Ulta Lab Tests

Fertility & Reproductive Health - Essential Male Lab Panel

The Fertility & Reproductive Health Essential Male Lab Panel includes 8 tests and 62 biomarkers to support a focused review of male fertility, sperm health, reproductive hormone signaling, testosterone availability, pituitary-testicular function, thyroid status, vitamin D, blood health, and metabolic wellness. It includes semen analysis with strict morphology, testosterone with SHBG, FSH/LH, prolactin, TSH, vitamin D, CBC, and CMP for provider-guided fertility discussions.

Blood, Serum, Varied
Phlebotomist
Male Fertility Essential Lab Panel, Essential Male Reproductive Health Lab Panel, Male Fertility Screening Lab Panel, Sperm Health & Hormone Essential Lab Panel, Male Preconception Essential Lab Panel,

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: CBC, CBC includes Differential and Platelets, CBC/PLT w/DIFF, Complete Blood Count (includes Differential and Platelets)

NOTE: Ulta Lab Tests provides CBC test results from Quest Diagnostics as they are reported. Often, different biomarker results are made available at different time intervals. When reporting the results, Ulta Lab Tests denotes those biomarkers not yet reported as 'pending' for every biomarker the test might report. Only biomarkers Quest Diagnostics observes are incorporated and represented in the final CBC test results provided by Ulta Lab Tests.

Absolute Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Absolute Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Absolute Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Eosinophils

Eosinophils (eos) respond to infections caused by parasites and play a role in allergic reactions (hypersensitivities)

Absolute Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Absolute Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

Absolute Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Neutrophils

Neutrophils (neu) normally make up the largest number of circulating WBCs. They move into an area of damaged or infected tissue, where they engulf and destroy bacteria or sometimes fungi. Young neutrophils, recently released into circulation, are called bands.

Absolute Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Absolute Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils are specialized white blood cells produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream, where they normally make up only 0–6 % of circulating leukocytes. Their cytoplasm is packed with reddish‑orange granules that contain potent enzymes (e.g., major basic protein, eosinophil cationic protein) and inflammatory mediators. When the immune system detects large, multicellular invaders—such as helminth (worm) parasites—eosinophils migrate out of the blood and surround the pathogen, releasing these granule contents to damage the parasite’s outer surface and aid its destruction. Beyond parasite defense, eosinophils act as key orchestras of the allergic response. They accumulate in tissues exposed to allergens (airways in asthma, skin in eczema, GI tract in eosinophilic esophagitis) and secrete cytokines and lipid mediators that amplify inflammation, recruit additional immune cells, and contribute to symptoms like swelling, mucus production, and itching. Because of this pro‑inflammatory role, persistently elevated eosinophil counts—termed eosinophilia—can signal allergic disorders, drug hypersensitivity, or certain autoimmune and malignant conditions. Conversely, counts drop toward zero after glucocorticoid therapy or in acute stress states, reflecting the cells’ sensitivity to hormonal and immune regulation.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of the volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells. This measurement depends on the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

Serum hemoglobin is a blood test that measures the level of free hemoglobin in the liquid part of the blood (the serum). Free hemoglobin is the hemoglobin outside of the red blood cells. Most of the hemoglobin is found inside the red blood cells, not in the serum.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

MCH

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is a calculation of the average amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside a red blood cell.

MCHC

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a calculation of the average percentage of hemoglobin inside a red cell.

MCV

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of RBCs.

Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

MPV

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) - When it indicates average size of platelets are small; older platelets are generally smaller than younger ones and a low MPV may mean that a condition is affecting the production of platelets by the bone marrow. When it indicates a high number of larger, younger platelets in the blood; this may be due to the bone marrow producing and releasing platelets rapidly into circulation.

Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed.

Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Platelet Count

A platelet count is a test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets help the blood clot. They are smaller than red or white blood cells.

Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

RDW

Red cell distribution width (RDW), which may be included in a CBC, is a calculation of the variation in the size of RBCs.

