What medical tests should men undergo when preparing for pregnancy?
Generally, men may need to undergo several examinations when preparing for pregnancy, including routine check-ups, biochemical tests, semen analysis, infectious disease screening, and reproductive system examinations. Details are as follows:
1. Routine check-ups: These include basic assessments such as height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram (ECG), complete blood count, urinalysis, and stool routine tests, which help evaluate the man's overall health status.
2. Biochemical tests: These cover liver function, kidney function, blood glucose, and lipid profile, reflecting the internal organ functions and metabolic status of men, ensuring normal bodily functions during the preconception period.
3. Semen analysis: This evaluates semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, providing critical information about male fertility and serving as a key examination in pre-pregnancy preparation.
4. Infectious disease screening: Screening for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV ensures that the prospective father does not transmit infections to the fetus via vertical (mother-to-child) transmission.
5. Reproductive system examination: This involves physical inspection and ultrasound imaging to assess male reproductive organs—including the penis, testes, epididymis, and spermatic cord—ensuring normal development and absence of inflammation, tumors, or other abnormalities, thus safeguarding normal sperm production and transport.
During the preconception period, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and consume adequate vitamins and proteins—such as those found in broccoli and eggs—while avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, all of which help enhance immune function and promote overall health.