Semen analysis is a laboratory test used in fertility work-ups to help determine the sperm count and whether male infertility could contribute to the present fertility problem. A semen analysis may be done as a follow-up to postcoital tests or after a vasectomy for sterilization. It can also be done before IVF, radiation, immunotherapy or hormone therapy. The semen analysis may also help to determine whether the female partner could cause fertility problems: pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, endocrine disorders, tubal and uterine surgery, pelvic infection, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or infection. Semen analysis from the fertility clinic in Bengaluru can also help determine the direction of treatment for patients with infertility problems.
About the Test
Semen analysis is a common test for fertility specialists and infertility specialists. The test is mainly used as a follow-up to semen analysis or combined tests. After these tests, doctors may recommend an evaluation by a fertility specialist to determine if there are any problems with sperm cells that are being "damaged" or broken down by the male partner's disease or condition. It is also used to help determine the cause of infertility and postcoital problems in couples. In addition, the analysis helps identify any condition that may be contributing to fertility problems.
Risk Factors Associated with the Test
No particular risk factors have been associated with the semen analysis.
Preparing for the Test
A semen analysis usually requires a fresh sample of sperm to be provided by the male partner. A special sterile container is used to collect the specimen. The man may be asked to refrain from ejaculating for several days beforehand. He may also be asked to avoid sexual intercourse for 24 hours before providing a sample and on the collection, day to help give his sperm cells time to concentrate more in his ejaculate (semen).
What to expect from the Test?
The time for preparation for the test varies from man to man. The total time for this test is about 30 minutes to 2 hours. The analysis may include testing sperm count and sperm motility. Here are a few things that you can expect from the results of your semen analysis:
Sperm Shape & Volume
The number, shape and condition of sperm cells are important to fertility specialists. A semen analysis measures these. The volume of sperm is also measured because semen is a very concentrated source of male hormones. Therefore, changes in the quality of sperm may affect how well a couple conceives and whether conception occurs.
Sperm Motility & Count
Sperm motility refers to how fast the sperm travels through the reproductive tract during ejaculation and after ejaculation (how quickly it reaches its target), as well as its overall movement in the female genital tract via semen. The count of sperm cells in semen is also important as it indicates the number of sperm cells that can reach the egg during fertilization.
Sperm Morphology
Sperm shape and structure are important for fertility specialists to consider when investigating why a couple has been unable to conceive. This test requires a microscopic examination of a sample of sperm under high magnification to determine any type of abnormality.
Infertility specialists will test the characteristics of semen by examining it under a microscope. All in all, if there is any abnormality in sperm that is causing infertility, then semen analysis will detect it.
Possible Results of the Test
The test results depend on how many quality problems the doctor expects to find in the sperm. Factors that are taken into consideration include:
- Sperm count – The number and size of sperm cells in a semen sample.
- Motility – The ability of sperm to move or "motility" is affected by poor nutrition and female hormones.
- Morphology – The shape and appearance of sperm cells may also be affected by poor nutrition.
- Acrosome membrane – This is the portion of the sperm head that is at the very end of the egg-like swimming tail. It contains enzymes that help break down the egg during fertilization.
- Chromosomes – Chromosomal abnormalities have been linked to infertility in some men.
In addition, a semen analysis can determine whether changes in genes or chromosomes might affect fertility, including chromosome and gene abnormalities. It can also identify problems such as a low sperm count in men with unexplained infertility.
When to see a Doctor?
A semen analysis can be helpful when needed to determine the cause of infertility or postcoital problems in couples. For example, couples who are getting failed at conceiving babies can opt for semen analysis. If the analysis of your semen shows a low sperm count or any other issue, it's best to immediately visit a fertility hospital in Bengaluru.
Request an appointment at
Apollo Fertility, Varthur, Bengaluru
Call 1860 500 4424 to book an appointment
Conclusion
Male infertility may result from a lack of sperm production or poor sperm cell quality and can be treated similarly to female infertility. Semen analysis monitors male fertility and diagnoses conditions that may interfere with it. In case you need additional information, feel free to contact a fertility expert in your area.
A sperm's morphology refers to how its head and tail look. The shape of a sperm head and its size are important in determining how well it can break through an egg's outer coating during fertilization.
Sperm with abnormal morphology may not be able to fertilize an egg or cause pregnancy due to changes in their DNA or chromosomes. Abnormal morphology can also cause fertility problems.
Low sperm count is a common problem, but some alternatives can help men suffering from such a condition. IVF is a great option for such men with low sperm counts.
From 15 million to greater than 200 million sperm per millilitre of semen is normal.
Smoking, drinking alcohol, hormone problems, long-term sickness, taking certain meditations etc. are some causes of low sperm count.
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Semen analysis should be taken at least after one of trying for a baby.
Fruits, veggies especially green and leafy vegetables and beans.
Treatments