Reactive Lymphocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Red Blood Cell Count

An RBC count is a blood test that tells how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues get depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work.

White Blood Cell Count

A WBC count is a test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. WBCs help fight infections. They are also called leukocytes. There are five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), monocytes and neutrophils

Also known as: Chem 12, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP, SMA 12, SMA 20

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

GFR-AFRICAN AMERICAN

GFR-NON AFRICAN AMERICAN

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

Also known as: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone

Fsh

Lh

Also known as: PRL

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland, a grape-sized organ found at the base of the brain. Prolactin secretion is regulated and inhibited by the brain chemical dopamine. Normally present in low amounts in men and non-pregnant women, prolactin's primary role is to promote lactation (breast milk production). Prolactin levels are usually high throughout pregnancy and just after childbirth. During pregnancy, the hormones prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone stimulate breast milk development. Following childbirth, prolactin helps initiate and maintain the breast milk supply. If a woman does not breastfeed, her prolactin level soon drops back to pre-pregnancy levels. If she does nurse, suckling by the infant plays an important role in the release of prolactin. There is a feedback mechanism between how often the baby nurses and the amount of prolactin secreted by the pituitary as well as the amount of milk produced. Another common cause of elevated prolactin levels is a prolactinoma, a prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor and are usually benign. They develop more frequently in women but are also found in men. Problems resulting from them can arise both from the unintended effects of excess prolactin, such as milk production in the non-pregnant woman (and rarely, man) and from the size and location of the tumor. If the anterior pituitary gland and/or the tumor enlarge significantly, it can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing headaches and visual disturbances, and it can interfere with the other hormones that the pituitary gland produces. In women, prolactinomas can cause infertility and irregularities in menstruation; in men, these tumors can cause a gradual loss in sexual function and libido. If left untreated, prolactinomas may eventually damage the tissues around them.

Also known as: Semen Analysis Strict Morphology

Also known as: Testosterone Total And Free And Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

Free Testosterone

In many cases, measurement of total testosterone provides the doctor with adequate information. However, in certain cases, for example when the level of SHBG is abnormal, a test for free or bioavailable testosterone may be performed as it may more accurately reflect the presence of a medical condition.

Sex Hormone Binding

The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) test measures the concentration of SHBG in the blood. SHBG is a protein that is produced by the liver and binds tightly to testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (an estrogen). In this bound state, it transports them in the blood as an inactive form. The amount of SHBG in circulation is affected by age and sex, by decreased or increased testosterone or estrogen production and can be affected by certain diseases and conditions such as liver disease, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and obesity. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of testosterone that is available to be used by the body's tissues. A total testosterone test does not distinguish between bound and unbound testosterone but determines the overall quantity of testosterone. If a person's SHBG level is not normal, then the total testosterone may not be an accurate representation of the amount of testosterone that is available to the person's tissues.

TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL,

A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone. In males, the testicles produce most of the testosterone in the body. Levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of low testosterone: In boys -- early or late puberty and in men -- impotence, low level of sexual interest, infertility, thinning of the bones In females, the ovaries produce most of the testosterone and levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of higher testosterone levels, such as: decreased breast size, excess hair growth, increased size of the clitoris. irregular or absent menstrual periods and male-pattern baldness or hair thinning.

Also known as: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test, Thyrotropin Test

TSH

A TSH test is a lab test that measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It tells the thyroid gland to make and release thyroid hormones into the blood.

Also known as: ,25-Hydroxyvitamin D2, 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3), 25-OH-D2,D3 Vitamin, D2 Vitamin,25-Hydroxyvitamin D3,25-OH-D3, QuestAssureD 25Hydroxyvitamin D D2 D3 LCMSMS, Vitamin D, Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy, Vitamin D2, 25-hydroxy,25-Hydroxyergocalciferol (25OHD2),Vitamin D3, 25-hydroxy

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, Total

Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The chemical structures of the types of vitamin D are slightly different, and they are named vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, which comes from plants) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, which comes from animals). The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D2 and D3 are equally effective when they are converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.
*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Fertility & Reproductive Health - Essential Male Lab Panel panel contains 8 tests with 62 biomarkers .

