Contents
Biochemical analysis of semen began to be carried out relatively recently, but has already become relevant and in demand among doctors and patients with various pathologies regarding the reproductive system. Testing is ordered for men who are suspected of being infertile. The result will tell about the patient’s fertility, while deviations from the average norms can sometimes be temporary, not permanent. Because of this, experienced doctors recommend conducting a control analysis, or attracting additional research formats.
Usually the time interval between the initial and repeated donation of sperm is about two weeks. In both cases, the subject must adhere to the rules of preliminary preparation in order to achieve a reliable result.
During such a study, laboratory assistants take into account the morphological composition of seminal fluid, the degree of sperm motility. Additionally, the parameters of other elements that make up the composition, such as the protein acrosin, are studied.
Material under study
Sperm is a biological fluid with a heterogeneous composition. It does not differ in transparency and in texture resembles a mucous consistency. The material has a specific smell, which some consider similar to the smell of raw chestnut.
The taste of biological fluid is directly related to the habitual diet of a man. The state of biological material changes within half an hour after isolation. It becomes viscous and changes color to whitish with a gray tint. A healthy man releases about 5-10 ml of sperm during one sexual intercourse.
Features of the biochemical content of sperm differ depending on the stage of its formation. So, the substance for which the prostate gland is responsible contains a high percentage of citric acid and acid phosphatase. This stage provides for the presence of enzymes that are aimed at liquefying it.
The parameters of immunoglobulins are considered separately, because they are responsible for the formation of antibodies that directly affect the qualitative ability to fertilize female germ cells.
The liquid sperm component is represented by the secrets of the following organs:
- seminal vesicles;
- prostate;
- urethral gland;
- bulbourethral gland.
The first organ is responsible for the stable formation of fructose, which ensures the stable movement of spermatozoa. The substance in the process of metabolism is converted into useful energy. For the ability to fertilize, the indicator should be about 12-15 mmol / l.
Why is fructose important?
A decrease in the lower limit of fructose content indicates that the patient suffers from a pathology of the seminal vesicles. The greater the deviation, the more neglected is the stage of the course of the disease.
Also, this gland is responsible for the synthesis of three other important elements:
- proteins;
- ascorbic acid;
- nitrogenous substances.
All of the above is aimed at providing sperm with increased survival, as well as protecting them from possible damage.
If the sampling of biological material for analysis was performed correctly, and the results showed a reduced percentage of fructose, then this is the first sign of oligospermia. The disease is characterized by a decrease in the concentration of spermatozoa.
The cause of such an anomaly is the inflammatory process, which is localized in the prostate gland. If, by artificial means, to raise the level of fructose to the required level, it will be possible to restore sperm motility.
But there is an important nuance here, which the doctor voices when studying the information obtained during the biochemical examination. It concerns the compilation of an individual program for leveling the level of fructose, provided that there are no hereditary diseases affecting the activity of the seminal vesicles. If everything is in order with this, then the expert will insist on a mandatory review of the diet.
Instead of junk food and negative habits, you should give preference to a large number of healthy vegetables, fruits, fresh juices made by yourself.
Additionally, when studying the fructose component, attention is paid to the acidity of the medium or pH. In a healthy representative of the stronger sex, it should be 7,3.
Citric acid parameters
An equally important part of the work is performed by the prostate gland, which produces citric acid. It acts as an enzyme that has a positive effect on the speed of transport of spermatozoa.
Normally, the indicator should be fixed within 3,5 mmol / l. If there are deviations, then this indicates a pathology of the prostate. The presented analysis format qualitatively reveals the composition of the ejaculate in terms of the content of citric acid.
An important point is alkaline and acid phosphatases, which are aimed at liquefying sperm. To get to the female germ cells, spermatozoa are able to move quite actively, which is possible only if optimal conditions are maintained.
Only two proteins are responsible for maintaining the acid-base environment:
- spermine;
- spermidine.
Prostaglandin F is produced by the prostate to contract muscle tissue.
When zinc is not normal
The final point for a full-fledged monitoring of the state of male sexual health is zinc, which is directly involved in the formation of biological fluid. The norm is 2,4 mmol.
If too much of the element is found, then this may indicate infertility. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a number of additional clinical studies, including taking a spermogram again in about half a month.
The other extreme is a threat – an underestimated content of the microelement. It will tell you why there are always so few mature spermatozoa.
You can try to adjust the lack of zinc with the help of diet. For this, an individual diet is prescribed, offering foods high in zinc in abundance.
Auxiliary markers of deviations are the secrets of the urethral glands, which produce mucous components. They are the guarantor of the formation of a stable alkaline environment.
If the environment during the laboratory test turned out to be acidic, then this indicates a constant ingress of urine residues into it.
Features of preparation for the study
Preparation for the examination begins approximately five days before the expected appointment. At this time, you should completely abandon intimacy, as well as stop drinking alcoholic beverages.
