Male Fertility Testing in Canada

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Male Fertility Testing in Canada

Explore How Male Infertility Is Diagnosed

Male infertility is common, affecting about 30–50% of all infertility cases, whether alone or combined with female factors. Professional testing is crucial for accurately diagnosing male infertility and guiding treatment options. Whether you’re trying to conceive now or planning for the future, getting tested can give you the information you need to make informed decisions and support the best possible outcomes.

At The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM)—part of the trusted Prelude Network—we take pride in providing advanced and comprehensive male fertility testing services. We’ll work closely with you to recommend appropriate testing services and create a personalized plan based on your unique needs and goals.

What are the signs of male infertility, and when should I get tested?

Men with infertility may not realize there’s an issue until they have difficulty conceiving. Proper testing is essential for identifying potential causes and guiding treatment options.

If you’ve been struggling to conceive for at least 12 months, or for at least six months if the female partner is over age 35, it’s a good idea to get tested as soon as possible. It’s also recommended to seek fertility testing if you’re interested in fertility preservation options like sperm freezing, or may be undergoing medical treatments that can impact fertility such as chemotherapy or gender-affirming care. Likewise, if you’ve had a history of testicular issues, surgeries, or known risk factors such as cancer, you should look into getting tested.

Potential Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility can be caused by various factors, ranging from lifestyle habits and genetics to medical history and hormone imbalances. Some of the most common causes include:

Sperm production and function issues

Poor sperm motility (movement)
Abnormal sperm morphology (shape)
Low sperm count (oligospermia)
Azoospermia (lack of sperm)

Structural or anatomical issues

Varicocele (enlargement of the veins within the scrotum)
Ejaculatory duct issues
Obstructions or blockages in the reproductive tract

Hormonal factors

Hormonal imbalances (such as low testosterone)

Genetic factors

Genetic or chromosomal conditions

Infections and medical conditions

Infections affecting sperm production or transport

Lifestyle and environmental factors

Exposure to toxins or high heat
Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
Obesity

What is a semen analysis and why does it matter?

A semen analysis is a type of lab test that evaluates sperm health, including sperm count, motility (movement), and shape (morphology), as well as semen volume. Test results can provide valuable insight into overall reproductive health, help identify any issues or conditions that may be causing infertility, and guide treatment options.

A semen analysis is a simple procedure. You’ll be asked to produce a sample in a private location, usually in your home or in a discreet room in your doctor’s office. You may be asked to refrain from ejaculating for a few days beforehand to ensure accurate results.

What other male fertility tests might be recommended?

Aside from a semen analysis, other male fertility tests may also be recommended depending on your medical history and overall fertility goals. These tests may include:

Medical History and Physical Examination

A thorough review of your personal medical history (as well as that of your partner and your family, if applicable) will help doctors identify any conditions or issues that could be impacting your ability to conceive. You’ll also be asked about prior conception history, as well as any injuries, infections, or anatomical concerns. A standard physical exam will likely be conducted as well to identify any potential physical or anatomical factors impacting fertility.

Hormone Testing

Tests may be done to evaluate the levels of certain hormones that can affect sperm production and overall reproductive health. Testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin are often tested, and your doctor will analyze results for any imbalances that may be contributing to infertility.

Genetic Testing

Some men may be recommended genetic testing, especially if they have very low sperm counts or azoospermia (absence of sperm in the ejaculate), or if their partners have experienced multiple IVF failures. These tests can help identify mutations, Y-chromosome microdeletions, and chromosome pairing issues that may impact fertility or cause infertility or other conditions to be passed on to future children.

How much does male fertility testing cost?

The price of male fertility testing can vary widely based on a range of factors, including your medical background, the specific tests your doctor recommends, your insurance provider and plan, and your overall fertility goals. While a semen analysis is often the starting point, additional testing can increase the overall cost.

At PCRM, we’ll coordinate directly with your insurance provider to verify your benefits and coverage, then walk you through any expected expenses and discuss available financing options. Your expert Financial Concierge will work with you closely to ensure you understand what’s ahead and feel comfortable moving forward. For more details, review our financial options and financing discount programs.

Semen Analysis & Sperm Screening

Need a Semen Analysis? Here Are Your Options

A semen analysis is often one of the first steps in evaluating male fertility. Depending on your needs, there are two options available for accessing testing.

Option 1: Basic Semen Analysis Through LifeLabs

LifeLabs offers semen analysis testing with a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.

How to Get a Referral

To obtain a referral:

Book an appointment with your family doctor or nurse practitioner.
If you do not have a primary care provider, you can consider a walk-in clinic, TELUS Health, or another virtual healthcare provider.
Request a referral for a semen analysis.
Contact LifeLabs to arrange testing as directed by your healthcare provider.

This option is typically covered by your provincial health plan when medically appropriate.

Option 2: Private-Pay Sperm Screening at PCRM

PCRM offers private-pay sperm screening services for patients who would like testing performed directly through our fertility laboratory.

A Referral Is Still Required

Although this is a private-pay service, a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner is required before testing can be performed.

This requirement is important because semen analysis results should be reviewed and interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider who understands your medical history and fertility goals.

Our laboratory will perform the test, generate the results, and send the results to your physician for review. Our doctors can also review the semen analysis results with you; however, this service is offered only to patients who are proceeding with fertility treatment at PCRM.

Your referring physician or nurse practitioner serves as the healthcare provider responsible for:

Ordering the test
Receiving the results
Interpreting the findings
Discussing the results with you
Recommending any additional investigations or treatment, if needed

To ensure continuity of care and appropriate medical follow-up, PCRM sends the completed results back to the healthcare provider who ordered the test.