Overview

The Fertility & Reproductive Health Essential Male Lab Panel is designed for men who want a focused lab-based starting point for fertility planning, reproductive health, and preconception wellness.

This panel evaluates selected biomarkers related to sperm count and morphology, testosterone availability, pituitary-testicular hormone signaling, prolactin, thyroid function, vitamin D status, blood health, liver function, kidney function, and general metabolic wellness.

Male fertility and reproductive health can be influenced by several systems in the body, including sperm production, reproductive hormone signaling, testosterone balance, thyroid function, nutrient status, metabolic health, medications, lifestyle, heat exposure, alcohol use, smoking, illness, and overall wellness.

This Essential panel includes 8 tests and 62 biomarkers to support provider-guided conversations about fertility planning, semen quality, reproductive hormone balance, low testosterone concerns, thyroid-related fertility considerations, and general wellness factors that may affect reproductive health.

This panel does not diagnose infertility or determine whether pregnancy will occur. Results should be interpreted with reproductive history, semen collection timing, symptoms, medications, lifestyle factors, and provider guidance.

Why Order This Panel?

The Fertility & Reproductive Health Essential Male Lab Panel may be helpful for men who want to better understand key fertility-related markers before trying to conceive, starting a fertility conversation, or reviewing reproductive health concerns.

This panel may help provide insight into:

  • Semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and strict morphology
  • Testosterone availability
  • FSH and LH reproductive hormone signaling
  • Prolactin patterns
  • Thyroid screening
  • Vitamin D status
  • Blood count and general wellness
  • Liver, kidney, glucose, electrolyte, and metabolic health

This panel is a focused first step for men who want essential male fertility and reproductive health lab information without ordering a larger Advanced or Comprehensive Male panel.

This Panel May Be Helpful For Men Who Want To

  • Review male fertility-related markers
  • Evaluate semen analysis results
  • Check sperm count, motility, and morphology
  • Review testosterone availability
  • Evaluate FSH and LH reproductive hormone signaling
  • Check prolactin patterns
  • Review thyroid markers that may overlap with reproductive health
  • Check vitamin D status
  • Establish a male fertility baseline before meeting with a provider
  • Support a preconception wellness discussion

Common Symptoms or Situations This Panel May Help Evaluate

This panel may be useful for men experiencing or planning around:

  • Difficulty conceiving with a partner
  • Fertility planning
  • Preconception wellness
  • Low libido
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Erectile function concerns
  • Reduced muscle mass or recovery
  • Possible low testosterone symptoms
  • Prior abnormal semen analysis
  • Concerns about sperm count, motility, or morphology
  • Thyroid-related symptoms
  • Low vitamin D concerns
  • Desire to establish a male fertility baseline

What This Panel Helps Evaluate

This panel helps evaluate selected biomarkers related to:

  • Semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology
  • Testosterone availability
  • FSH and LH pituitary-testicular signaling
  • Prolactin
  • Thyroid screening
  • Vitamin D status
  • Blood count patterns
  • Liver function
  • Kidney function
  • Glucose and metabolic wellness
  • Electrolyte balance
  • General reproductive health

Available Add-On Panel

Fertility & Reproductive Health — Infectious Disease & STI Preconception Screening Panel

For a more complete preconception review, customers may also consider the Fertility & Reproductive Health — Infectious Disease & STI Preconception Screening Panel.

This add-on panel is designed to complement fertility and reproductive health testing by evaluating selected infectious disease and STI-related markers that may be relevant before pregnancy or fertility treatment. It may be especially useful for customers who want additional screening before trying to conceive, starting fertility care, or discussing reproductive health with a provider.

