SPERM ANALYSIS

A sperm analysis is a test carried out on a man’s sperm and semen to show how many sperms are released, as well as how they're shaped and how well they move.

Also known as a sperm count or male fertility test, it involves checking a sample of semen for overall sperm health, a process that helps doctors to determine the underlying cause of a person’s inability to conceive, or the outcome of a vasectomy.

A sperm analysis tests for several markers of sperm health, including:

• the size and shape of the sperm
• the ability of the sperm to move correctly
• the number of sperm in a milliliter (ml) of semen

WHY IS A SPERM ANALYSIS NECESSARY?

There are quite a number of reasons why sperm analysis will be needed. Some people may require sperm analysis if they are having difficulty conceiving. For couples that have been unable to conceive, some estimates suggest that there is a male factor present in about 40 to 50 percent and about 2 percent of these men have issues with their sperms expressed in either low sperm count, poor sperm movement or abnormal sperm size and shape

It is also necessary to have a sperm analysis to check if a vasectomy was successful. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that doctors carry out for permanent male sterilization. Following a vasectomy, doctors typically recommend regular sperm analysis for several months to ensure there are no sperm remaining in the semen.

SPERM ANALYSIS-THE PROCESS

To run a sperm analysis. The sperms or semen must be first obtained through the following process:

• The person will be required to provide a semen sample in the premises of the laboratory.
• To provide the semen sample, the person will have to masturbate and ejaculate into a sterile container. Usually, a private room is provided for this to be done.
• The medical personnel takes the content in the sterile container to the laboratory for the analysis.

To make sure that the sample is usable, the doctor may require that a person:

• abstains from sex or masturbation for atleast 5 to 7 days before the test
• does not avoid ejaculation for more than 14 days before the test
• avoids alcohol, caffeine, and marijuana before the sperm analysis
• informs the doctor of any medications or herbal remedies they are taking, before giving a sample
• avoids providing a sample when unwell or stressed

SPERM COUNT

Sperm count refers to the number of sperm that are present in 1 ml of semen. World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that a normal sperm count is at least 15 million sperms per ml or no fewer than 39 million sperm per sample. To have less indicates a low sperm count and research has shown that up to 90 percent of male infertility issues result from these abnormally low sperm counts.

The sperm count is only one aspect of the male fertility and so it is important to have a full sperm analysis to check for all other factors. Home sperm analysis kits usually only test for sperm count. As this is just one aspect of male fertility, it is important that people see their doctor and get comprehensive sperm analysis to check for other factors affecting their sperm like:

1. Sperm motility

Sperm motility is the ability of the sperm to move efficiently. Low motility can reduce the sperm’s capacity to move through the female reproductive system to fertilize the egg. In a typical sample, at least 50 percent of the sperm will demonstrate normal motility.

2. Sperm morphology

Sperm morphology refers to the size and the shape of the individual sperm. Normal sperm have a long tail and oval-shaped head. Abnormally sized or shaped sperm can have difficulty reaching, penetrating, and fertilizing the egg.

3. Others

Although sperm count, motility, and morphology are three of the main factors that medical professionals will check when assessing male fertility, they are not the only factors. Other factors that doctors consider when doing a sperm analysis include:

• Volume of semen sample. This means the amount of semen a person provides in their sample. Typically, a sample is at least half a teaspoon. Less than this can suggest that there may be a blockage in the vessels through which sperm travels.
• Liquefaction. Semen normally leaves the body in a thickened state. Liquefaction time assesses how long it takes for the semen to become liquid. Failure to liquefy, or liquefying slowly, may indicate a problem.
• PH level. Having a pH that is too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic) may affect the health of the sperm and their ability to move through the female reproductive tract.
• Seminal fructose levels. Semen samples that do not contain sperm may demonstrate low levels of fructose. This suggests a problem with the function of the seminal glands.

CONCLUSION

Sperm analysis is one of the first tests that males undergo to look for the reasons for difficulty with conceiving. People also require sperm analysis to check the success of a vasectomy. In the case of a slightly abnormal sperm analysis does not mean that a person is permanently infertile, with the advancement of technology, doctors can use the results as a tool to help identify what factors are causing fertility issues and undergoing further testing will help identify the exact issue. In many cases, a person’s fertility issues get resolved with the right treatment.

Infertility in males can easily be treated with lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, and other interventions. If these are unsuccessful, a doctor or fertility counselor can help people explore other options, such as donor sperm or adoption, but to come to a wholesome conclusion, it all begins with a sperm analysis.