Semen Analysis
Male fertility can be ascertained using a diagnostic process called a semen analysis test. It’s a first step in assessing male reproductive health, even though it doesn’t offer a comprehensive assessment of fertility.
Furthermore, by counting the leftover sperm in semen, this test can assess the effectiveness of a vasectomy, a surgical procedure used to provide permanent male contraception. The process is non-invasive and has no known negative consequences.
Importance of Semen Analysis
During ejaculation, boluses of semen are expelled. It is made up of spermatozoa that are generated in the testes, processed in the epididymis, and combined with secretions from the prostate, bulbourethral glands, seminal vesicles, and the epididymis, among other male accessory sex organs. The overall quantity of spermatozoa, the fluid volume, the concentration of sperm, and the type of spermatozoa including their viability, motility, and shape as well as the discharges’ composition can all be used to evaluate semen.
The initial step in identifying the reason of infertility is frequently a semen study. The right treatment plan can be started as soon as the underlying reason of infertility is found. A medical diagnosis can also be aided by it if there are any underlying issues that could be influencing male fertility.
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Procedure
The semen test is collected by the man by self-masturbation near laboratory or at home. It is suggested that semen is collected after a least of 3 days and a most extreme of 7 days of abstinence. Clear informational with respect to the collection of the semen test must be given some time recently collection to guarantee all divisions of the ejaculate are collected and total. Any misfortune of the test must be detailed to the research facility amid accommodation. Human male semen can change essentially in its composition at different times, and subsequently it is best to gather 2 or 3 tests of semen for more precise data.
The test ought to be collected in a clean, wide-mouthed holder that’s nontoxic to spermatozoa. The sperm holder ought to be kept at encompassing temperature between 20° C and 37 ° C. In the event that the quiet is incapable to deliver a appropriate test by masturbation, semen can be collected in nontoxic condoms amid sexual intercut. Latex condoms ought to not be utilized in these circumstances as these condoms have chemical specialists that can influence sperm reasonability and motility.
The semen ought to be conveyed to the research facility inside 1 hour of its collection so that drying out and temperature changes don’t influence the sperm quality. Security rules must be entirely followed to at the research facility whereas taking care of semen tests. The test ought to be analyzed utilizing standardized methods depicted within the WHO research facility manual for the examination and handling of human semen. The research facility ought to utilize both inside and outside quality control measures to guarantee the semen tests are analyzed precisely and reliably.
Evaluation Parameters
The sample will be examined under a microscope when you deliver it in order to assess the following parameters:
- Volume: This indicates how much semen is generated during ejaculation. Semen volumes between 2.0 mL and 7 mL are normal. WHO regards 1.5 mL as the lower reference limit.
- pH: This method determines the acidity of semen. Normal pH range is 7.2–8.2. WHO criteria specify normal as 7.2–7.8. Acidic ejaculate (lower pH value) may indicate one or both of the seminal vesicles are blocked. A basic ejaculate (higher pH value) may indicate an infection
- Sperm count : This is the measurement of quantity of sperm found in the sample of semen that was taken. A lower sperm count is considered oligozoospermia. A vasectomy is considered successful If the sample is azoospermic (zero sperm of any kind found).
- Motility: The percentage of migrating sperm is calculated and taken into account. A motility rate of 40% or more is characteristic of a healthy sperm. Semen samples which have more than 30% progressive motility are considered as normozoospermia.
- Morphology: Evaluates size and shape of the sperm. Abnormal morphology may indicate fertility problems as it is unable to fertilize the egg.
Determining male fertility involves an understanding of these criteria. It is advisable to see a urologist or fertility specialist for a more thorough assessment and suitable advice for potential treatments or interventions if any values are found to be outside the normal range.