Tests Included and Why They Matter

Semen Analysis & Sperm Health

Semen Analysis, Strict Morphology

Semen analysis is one of the most important tests in a male fertility evaluation. This test evaluates semen and sperm-related markers such as semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm count, motility, and morphology.

Strict morphology evaluates the shape and structure of sperm using more detailed criteria. This test is included because sperm number, movement, and structure may provide useful context when discussing male fertility, reproductive planning, or difficulty conceiving with a healthcare provider.

Semen analysis results can vary from sample to sample. Collection timing, abstinence period, illness, fever, heat exposure, medications, supplements, alcohol use, smoking, and recent lifestyle factors may affect results.

Testosterone Availability & Reproductive Hormone Signaling

Testosterone, Total and Free and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

This test evaluates total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG. Total testosterone measures the overall amount of testosterone in the blood, while free testosterone helps estimate the portion available for use by the body. SHBG helps provide context for hormone availability.

This test is included because testosterone availability may influence libido, energy, erectile function, sperm production, muscle mass, mood, body composition, and reproductive wellness.

FSH and LH

FSH and LH are pituitary hormones that help regulate testicular function. FSH is involved in sperm production signaling, while LH helps signal testosterone production.

This test is included because FSH and LH patterns may provide context for pituitary-testicular signaling, testosterone production, sperm production concerns, and male reproductive hormone balance.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a pituitary hormone that can affect the reproductive hormone axis. This test is included because abnormal prolactin patterns may be associated with low libido, erectile concerns, low testosterone patterns, fertility concerns, or pituitary hormone signaling issues.

Prolactin can be influenced by stress, sleep, medications, illness, and timing of collection.

Thyroid Function & Male Reproductive Wellness

TSH

TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, is a key thyroid screening marker. This test is included because thyroid function may influence energy, metabolism, libido, erectile function, mood, weight regulation, and overall reproductive wellness.

TSH is commonly reviewed when reproductive concerns overlap with fatigue, weight changes, low energy, mood changes, cold intolerance, heat intolerance, or metabolic symptoms.

Vitamin D & General Nutrient Support

Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy, Total, Immunoassay

Vitamin D testing measures vitamin D status. This test is included because vitamin D may be relevant to bone health, immune health, muscle function, inflammation, hormone wellness, and general male reproductive health discussions.

Vitamin D status may be especially useful to review during fertility planning, preconception wellness, or general men’s health evaluation.

Blood Health, Liver, Kidney & Metabolic Wellness

CBC, includes Differential and Platelets

The CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and different types of white blood cells. This test is included because blood count patterns may provide context for anemia, infection, inflammation, immune activity, fatigue, and overall wellness.

CBC results can be useful when fertility or reproductive health concerns overlap with low energy, fatigue, illness, inflammation, or general health screening.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, CMP

The CMP evaluates glucose, liver function, kidney function, electrolytes, calcium, albumin, total protein, and other metabolic markers. This test is included because reproductive health and preconception wellness can overlap with metabolic, liver, kidney, hydration, electrolyte, and general wellness status.

CMP results may also provide helpful context when reviewing medications, supplements, alcohol intake, metabolic health, and overall wellness.

Related Biomarker Patterns This Panel May Help Identify

This panel may help identify or rule out lab patterns related to:

  • Sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology
  • Testosterone availability
  • SHBG-related hormone availability
  • FSH and LH reproductive hormone signaling
  • Prolactin patterns
  • Thyroid screening abnormalities
  • Vitamin D status
  • Blood count patterns
  • Liver function changes
  • Kidney function changes
  • Blood sugar patterns
  • Electrolyte balance
  • General male reproductive wellness

How to Prepare for This Panel

Preparation may vary depending on the specific tests included and instructions provided with your order. In general:

  • Follow semen collection instructions carefully.
  • Semen analysis usually requires a specific abstinence period before collection. Follow the instructions provided with your order.
  • Avoid collecting a semen sample too soon after fever, illness, heat exposure, sauna/hot tub use, or intense lifestyle changes unless your provider advises otherwise.
  • Morning collection may be preferred for testosterone-related testing.
  • Fasting may be recommended if glucose or metabolic markers are being reviewed.
  • Continue medications unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
  • Testosterone therapy, hormone medications, fertility medications, supplements, recent illness, alcohol use, smoking, heat exposure, and cycle of collection may affect interpretation.
  • Bring or keep a list of medications, supplements, fertility history, symptoms, lifestyle factors, and prior semen analysis results to discuss during your physician consultation.
  • Follow all lab collection instructions provided with your order.