Separately, situations are considered when a man, even before the examination, took the drugs prescribed by the attending doctor. Sometimes, for the period of preparation, they are allowed to be abandoned for the sake of the right result. You cannot refuse to take medications from a previously approved scheme on your own. First, you should consult with your doctor.
Also, for five days, you need to refrain from visiting the steam room, sauna, physiotherapy, which are closely related to warming up and UHF.
The algorithm for collecting material in the clinic or at home remains identical:
- Urinate first to empty your bladder as much as possible.
- Carry out hygiene procedures (washing).
- Prepare a sterile container.
- Start masturbating, being careful not to touch the walls of the medicine cup with your penis.
Some dubious advisers recommend using a condom to simplify the procedure, but doctors are categorically against such “help”. It only contributes to the change in indicators.
It is also necessary to collect the entire portion, because the sperm consists of several fractions, and all of them are subject to verification:
- fluid from the urinary canal;
- fraction coming from the prostate;
- the bulk of spermatozoa coming from the testicles and appendages;
- material from seminal vesicles to measure fructose.
Checkout scheme
A biochemical test can help find the source of problems associated with a sharp or gradual decrease in viable spermatozoa. Also, the technique allows you to determine fertility in order to find out how well the sperm is ready for direct fertilization.
The analysis is resorted to when it is necessary to study in detail the functional features of the prostate, seminal vesicles, to control the patency of the vas deferens.
To reveal all this, you need to use photometric technology. The proposal implies the presence in the laboratory of special high-precision equipment, as well as certain skills of a laboratory assistant. The latter will manually compare the length of the light waves that the sperm absorbs with the standard. To do this, a light beam is passed through special light filters of a strictly specified range.
The collected information will serve as the basis for determining the cause of infertility. If it is impossible to conceive a child due to several factors, the method will help to immediately identify all problems.
Based on the information received about the three main components of sperm, the urologist will draw up a further treatment regimen and rehabilitation therapy.
Approximate transcript
In addition to the generally accepted requirements for sperm components, the laboratory assistant will definitely study a number of other important parameters.
Among them are:
- volume;
- liquefaction time;
- acidity;
- content of leukocytes.
A healthy volume is about 2-6 ml. But if the level fell below the permissible 2 ml, then this is a reason to think about violations of the functionality of the vas deferens, seminal vesicles or the prostate gland.
Oligospermia is a consequence of pathology. But there is also a small chance that the reason is the lack of preparedness of the subject. It is not for nothing that doctors insist on re-monitoring two weeks after the previous one.
The volume is almost always affected by the failure to abstinence within the specified period. With frequent sexual intercourse, the problem increases, because the female vagina has an acidic environment. During prolonged and frequent sexual intercourse, the quality and quantity of active spermatozoa decreases, which reduces their chances of successful survival.
The liquefaction time is taken into account to compile an overall picture of health. Responsible for this is a special enzyme that generates the prostate gland. Each organism has its own individual norms for this indicator, but the average here is from 10 to 60 minutes.
If the consistency of the biological material remains unchanged for more than an hour, then this usually indicates the instability of the prostate.
Measurements are made according to the total acidity of the sperm, which must fit into strict standards – within 7,2–8 units. This level is the key to the stable movement of sperm to the uterus, the successful overcoming of the increased acidity of the vagina.
Acidity, detected through a spermogram, is not a serious basis for determining pathologies. Due to the fact that the parameter is a common cause for misdiagnosis in other pathologies, careful consideration should be given to the study of the information collected.
Additional evaluation points are the color and smell of semen. Despite the fact that these two points are auxiliary, because microscopy allows you to accurately count red blood cells and spermatozoa, they are also considered in the big picture.
The normal color of the collected material is white with a gray or yellowish tint, but if a reddish tone is present, then this indicates bloody inclusions.
This may indicate neoplasms of any nature, as well as trauma to the prostate, or the presence of a stone in the prostate gland.
Leukocytes are the final factor of full monitoring. The field of view serves as the reference unit for measurement through microscopic examination. Normally, there should be from 0 to 10 leukocytes in the field of view.
If there are more cells, then this is a signal of the presence of an inflammatory process with localization in the genitals. For example, sexually transmitted infections, orchitis or prostatitis.
Unlike leukocytes, according to the protocol of the World Health Organization, the sample should be free of erythrocytes and mucus. If the cells were detected, then this indicates stones, sand in the genitourinary system, trauma to the mucous membrane, vesiculitis. Also, prostate adenoma and other tumors can manifest themselves in this way. Mucus indicates an inflammatory process in the urogenital area.
Sperm motility must be assessed. There are three categories in total, which are marked with Latin letters of the alphabet from A to D. The percentage of each species is determined individually. But the most important type of them is format A, which represents exceptionally healthy and young sperm. They move at a speed of approximately 0,025 mm/s. A healthy male should have 25% or more sperm of group A of the total number detected.
If, after all the calculations made, the urologist still has doubts, then an additional MAR test is prescribed.