SHARES
Ali, 32, and his wife, married for five years, had been trying for a child from the beginning of their marriage. Though sexually active, they were yet to hear the patter of tiny feet in their household.
Ali, though frustrated, was confident that there was nothing wrong with him because he did not smoke and had been living an active healthy lifestyle since young. So his wife made the first move to consult a doctor but the gynaecologist found there was nothing wrong with her. Ali, however, faced a different outcome when he sought medical advice.
He had bilateral varicoceles and from a seminal analysis, it was discovered that he had OAT syndrome or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (low number of sperm, poor sperm movement and abnormal sperm shape). Due to these issues, his sperm count was at only five million at the time of diagnosis.
Semen analysis is a scientific examination of semen fluid to investigate male infertility or effectiveness of vasectomy procedure. Another key point is that the accuracy of the semen analysis might be affected by individual variables, environmental and physiological factors.
Two or more separate sperm analysis are to be done within 2-3 weeks interval. If the first test result is found to be abnormal, patients are to take another test. Notably, a man could not be diagnosed as infertile as long there are live sperm in the semen.
What you should know about providing a Proper Semen Sample:
- 3-5 days before collection of the sperm, abstain from sexual intercourse or masturbation.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and marijuana for at least 3 months before the sperm analysis.
- Inform the doctor if you are taking any medications or any herbal remedies.
- Collection of sperm through masturbation is preferable.
- If it is against the practice of your religion, you may collect the sperm using a special type condom during sexual intercourse.
- Do not use lubricant, soap or perfume during sample collection.
- Most preferably, collect the specimen in a private room in the healthcare office.
- The sample must be delivered to the lab within one hour after ejaculation.
- If the patient collects the sample at home, remember to keep it in room temperature and bring it to the lab as soon as possible.
- Avoid providing sample when you are unwell or stressed.
Semen Analysis Characteristics Values
Nice.Org.UK World Health Organisation 2010
What do semen analysis results mean?
(a) Volume (measures the volume of submitted semen sample)
- Ideally, the minimum volume should be greater than 2ml or at least half a teaspoon. For volume less than this, it is indicative of a block in the sperm duct. On the other hand, excess fluid indicates dilution of sperm production.
(b) Sperm count (number of sperm per millilitre.)
- Sperm count should be at least 15 million. Anything less than this indicates a low sperm count.
(c) Sperm movement
- Also known as the sperm motility, measures the % of active sperm showing efficient movement. A low motility measure equates a reduced sperm capacity to move through the female reproductive system to fertilize the egg.
- At least 50% of the sperm should be demonstrating motility.
(d) Sperm shape
- Also known as the morphology, this % of normal sized and shaped sperm. While abnormal sized sperm are present in all samples, the more defects the higher the likelihood of infertility, because abnormal shaped sperm can have difficulty reaching, penetrating and fertilizing the egg.
- Usual range is 4-14% sperm with standard form. You want at least 4% of sperm to be of normal shape, otherwise you could have fertility issues because of sperm morphology.
(e) White blood cells
- When white blood cells are present, this indicates signs of infection.
To learn more details about the entire process, please check out KLF website Male Infertility Investigation on normal sperm count and other parameters involved in a semen analysis.
Why is sperm analysis important?
- To assess the fertility status based on sperm characteristics
- To check the success of the vasectomy procedure. (No findings of sperm confirm procedure is successful)
How can you improve your sperm quality?
- Avoid alcohol intake
- Quit smoking
- Avoid high temperature places such as spa, thermal bath and sauna.
- Don’t wear tight underwear or jeans
- Take antibiotic prescribed by the doctor if you have white blood cell in semen.
- Take supplements such as vitamin E or zinc.
If your sperm analysis results appear abnormal, the doctor will recommend further investigation into the underlying cause in order to formulate a treatment plan. Furthermore, many cases of male infertility are treatable with lifestyle changes, medications, surgery and other interventions.
If your sperm analysis results appear abnormal, the doctor will recommend further investigations into the underlying cause in order to formulate a treatment plan. Many cases of male infertility are treatable with lifestyle changes, medications, surgery and other interventions.
Acknowledgement with thanks for the inputs to this article from KL Fertility Centre, a fertility specialist centre which provides fertility specialist consultancy and investigations.
You can search, find, call, send enquiry or request for appointment with a Fertility Specialist on GetDoc:
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Reference
- Sperm analysis. [Internet][cited 2019 April 25th] Available from:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323736.php
- Semen analysis. [Internet][cited 2019 April 25th] Available from:
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/semen-analysis/
- Semen analysis. [Internet][cited 2019 April 25th] Available from:
https://www.healthline.com/health/semen-analysis#abnormal-results
- Semen analysis. [Internet][cited 2019 April 25th] Available from:
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/what-is-semen-analysis#2
by Leelah
'' The first step towards a change is awareness !'' The saying which inspired the medical graduate to reach the public through GetDoc. View all articles by Leelah.
