Semen analysis: Sperm test procedure and results

Semen is a milky white liquid containing sperm, sugars and proteins, ... released when a man ejaculates. Semen analysis was performed to identify factors related to sperm health including:
Number of sperm in 1ml of semen; The shape of the sperm; Sperm motility. Doctors will usually conduct two or three separate semen analysis to draw conclusions about sperm health. According to the American Society of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) guidelines, semen analysis should be performed at least seven days apart and should be performed over the course of two to three months. Sperm counts can vary from sample to collection, so the average result of the semen analysis will be the final result.

Semen analysis may be ordered in the following cases:
Evaluation of male infertility: Some couples will be asked to have a semen analysis if they are having difficulty conceiving. It is estimated that male causes account for 40-50% of infertility cases. Semen analysis helps to determine if a man is infertile, and also analyzes the reasons for infertility related to sperm such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility or dysfunction. Evaluating the success of a vasectomy procedure: A vasectomy is a method of sterilization in men, performed to prevent sperm from moving from the testicles to the seminal vesicles. A semen analysis is performed to check if the vasectomy was successful. After a vasectomy, doctors usually recommend that men have a sperm analysis once a month for three months to make sure that sperm is no longer present in the semen.

3.1. How to collect a semen sample
A normal semen sample will be collected at a doctor's office. The doctor will provide a separate room for men to masturbate and ejaculate into a sterile cup.
Men can also collect semen samples at home. Your doctor will provide a special condom to collect a semen sample during sexual activity. Or the doctor will provide a sterile cup for the man to ejaculate at home. After a home sperm sample is obtained, the sample must be stored at room temperature and brought to the laboratory shortly after collection.
To ensure good quality semen samples, good service for testing, men should note:
Avoid ejaculation for 24-72 hours before taking semen samples Avoid drinking alcohol, using caffeine, cocaine, cannabis two to five days before sampling. Do not use lubricants when collecting semen samples. Do not collect samples during illness or psychological stress. Talk to your doctor about any medications you're taking, and your doctor will advise you whether you need to stop taking them before taking a semen sample.
3.2. Semen analysis results
After the semen sample is collected, the results of semen analysis will be available after 24 hours to a week, depending on the testing facility. If a semen analysis is performed to evaluate the success of a vasectomy, the test results will only indicate the presence or absence of sperm. If a semen analysis is performed to evaluate male infertility, the test results will have more in-depth information including:
Sperm count: According to the World Health Organization WHO, count Sperm are considered normal when there are at least 15 million sperms per milliliter of semen or no less than 39 million sperm per semen sample. If a man has a sperm count less than that, it means he has a low sperm count. A study has shown that more than 90% of infertility problems in men are caused by an abnormal sperm count.

Sperm motility: If sperm motility is low, it is unlikely to make the long journey from the vagina to the fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg. Sperm motility was assessed as normal when at least 50% of the sperm in the sample had normal motility. Sperm shape: Normal sperm have a long tail and an oval head. If the sperm is abnormal in shape or size, it will have difficulty reaching, penetrating and fertilizing the egg. Semen analysis results concluded that spermatozoa were normal when more than 50% of spermatozoa in the sample had normal shape. If a man has more than 50% of abnormally shaped sperm, there will be a significant decrease in fertility. Semen test results can determine how abnormal sperm shape, abnormalities in the head, midsection, tail or because the sperm is immature, so it cannot fertilize effectively. Semen sample volume: semen volume of each sample should normally be more than 2ml. If the amount of semen is too low, the sperm volume may not be enough to fertilize. And if the amount of semen is too much, the excess fluid will dilute the number of sperm present, the ability to fertilize will also be lower. The ability of semen to liquefy: semen when newly ejaculated has a solid form, usually after 15-30 minutes, the semen will turn into a liquid form, helping sperm to move. If semen does not liquefy in 15-30 minutes, male fertility will be affected. pH: Normal semen has a pH between 7.2-7.8. Semen pH that is too high or too low affects sperm health and its ability to move through the female reproductive tract. Color of semen: Semen is usually milky white or greyish white. If the semen is red-brown, there may be blood in the semen, if the semen is yellow, it may mean that the man has a medical condition or a side effect of the drug.

4.1. Results of semen analysis after a vasectomy
If the semen sample does not contain any sperm, the couple can stop using condoms and other methods of contraception, because pregnancy is impossible .
However, if there is still sperm in the semen, the couple should continue to use birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Your doctor will probably order a few more sperm analysis tests until the semen is clear of the presence of sperm.

4.2. Results of semen analysis to evaluate infertility
If the doctor concludes that the semen analysis is abnormal, it means that the abnormal sperm will have difficulty in reaching and penetrating the egg, making conception difficult difficulty. Abnormal semen analysis results can be caused by men having problems such as:
Infertility; Are in a state of infection; Having a hormone imbalance Having a medical condition that affects sperm quality, such as diabetes. Having a genetic defect; Due to radiation exposure When the results of semen analysis are abnormal, the doctor will order specialized tests to determine factors affecting fertility. Tests that may be done include:
Genetic testing Hormone testing Taking a sample of tissue from the testicles for testing Anti-sperm immune cell test.. A person has a semen analysis. Being abnormal does not mean that the person will be permanently infertile. Your doctor will use the results of subsequent tests to determine what factors are causing fertility problems. In many cases, male infertility can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, surgery, etc. If these treatments are unsuccessful, a doctor can advise the couple on options. such as using donor sperm or adopting a child.
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References: healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com