drive, or other signs of a possible hormonal imbalance.

What this check measures

• Testosterone (T): the main male sex hormone, essential for sperm production, sex drive, energy, and overall male health. Low levels can affect fertility and wellbeing
• SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin): a protein that binds testosterone, used together with testosterone to work out how much is actually active and available to the body, giving a more accurate picture than total testosterone alone
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): stimulates the testes to produce sperm. Its level gives insight into how well sperm production is being driven
• Luteinising hormone (LH): stimulates the testes to produce testosterone, so it helps show whether the signal for testosterone production is working normally
• Oestradiol (E2): although thought of as a female hormone, men produce small amounts too, and the balance between oestradiol and testosterone is important for fertility and sexual function
• Prolactin (PRL): a hormone that, when raised, can lower testosterone and interfere with fertility and sexual function

An important note on interpretation

These hormones are best understood together, as the pattern between them can point to where an issue may lie, for example whether a problem originates in the testes or in the signals from the brain that control them. Testosterone in particular is best measured in the morning, when levels are at their highest, since this is when reference ranges apply. It is also important to note that a hormone check assesses the hormonal side of fertility but does not measure sperm directly. A semen analysis is needed to assess sperm count, movement, and quality.

Why it matters

Male factors contribute to a significant proportion of fertility difficulties, so checking the hormones involved is a valuable step when trying to conceive or investigating symptoms such as low libido or fatigue. Results are best understood alongside your symptoms and, where relevant, a semen analysis, so any findings are best discussed with your GP or a fertility specialist, who can interpret them in context and advise on next steps.

• Testosterone (T)
• Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
• Free testosterone (calculated)
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinising hormone (LH)
• Oestradiol (E2)
• Prolactin (PRL)

A morning appointment (before 11 am) is recommended, as testosterone levels are highest earlier in the day.