Semen Analysis

Semen Analysis – Overview

A test of a man’s sperm and semen is called a “semen analysis.” Its results reveal how many sperm are released, as well as their morphology and movement, and are also called a male fertility test or sperm count.

Semen is the viscous fluid in that males ejaculate during sexual activity. It comes from their penis. It removes male sperm from the body so that it can fertilize eggs and produce embryos (the first stage of pregnancy).

What is sperm (Semen)?

viscous fluid released from a man’s penis when he has an orgasm (ejaculates). It includes:

Sperm. Male reproductive cells. The distinctively shaped cells contain:
Head. which has the DNA needed to fertilize a woman’s egg.
Tail. that makes it easier for it to move through the female reproductive system and reach the egg to fertilize it.
Fluids. that enable sperm to be placed toward the back of a woman’s vagina. This region lies near the cervix, which is where the womb’s opening is located and where babies develop.
Minerals, vitamins, and proteins. that power the sperm’s migration to the egg.

What is the Normal Range of Sperm?

Per milliliter (mL) of semen, sperm counts typically range from 15 million to 200 million. Low sperm counts are anything below 15 million sperm per milliliter or 39 million sperm per ejaculate. Oligospermia is a term used to describe a deficiency in sperm count. More than 200 million sperm per millimeter is high or above average sperm count.

Through a semen analysis, you can find out how much sperm you have. You can take an at-home test, go to a fertility clinic, or have the analysis done there.

What Is Semen Analysis?

A semen sample is examined under a microscope as part of a laboratory test known as a semen analysis. It evaluates details including sperm volume, activity (motility), and shape (morphology).

The Need for Semen Analysis

Who and why is the need for semen analysis?
Vasectomy follow-up. A semen analysis shows whether a vasectomy was successful. The sperm-depositing tubes in the semen are sealed by this therapy. A successful vasectomy results in a man being unable to produce a child with a woman if there are no sperm in the semen.

Male Infertility. There can be a semen abnormality if a couple has been experiencing trouble conceiving. Sometimes it’s because of a problem with a man’s sperm. A semen study shows if a man can actually become pregnant.

What Does Semen Analysis Shows?

A post-vasectomy semen study determines whether sperm are present in the semen.

• No sperm or a very small number of immobile sperm would be visible in normal results.

• Abnormal Results would have a high percentage of immobile sperm or moving sperm.
When conducted on males as a fertility test, it examines:

• pH level. If semen is more acidic, it may be harmful to the sperm’s health.

• Quantity of semen, or semen volume (in millimeters).

• The number of sperm per millimeter of semen is known as sperm concentration.

• Morphology of Sperm. shows the sperm’s size and form.

• Motility of sperm. refers to the capacity of sperm to move toward an egg.

• Transition of the sperm from a sticky substance to a liquid is measured by the time to liquefaction.

• percentage of the sample’s sperm that still survived.

• Having white blood cells indicates an infection.

Normal Values of Semen Analysis

The results of the World Health Organization’s healthy or normal semen analysis are as follows (WHO). The results are provided as a range because they can differ from person to person.

Characteristics and  Normal ranges

Total sperm count in the ejaculate =  39–928 million.

Ejaculate volume=  1.5–7.6 mL.

Sperm concentration = 15–259 million/ mL.

Total motility (progressive and non-progressive) = 40–81 %.

Progressive motility  = 32–75 %.

Sperm morphology = 4–48 %.

Why is Sperm Count Important?

Having a healthy sperm count is frequently required if you’re attempting to get pregnant naturally. Even while it only takes one sperm and one egg to become pregnant, each month your chances of getting pregnant will rise as you have access to more healthy sperm.

Your sperm count may be a crucial indicator of general health, even if you aren’t attempting to get pregnant. According to one study, males with low sperm counts were more likely than those with higher sperm counts to have higher blood pressure, higher body fat percentages (larger waistlines and higher BMI), and both. Additionally, they had a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome, which increased their risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

For these reasons, if your primary care physician determines that you have a low sperm count, he or she may want to examine your testosterone levels, way of life, and general health.

How to Improve Your Sperm Count?

While a lot of factors that contribute to a low sperm count need medical attention, lifestyle choices can also be important. The following actions could raise sperm counts:

  • Get thinner. A low sperm count might be brought on by being overweight or obese. Try to live a healthy lifestyle by eating right and working out.
  • Include vitamins in your diet. Request a blood test from your doctor to check for vitamin deficiencies. To assist in replenishing your vitamin and mineral levels, they can advise taking supplements or introducing new foods to your diet.
  • Avoid using drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or other substances in excess.
  • Wear loose cotton boxers.

See Also

https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/what-is-semen-analysis

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21520-semen-analysis

https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/normal-sperm-count#semen-analysis

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