Semen Analysis (Spermiogram)

What is semen? Semen is a fluid, also called ejaculate or seminal fluid. It contains sperm, which are the male reproductive cells (or spermatozoa). Sperm makes up a fraction of approximately 2–5 % of the semen. It is produced in the testicles (the male gonads). Human sperm have a unique shape . The head portion includes DNA to fertilize a woman’s egg and the tail potion helps it travel (“swim”) through a woman’s reproductive system to reach the egg and fertilize it. Seminal fluid is produced in the seminal vesicle s (65–75 % of the semen) and the prostate (25–30 %). Semen also contains proteolytic enzymes, prostaglandins, vitamin C, citric acid and fructose. The seminal fluid allows sperm to be deposited toward the back of a woman’s vagina; the seminal proteins, vitamins and minerals increase the mobility and viability of sperm and generate uterus contractions (which prevent semen from being expelled from the female reproductive tract).

What is a semen analysis? A semen analysis is a lab test that examine s the quantity and quality of a sample of semen under the microscope e. g., for evaluating its sperm count, motility and morphology. The physician may detect the amount or absence of sperm contained in the semen, pH level, semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm morphology and sperm motility. Other aspects are the time to liquefaction meaning how quickly semen changes from a viscous substance to a liquid , the vitality meaning the percent of living sperm in the sample, and the white blood cell count which might indicate an infection or inflammation .

Who needs a semen analysis? If a couple has difficulty conceiving it might be due to male infertility (or reduced fertility ) caused by a semen abnormality (too few spermatozoa, reduced motility etc.). The likeliness of the man to then fertilize an egg can be determine d. On the other hand, a semen analysis can confirm the success of a vasectomy and the absence of sperm in the semen.

How to prepare for a semen analysis? In the case of fertility testing, a man will need to abstain from ejaculation for two to seven days, including intercourse and masturbation. This behavior ensures that sperm counts are at their highest level to receive a thorough analysis. Vasectomy check-ups are usually done eight to twelve weeks after surgery. It is helpful to ejaculate several times after the vasectomy to clear sperm from your system.

How to provide a semen sample? To perform the test, a man needs to provide a semen sample through masturbating. Since sperm counts vary from day to day, there may be need to provide more than one sample within a few weeks. This usually takes place in a lab, a clinic, in a private comfortable room or in the car. It is also possible to collect a sperm sample at home, provided that it can be brought to the laboratory as soon as possible. The sample is put into a sterile, wide-mouthed container. An alternative to masturbation is to use a non- lubricated condom during intercourse.

What are the results? After a vasectomy, semen may take several weeks to become sperm-free or have very few, non-moving sperm.

Concerning fertility, the lab compares the characteristics of the patient’s semen to expected values. The semen should contain a high number of active, mobile sperm, each cell with a single round head and tail. It should have a pH of between 7–8, and turn liquid within a few minutes so it can travel through a woman’s reproductive system. The concentration of fructose should be about 13 µM to provide energy for the sperm as they travel up the female reproductive tract.

Abnormal results indicate a below-average chance of impregnating a women. However, semen analysis is only one of several available tests providing a picture of a man’s fertility. Blockages that prevent the body from releasing sperm into semen, infections, low sperm count, low testosterone levels, hormone abnormalities, the side effects of medications, and other medical issues should all be taken into consideration .

Conclusion Semen analysis is a vital tool for diagnosing male infertility and evaluating vasectomy success. It is important to prepare adequately and to follow all the instructions to achieve an accurate analysis.

EXERCISE:

1. A couple who has difficulty conceiving might want to do a semen analysis. A) True B) False

2. After a vasectomy, it is helpful to ejaculate several times to clear sperm from your system. A) True B) False

3. It doesn’t matter if the semen contains a high or low number of active, mobile sperm and the pH also doesn’t matter for conceiving. A) True B) False

You’ll find the answer below.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. www.dict.cc

2. www.ivf-hamburg.de

3. www.mayoclinic.org

4. www.urologielehrbuch.de

5. www.webster-dictionary.org

CARMEN LOBITZ Carmen Lobitz ist freie Trainerin, Lehrerin und MTA. Sie gründete 1998 in Berlin lobitz seminare, die unter anderem Englischseminare für Health Professionals anbieten.

Kontakt: mail@lobitz-seminare.de

www.lobitz-seminare.de

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Semen Analysis (Spermiogram)

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