Male fertility involves various aspects that can be both straightforward and complex. One crucial factor is semen and its analysis. Semen itself is a relatively simple component of male fertility—essentially a fluid that contains sperm. When reproductive experts need to examine sperm, they require a semen sample. This makes semen analysis a vital step in diagnosing male fertility issues. With this understanding, some of you may wonder: why is semen analysis of fertility so important in infertility evaluations? That’s precisely what we’ll explore here.
In this blog, we provide you with insight regarding the role of semen analysis in male fertility diagnosis. Along with this, we shall also discuss when a semen analysis is performed, how to prepare for semen analysis and the ideal range for healthy results. But before we discuss this, let’s first discuss what a semen analysis is first.
In simple terms, a semen analysis is the process through which the fertility specialist tests the overall quality of your sperm and semen. In this process, a lab technician tests a semen sample for a wide range of factors that affect the overall fertility. Now, because of this, many fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization IVF and intrauterine insemination (IUI), depend on semen analysis.
So in other words, the semen analysis includes a detailed sperm analysis that tracks various aspects of sperm, such as sperm count, sperm concentration, and sperm motility. Now, the good news here is that when compared to other forms of tests used in the evaluation of infertile couples, the semen analysis is a globally standardized test. This form of standardized measurement allows for a more accurate calculation of sperm count.
In addition to this, the semen analysis can also help identify potential issues. These issues include hormonal imbalances and structural abnormalities, which can contribute to infertility. Semen analysis also provides important information for customizing fertility treatments to individual needs. Now, by addressing issues highlighted through semen analysis, you can increase your chances of getting a successful conception.
Now that you know what semen analysis is, let’s talk about another aspect of semen analysis - when it is performed. So, let’s answer the question: when exactly is the semen analysis performed? Well, some of the key conditions when semen analysis is performed include:
These are just some of the key circumstances where sperm analysis is conducted. Besides the ones we mentioned here, there are many other specific circumstances where this analysis may be conducted. Regardless, we hope you understood the general gist of it all.
Also Read: Freezing Sperm: Why and When You Should Consider It?
Now, after knowing what semen analysis is and when it is performed, let’s finally talk about the key topic of this blog - the role of semen analysis fertility in male infertility diagnosis. So, what is the specific role of semen analysis? Some of the key ones include:
The primary role of semen analysis is to count the number of sperm. For those unaware, sperm count refers to the process of counting the sperm in a single milliliter of semen. This is an important aspect of examining male fertility, as low sperm count also known as oligospermia, can reduce the chances of conception. Do note that the normal sperm count is generally around 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Do note that low sperm can result from a multitude of causes, such as hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, and environmental exposures. This condition can make natural conception more challenging for couples.
Besides sperm number, semen analysis also measures the ability of sperm to move effectively. You should note that progressive motility is highly important for sperm to travel through the female reproductive tract to fertilize an egg. If your sperm has poor motility, it can hinder the process of fertilization. Poor motility now may be associated with lifestyle-related factors, infection, or the structural abnormality of the sperm. Reduced chances of successful conception are associated with this condition, and treatment together with lifestyle alterations often improves sperm motility and fertility outcome.
The second role of semen analysis lies in the assessment of sperm morphology. But what is a sperm with poor morphology? Well, sperm can be considered to have poor morphology if the shape and structures of the sperm are not normal. This can include abnormally shaped heads or defective tails. Assessing the morphology or the shape of sperms is the third role of semen analysis here in male fertility. This is because abnormal sperm shapes can struggle to penetrate and fertilize the egg.
Following the aspect of number, motility, and the morphology of sperm, the next role is regarding the volume of the semen. In this case, the experts examine the volume of the semen. Low semen volume indicates some sort of issue in prostate glands or seminal vesicles if it happens so. In any case, one must have the proper notion that there could be numerous causes associated with a low semen volume. The conventional one's include hormonal imbalance along blockage of the reproductive tract. This condition may affect the delivery of sperm, reducing the chances of successful fertilization.
The next role of semen analysis is to examine the liquefaction time. You should note that once the sperm is ejaculated, it forms a gel-like substance that should liquify within 20 to 30 minutes. The failure in this process can be delayed, and this causes an interference effect on the motility of the sperm cells, as well as on its ability to fertilize the egg. Undue delayed liquefaction can indicate the infection or abnormal seminal fluid composition. This may result in reducing the effectiveness of the sperm while in navigating the female reproductive tract.
Along with liquefaction time, semen analysis is also used to measure fructose levels. Now, for those unaware, semen contains many chemicals, such as fructose. This is a chemical that provides energy for the sperm. Low levels of these chemicals in the semen can indicate issues with the seminal vessels or blockages in the reproductive ducts. These low levels can negatively impact how sperm functions. It can also signal hormonal imbalances, especially low testosterone levels. This condition can also impair the vitality of the sperm and reduce the overall fertility potential.