How to Get Started

Download the PCRM Referral Form.
Have your physician or nurse practitioner complete and sign the referral.
Submit the completed referral to PCRM by fax.
Our team will review the referral and contact you regarding appointment availability and next steps.

Insurance Coverage

Some extended health plans may provide coverage or reimbursement for fertility investigations or laboratory testing.

Coverage varies by provider and plan. We recommend contacting your insurance company directly to determine:

Whether fertility testing is covered
Whether a referral is required
Any reimbursement limits
Documentation needed for claims submission

Ready to Begin?

Need a referral?
Book an appointment with your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a virtual care provider.

Interested in PCRM's private-pay sperm screening?
Download our referral form and have it completed by your physician or nurse practitioner before submitting it to our clinic.

Questions?
Contact PCRM at [email protected] and our team will be happy to help.

Note: Semen Analysis & Sperm Screening is only offered at our Burnaby location.

Male Fertility Testing FAQ

A semen analysis is a diagnostic test used to assess male fertility by examining the quantity and quality of sperm and semen. Measuring sperm concentration, shape (morphology), movement (motility), and overall semen volume, this test helps doctors understand reproductive function, identify any potential causes of infertility, and determine appropriate next steps or treatments.
To prepare for a semen analysis, you may be asked to refrain from ejaculating for a few days beforehand to help ensure an accurate sample for testing. Your doctor may also request that you refrain from excess alcohol, caffeine, drug, and nicotine use, and avoid high-heat situations such as hot tub use. If you’ve been ill recently, it’s a good idea to let your provider know, as they may reschedule testing to allow your body to recover. When it’s time to produce the sample, you’ll be asked to do so in the comfort of your home or in a private room in your doctor’s office.
Having a low sperm count, or oligospermia, means that a man has fewer sperm (male reproductive cells) than is typical in his semen. This can make it harder for sperm to reach an egg in order to fertilize it and start a pregnancy. This doesn’t mean conceiving is impossible, however. Low sperm count can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, infection, varicocele (swelling of the veins that drain the testicle), tumors, and genetic conditions. Most causes are treatable, and your doctor will guide you in the best options for your specific situation.
Yes, many cases of male infertility can be treated or even reversed. Depending on your individual circumstances, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or losing weight, medications to address hormonal imbalances, or surgical procedures to address physical or anatomical issues. Assisted reproductive technology (ART)—such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in which sperm is directly injected into an egg—may also be recommended in some cases.

At PCRM, we’re proud to be the only fertility clinic in Canada to offer microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (Micro-TESE) for severe male infertility. This procedure allows for the precise removal of tiny volumes of testicular tissue from areas of active sperm production. The extracted sperm can then be used in ICSI, in which eggs are injected with sperm to achieve fertilization. The vast majority of men with infertility eventually father a child using the Micro-TESE technique.
Yes, male fertility is affected by age. Although men can reproduce later in life, fertility begins to decline around 40–45, and more sharply after age 50. Sperm volume, motility, and quality decrease with age, which can lead to difficulty conceiving. Older sperm also has higher rates of DNA fragmentation, which can increase the risk of miscarriages and genetic disorders in offspring.
Abnormal sperm motility (movement) or morphology (shape) can be caused by genetic factors, environmental toxins or heat exposure, lifestyle choices, hormonal imbalances, certain medical conditions, medical treatments such as chemotherapy, infections, and more. In some cases, no identifiable cause is found.
Yes, some medications and supplements can affect male fertility. Testosterone therapy, anabolic steroids, certain antidepressants (SSRIs), calcium channel blockers, opiates, gastrointestinal (GI) medicine, and some antibiotics can all impact fertility, as can recreational drug use. To ensure the right fertility tests are ordered, it’s important to let your doctor know about any medications, supplements, and vitamins you take, as well as any recreational drugs you partake in.
No, male infertility is not always permanent. In fact, many cases are treatable or even reversed through lifestyle adjustments, hormone therapy, medication and/or supplement use, and surgical procedures. Even in cases where treatment is not possible, alternative options are available to help people fulfill their dreams of parenthood.

Comprehensive Male Fertility Testing in Canada

At The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine, our expert team helps men better understand their reproductive health and take control of their fertility. Using advanced diagnostic technology, our male fertility testing is thorough, precise, and tailored to your specific goals and needs. We’ll guide you through your options, recommend the most effective next steps for your situation, and make sure you feel informed and confident at every stage of the process. With locations in Greater Vancouver, Edmonton, and Victoria, we’re proud to support patients from across Canada and beyond. If you’re ready to explore PCRM’s male fertility testing services and begin your personalized journey, we encourage you to book an initial appointment today.

Request a Consult

Explore How Male Infertility Is Diagnosed

What are the signs of male infertility, and when should I get tested?

Potential Causes of Male Infertility

What is a semen analysis and why does it matter?

What other male fertility tests might be recommended?

Medical History and Physical Examination

Hormone Testing

Genetic Testing

How much does male fertility testing cost?

Semen Analysis & Sperm Screening

Need a Semen Analysis? Here Are Your Options

Option 1: Basic Semen Analysis Through LifeLabs

Option 2: Private-Pay Sperm Screening at PCRM

How to Get Started

Insurance Coverage

Ready to Begin?

Male Fertility Testing FAQ

What is a semen analysis?

How do I prepare for a semen analysis?

What does it mean to have a low sperm count?

Can male infertility be treated?

Is male fertility affected by age?

What causes abnormal sperm motility or morphology?

Do medications or supplements affect male fertility?

Is male infertility always permanent?

Comprehensive Male Fertility Testing in Canada