SEMEN ANALYSIS
CONTENTS
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The male factor is the cause of the problem in 40% of infertile couples.
The male factor is assessed with a semen analysis. If the result is abnormal, it may need to be repeated after 1 month. It is important to take a full history, including questions about the husband's illnesses, operations or injuries, medication, history of sexually transmitted infections, occupation and smoking. An assessment by a specialist urologist may also be needed.
When the semen analysis is abnormal, the solution may be IVF, either by the conventional IVF method, by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), or with a testicular biopsy. With these techniques, many couples with fertility problems due to a male factor have had children of their own.
Instructions for semen collection
The semen sample should be collected according to the following instructions:
- You should abstain from intercourse or ejaculation for 2 days. This period is counted without including the day of intercourse and the day of the test.
- Collection usually takes place at the laboratory.
- The sample can also be collected at home, provided that it reaches the laboratory within one hour. During transport, keep the sample at a temperature of 18–30 °C, away from sunlight.
- If the sample is collected at home, inform the laboratory of the exact time of collection.
- Before collection, wash your genitals and hands thoroughly with soap and rinse with plenty of water. Wear clean underwear.
- The sample is collected in a sterile container, which you can obtain from a pharmacy.
- The sample must be collected by masturbation and without using a condom.
- Try to collect the entire sample in the sterile container so that the test is reliable. If this is not possible, inform the laboratory.
Semen analysis – Normal values
- Volume: 2.0ml or more
- pH: 7.2-8.0
- Sperm concentration: 15,000,000/ml or more
- Total sperm count: at least 40,000,000 per ejaculate
- Motility: 40% with good and moderate movement combined
- Morphology: at least 3% normal forms
- White blood cell count: less than 1,000,000/ml
What patients often ask
If you are under 35, you can wait for a year, but over 35 you should consult your doctor after six months of trying to conceive.
Some men will have visible signs, but not all. For example, small testes may be associated with a hormonal abnormality and infertility. Gynaecomastia (an enlargement or swelling of breast tissue in men), obesity, a lack of facial or body hair and short stature are also physical signs of male infertility.
• alcohol • recreational drugs • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age
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He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have their own child.
His profileThis information is for general guidance only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.
