Semen Analysis - What Should You Know?

Semen Analysis is generally known as a sperm count test. This test analyzes the mobility and health of sperm. Semen Analysis is necessary to determine fertility or, in some cases, some other health conditions. The thought of the entire process might make people uncomfortable. But standard procedure ensures the privacy and confidentiality of each person being tested.

Semen Analysis generally measures the following factors of sperm:

1. Number of sperms

2. Shape of sperm

3. Movement or motility of sperm

Doctors may conduct this analysis two or three times before coming to a conclusion. According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), Sperm Analysis should be conducted at least seven times in two or three months. This will give a clear conclusion as the sperm count varies daily.

Why Undergo Sperm Analysis

The two main reasons for sperm analysis are:

Check for Male Infertility

A Semen Analysis is usually recommended to a couple who are facing any type of problem in conceiving a child. This analysis will help the doctor to know if the man is responsible for infertility or not. It will also help to know whether the low sperm count or sperm dysfunction is the real reason behind infertility.

Check for the Vasectomy Success

Semen Analysis can also be recommended for those who have had a vasectomy to know that no sperm is available in their vas deferens.

Collection Procedure

This is what most men are uncomfortable about. The collection procedure typically is somewhat like how it is depicted in movies, a cup and a private room. But an alternative procedure is a special condom that doctors provide so that semen can be collected during sex. This method is good for those who are too anxious or uncomfortable producing a sample in a cup in an empty room at a hospital.

The Scope of Semen Analysis

Semen Analysis gives information about the overall sexual health of a person. Information that is available includes:

1. Sperm count: Anything lower than a concentration of 15 million sperm for every millilitre of semen is considered a low count.

2. Sperm motility: Normal movement involves at least 50% of the sperm being actively mobile.

3. Sperm morphology: The size and shape of the sperm need to be ideal for fertilizing an egg. The semen of a healthy male has at least 4% morphologically potent sperm.

4. Semen volume: A healthy male produces at least 1.5 millilitres of semen in a single ejaculation. Anything less than that is an indication of seminal vesicle blockage or prostate issues.

5. Chemical makeup: The normal pH level of semen is between 7 and 8. pH levels too low are too acidic for the survival or activity of sperm. Abnormally alkaline semen can also be an indication of a health problem.

6. Liquefaction time: Semen starts liquefying within 20 minutes from ejaculation. Slow liquefaction or no liquefaction indicate health issues.

7. Fructose level: An extremely low sperm count necessitates a seminal fructose test. Very low or no fructose in seminal fluid indicates an obstruction in the male reproductive system.

Low sperm count, low sperm motility, abnormal morphology, low semen volume, extreme alkalinity or acidity of semen, high liquefaction time, and low fructose levels, all indicate a health issue and contribute to infertility.

If any part of the analysis gives an abnormal result, the doctors will put the person in concern through another set of tests to figure out the exact health condition that is resulting in infertility or any abnormal semen observation related problem.