What Happens After You Receive Your Results?

After your results are available, your biomarkers can help organize male reproductive health findings into areas such as semen parameters, testosterone availability, FSH and LH signaling, prolactin, thyroid screening, vitamin D status, blood health, liver function, kidney function, and metabolic wellness.

During the physician consultation, you can discuss what your results may mean, whether semen analysis should be repeated, whether follow-up testing is appropriate, and what next steps may be useful based on fertility goals, symptoms, reproductive history, and health background.

Related Lab Panels

Customers interested in this panel may also consider:

  • Fertility & Reproductive Health Advanced Male Lab Panel
  • Fertility & Reproductive Health Comprehensive Male Lab Panel
  • Fertility & Reproductive Health — Infectious Disease & STI Preconception Screening Panel
  • Men’s Testosterone, Energy & Vitality Lab Panel
  • Thyroid & Metabolism Lab Panel
  • Vitamin, Mineral & Nutrient Deficiency Lab Panel
  • Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance Lab Panel
  • Athletic Performance & Recovery Lab Panel
  • Stress, Cortisol, Sleep & Burnout Lab Panel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fertility & Reproductive Health Essential Male Lab Panel?

The Fertility & Reproductive Health Essential Male Lab Panel is a focused lab panel that evaluates selected markers related to semen health, testosterone availability, FSH and LH signaling, prolactin, thyroid screening, vitamin D status, blood health, liver function, kidney function, and metabolic wellness.

Does this panel include semen analysis?

Yes. This panel includes Semen Analysis with Strict Morphology, which evaluates semen and sperm-related markers such as sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology.

Why is strict morphology included?

Strict morphology evaluates sperm shape and structure using detailed criteria. It may provide useful context when reviewing male fertility and sperm quality with a healthcare provider.

Does this panel test testosterone?

Yes. This panel includes Testosterone, Total and Free and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, which provides context for testosterone availability.

Why are FSH and LH included?

FSH and LH are included because they help evaluate pituitary-testicular signaling. These hormones may provide context for testosterone production and sperm production signaling.

Why is prolactin included?

Prolactin is included because abnormal prolactin patterns may be associated with low libido, erectile concerns, low testosterone patterns, reproductive hormone changes, or pituitary signaling concerns.

Does this panel include thyroid testing?

Yes. It includes TSH, which provides thyroid screening context.

Does this panel include infectious disease or STI testing?

This panel focuses on semen analysis, reproductive hormones, thyroid screening, vitamin D, blood health, and metabolic wellness. A separate Fertility & Reproductive Health — Infectious Disease & STI Preconception Screening Panel is available as an add-on for customers who want additional infectious disease and STI-related screening.

Can this panel diagnose male infertility?

No. This panel does not diagnose male infertility or determine whether pregnancy will occur. It helps evaluate selected lab markers that may be useful to review with a healthcare provider as part of a broader fertility or reproductive health discussion.

Should semen analysis be repeated?

Semen analysis can vary between samples. A healthcare provider may recommend repeat testing depending on results, collection conditions, abstinence timing, symptoms, and fertility goals.

Important Note

This lab panel is designed to help evaluate selected biomarkers that may be related to male fertility, semen health, reproductive hormone signaling, testosterone availability, thyroid screening, vitamin D status, blood health, liver function, kidney function, and metabolic wellness. It is not intended to diagnose infertility, predict pregnancy, treat, cure, or prevent disease by itself. Results should be reviewed with a licensed healthcare provider.

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