ANALYSIS OF SEMINAL FLUID

Semen analysis (spermogram) provides information on the number and quality of sperm, as well as on the amount of seminal fluid that a man secretes.

This is one of the first tests to find out if a man has a problem becoming a father. In one third of couples who fail to have a child (infertility), abnormalities in the seminal fluid or sperm are detected.

Semen analysis tests include:

Volume –  мярка на количеството семенна течност (еякулат), което се отделя при еякулация.

Color a medium-thick liquid with a white, yellowish or slightly bluish color,with a very specific smell.

Liquefaction time - semen is initially thick, gel-like and normally liquefies within 20-30 minutes.

Sperm count - the number of sperm in one milliliter (concentration) and the total number in the entire ejaculate are calculated.

Sperm morphology – оценява се процентното съотношение на сперматозоидите с нормална / анормална форма.

Motility - the percentage ratio of spermatozoa that move forward normally / abnormally is determined.

pH - a measure of the acidity (low pH) or alkalinity (high pH) of the sperm (ejaculate).

Leukocytes / round cells - normally not contained in the ejaculate.

Fructose level - estimates the level of sugar (energy source for sperm).

Why is a spermogram done?

• To determine if a man has a reproductive problem that causes infertility
• To check for a successful vasectomy.

How to prepare:

It is recommended to have sexual abstinence for 2-5 days before the semen analysis. This is necessary for higher reliability of the test, and the number of sperm is the highest. If possible, abstinence from sexual activity for more than 1-2 weeks before the test is not recommended, because such a long period reduces active spermatozoa.

It is also good to abstain from alcohol for a few days before the test. Be sure to mention if you are taking any medications or herbal supplements.

How is it done:

Excretion by masturbation takes place in a sterile container. This is done in a specially designated room in the clinic, or at home if you live nearby, or transport allows you to quickly bring the material.

Отделянето може да се направи и по време на  секс при отдръпване на пениса от партньора преди еякулация (coitus interuptus). След което еякулирате в стерилен контейнер.Този метод може да се използва след вазектомия, за да се тества за наличие на сперматозоиди. Друг вариант е, ако използвате кондом, който не съдържа компоненти, които да убиват сперматозоидите (спермициди). Ако отделите вкъщи, еякулатът трябва да се донесе в клиниката до 1 час. Поставете контейнера далеч от директна слънчева светлина. Ако е студен денят дръжте контейнера близо до тялото си, за да поддържате температура, максимално близка до телесната. Do not refrigerate the ejaculate ..

Тъй като качеството на семенната течност варира от ден за ден,  две или три  различни проби могат да се изследват в 3-месечен период за по-точна диагностика.

A semen analysis to test for vasectomy is done after six weeks.

Production does not cause discomfort. But you may feel embarrassed because of the place or some other reason. Do not hesitate to share this with the doctor so that you can be reassured.

Results:

Results are usually available within the day.

Some conditions are associated with low or no sperm count. For example, orchitis, varicocele, Klinefelter's syndrome, radiation therapy to the testicles, or diseases that cause testicular atrophy, such as mumps.

If a low sperm count or a high percentage of abnormal sperm is observed, further tests may be needed. For example, measuring the levels of hormones such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or prolactin. A testicular biopsy may be necessary if sperm concentration or motility is too low.

Reasons why you cannot take the test

or the results will not be reliable:

• Taking certain drugs, hormones (testosterone, estrogens), some chemotherapeutic drugs.
• Caffeine, alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, smoking.
• Herbal extracts that contain a high concentration of echinacea.
• Сперма, която е била изстудена –  процентите на мотилитета ще бъдат ниски, ако спермата се изстуди;
• Exposure to radiation, certain chemical agents such as pesticides or spermicides, and prolonged exposure to high temperature.
• Incomplete ejaculation – this is more likely to happen if a method other than masturbation is used; or in case of ejaculation - part of the liquid falls outside the container.
• Sexual abstinence of 7 days or more can negatively affect the quality and quantity of sperm.

Something to think about:

Sperm obtained at home must be brought to the clinic within one hour. Do not expose to direct sunlight. If it's a cold day outside, keep the container close to your body.

Other tests:

• Presence of anti-sperm antibodies.
• Postcoital test.
• Sperm mucus penetration test – it is checked whether the sperm can pass through the cervical mucus and the fallopian tubes to reach and fertilize the egg.
• Sperm penetration assay – it is checked whether the sperm can fuse with the egg. Hamster eggs are used, which are mixed with sperm in a laboratory. The number of spermatozoa that penetrate the eggs (capacitated spermatozoa) is determined.