Semen Analysis

In order for a semen analysis to occur, your doctor will require a sample of your semen. You may provide a sample in the following ways:

• Masturbation
• Sex using a condom
• Ejaculation stimulated by electricity

Masturbation is the best way to attain the cleanest semen sample. You will have the option to produce your semen sample at a private collection site/clinic or at your home— this sample must be delivered to your testing facility within 30-60 minutes of leaving your body.

What does the semen analysis test look for?

The semen analysis looks for the following:

• pH: the pH level of your semen will be analysed. Semen should be slightly alkaline because vaginal culture is fairly acidic, this combination provides a suitable environment for fertilisation. Acidic semen can destroy the sperm or even prevent fertilisation. pH problems are commonly caused by tubal blockages, especially in the tubes that transport semen.
• Volume: semen volume must be the right amount. Low semen volume could mean low sperm volume whereas high semen volume could mean that the amount of sperm available is diluted.
• Sperm count/concentration: high concentration of sperm increases the chances of fertilisation while low sperm count could mean the individual is infertile. Low sperm count has been linked to toxic substance exposure, varicoceles, hormonal imbalance, inflammatory diseases, infection, and duct issues. High fever, heat exposure to your scrotum, some medications, excess alcohol consumption, smoking, and being overweight are other possible causes of low sperm count. The total absence of sperm, a condition known as azoospermia, may be caused by a duct or testicular issue, or hormonal imbalance.
• Viability: sperm viability describes the percentage of live sperm in your semen. Your doctor will want to establish whether sperm motility is low, as this will help them differentiate between live non-motile sperm and dead sperm.
• White blood cell count: white blood cells tend to be higher in men who struggle with fertility problems. White blood cells in semen are also linked to imparted sperm motility, reduced sperm numbers, and malfunctioning sperms. High levels of white blood cells in semen could indicate an infection of the male reproductive tract.
• Sperm motility: sperm must be able to travel toward the egg. There are three major types of motility, progressive motility, non-progressive motility, and immotility. With progressive motility, the sperm are able to exhibit a forward movement either in a circle or a line. This is the preferred motility. On the other hand, non-progressive motility describes sperm that either don’t move in a tight circular motion or swim forward. Finally, immotile sperm do not move at all.
• Morphology: describes the shape of the sperm cells. During semen analysis, your doctor will take the measurements of the head, midsection, and tail of your sperm, and calculate the proportion of each section.