Following the fructose levels, semen analysis is also used to analyze the pH levels of the semen. Checking the pH levels indicates if the semen is acidic or alkaline. Now, while checking for the pH levels of the semen, it should be between 7.2 and 8.0. If the pH level of semen is abnormal it can indicate signs of infections, inflammations, or other reproductive health insurance. This condition also impairs the motility and viability of sperms, thereby decreasing the possibility of fertilization. It may also be related to reproductive ductal blockage or problems in the accessory glands because of an abnormal pH.
The last function of semen analysis fertility is related to the study of white blood cells present in the semen, known as leukocytospermia. Blood cells present in the semen may indicate infections or inflammation of the reproductive tract. High levels of white blood cells can also harm the sperms and lead to infertility. It can be a consequence of bacterial infection, viral infection, or an autoimmune disease. The oxidative stress caused by excess white blood cells can impair sperm DNA and overall functionality.
These are the key roles of semen analysis fertility in male fertility diagnosis. Besides the key roles we mentioned here, there can be several other roles. Regardless, we hope you got the general gist of it all.
So, at this point, we have already covered the core topic of our blog. However, there are still a few aspects that we need to go through. One of these things includes how you can prepare for semen analysis. So the question here is - how do you prepare for semen analysis? Some of the key ways include the following:
Now that we have gone through what semen analysis is, its role in infertility diagnosis, and how one should prepare for semen analysis, let's finally talk over how semen analysis is done. Now, these steps may depend on your individual case. Having said that, here are several general steps to take. The major steps have been listed here:
This begins with semen sample collection. In this step, you are instructed to masturbate and thereafter ejaculate in a sterile container usually in a private room, a clinic, or at home. For this, the experts ask you to practice abstinence for around one to five days before the test to ensure that you have the best sperm volume. They also ask you to thoroughly wash your hands and genital area to avoid contamination before the collection of the sample.
If the sperm is collected at home, the experts then ask you to keep the semen at body temperature and be delivered to the lab within 30 to 60 minutes of collection. You should always follow the specific instructions provided by the doctors to avoid the contamination or degradation of the semen sample.
In this step, the semen is then analyzed under the microscope using specialized equipment to assess several parameters. There are several forms of laboratory analysis. The key ones include:
After the tests are carried out, the experts then compare them with the references and values set by WHO. If the tests show abnormal results, then you may have to carry out further tests or repeat the testing since one analysis may not be comprehensive.
This is the last step of semen analysis, and in this process, the doctors will recommend further tests or treatment depending on the results of the test. The recommendations may include hormonal testing, genetic screening, and changes in lifestyle.
Now, at this point, you must have a general gist regarding the overall gist of the sperm analysis. But so far, we have not covered the ideal range of various parameters that show that you have healthy semen. The question here is, naturally - what is the ideal range of parameters for healthy results? Following are the various parameters along with their ideal range, which shows a healthy semen.
|
Parameter |
Ideal Range |
|
Semen Volume in (ml) |
1.4 to 1.7 |
|
Total Sperm count (10^6) |
33 to 46 |
|
Sperm concentration (10^6/ml) |
12 to 16 |
|
Total motility (%) |
38% to 34% |
|
Progressive Motility (%) |
31% to 34% |
|
Vitality (%) |
55% to 63% |
|
Sperm Morphology (%) |
3% to 4% |
So, before we conclude, you may want to know where you can get the best guidance on semen analysis services in Nepal. Well among many options you can choose from, Hardik IVF and Fertility Center is one of the best options for you. But why seek professional advice through Hardik IVF Center? Some of the main reasons as to why you should consult Hardik with respect to semen analysis are:
When it comes to male reproductive health, there are many tests you can take. One such test is semen analysis. Now, there are many roles of semen analysis fertility. Some of the key roles include assessing sperm count, motility, morphology, volume, liquefaction time, and more. Now, depending on the specifics of the analysis, there are many ways you can prepare for it. That said, most of it revolves around taking abstinence and stopping medications that can affect hormones (if recommended).
In this blog, we provide you with an overview of the various aspects of semen analysis fertility in Nepal. We hope you found this helpful. If you seek further insights into the various aspects of infertility, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best semen analysis services in Nepal, look no further than Hardik IVF and Fertility Center.
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A normal sperm count according to WHO would be 15 million/mL, but numbers do not mean much; rather, motility and morphology make up the gamut. And if you suspect it, there's a whole diagnosis that awaits from a physician.
Mornings are usually best since sperm quality can be slightly better after a good night’s rest. Timing matters less than following the preparation guidelines. Just get the sample to the lab within 30–60 minutes for accurate results.
Abstain from ejaculation for 2–5 days to ensure the best sample. Avoid alcohol, smoking, or stress, and stay hydrated. Also, follow any specific instructions your doctor gives you.
Waiting 48 hours allows sperm count and quality to replenish after ejaculation. Too short or too long a gap can skew results. It’s about hitting the sweet spot for the most accurate analysis!