A semen analysis is a test that confirms that your seminal fluid is clear of sperm. The test is done by masturbation into a sterile container or through collection of a sample into a special non-spermicidal condom.
Patients must be given clear instructions on how to collect the samples and should only use a specific non-spermicidal lubricant. The results will give information such as the volume of the sample, sperm concentration, and motility.
Motility
A semen analysis checks whether there are any sperm in a sample of your semen. The test can also tell if you’ve had a successful vasectomy. A vasectomy involves cutting the tubes (tubules) in your testicles that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis (vas deferens). You may have a vasectomy for birth control or because you and your partner can’t get pregnant. The most common reason is because of a family history of fertility problems.
A sperm count and a semen analysis are part of a man’s routine health screening. A doctor can use the results to figure out if a problem with a man’s semen or sperm is contributing to his and his partner’s infertility.
A man can be considered sterile if he has no motile sperm in one sample of his semen (PVSA). There are several factors that can affect the number of sperm present in semen, including the volume, concentration, morphology and the pH level of the sample. Semen that is high in acidity, for example, can kill sperm and prevent them from swimming to an egg. The presence of white blood cells in a semen sample can also indicate infection or inflammation – The given section is the work of the portal editorial team Sex Holes.
Morphology
A laboratory semen analysis is an examination of the seminal fluid that is ejaculated. Doctors use this test to evaluate the sperm and the sample itself, which can help determine what may be causing male fertility issues. It is typically performed by an andrologist, a medical professional that specializes in reproductive health.
A semen analysis typically measures several different parameters of a man’s semen, including volume and concentration. It also notes the color, consistency, and chemical makeup of the sample. Depending on the test, doctors can also measure motility and sperm morphology. Motility indicates how many sperm are moving, and morphology measures the shape of each sperm cell.
If a patient has a vasectomy, semen analysis is used to verify that sperm is no longer present in the sample, indicating that a vasectomy was successful. However, even if a person’s sample shows no sperm, they should continue using contraceptives until PVSA confirms that the vasectomy was effective.
People who have a successful vasectomy may stop using contraceptives when their PVSA results document azoospermia or only RNMS (100,000 non-motile sperm/mL) in at least 20 consecutive ejaculations. If a person’s results are abnormal, they will need to undergo further testing or consider alternative means of conception, such as donor sperm or adoption. Abnormal sperm analysis results do not indicate that a man is permanently infertile, and the majority of men who experience this problem can solve their fertility problems with lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.
Volume
For men who are having fertility issues, a semen analysis can help doctors determine what could be causing them. Semen analyses are used to determine a number of factors that affect sperm production, including motility, morphology and concentration, as well as pH level, vitality and the presence of leukocytes (white blood cells).
A semen analysis requires a sample of semen. This can be collected by masturbation into a sterile container or into a semen collection condom designed for this purpose. Semen analysis is most reliable when it is performed by a lab that specializes in the procedure.
Semen analysis is also useful to check that a vasectomy has been successful. The test can show that no sperm is present in the sample, and it can be repeated after several months to confirm that the vasectomy has worked.
The results of a semen analysis can vary between labs and physicians, so it’s important to discuss your individual results with your doctor. However, there are some general values that doctors use as guidelines for healthy sperm. These include a sperm concentration of more than 20 million per milliliter and a motility of 50% or more. Other values that may be evaluated include sperm morphology, the thickness of the sperm fluid and the presence of white blood cells (leukocytes). These can indicate inflammation or infection in the reproductive tract.
Concentration
A high volume means there are a lot of sperm in the sample. A low concentration could indicate that there’s a problem, like a blocked vas deferens.
A man’s sperm count can also be affected by his diet, lifestyle and health conditions that affect the testicles and reproductive tract. These factors can lead to a variety of complications, such as infertility and problems with ejaculation.
If you’re having trouble conceiving, the first step is getting a semen analysis done. This can help your doctor diagnose the issue and recommend treatments that may be able to help you conceive.
Before you have the semen analysis done, your doctor will recommend abstaining from alcohol, caffeine, herbal supplements, and hormone medications. It’s also important to avoid sexual activity that leads to ejaculation for 2-7 days before the test.
The results of a semen analysis can come back within 24 hours to one week. Your doctor will contact you when they’re ready.
A 37-year-old British man came to his andrology clinic for a PVSA, which found no sperm in a 5 ml sample of his semen. Seven years later, his wife conceived. Though it’s not uncommon for patients to become fathers despite a negative PVSA, it’s crucial to understand the results of this test and the limitations of this technique.
