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The basic examination for detecting problems with male fertility is semen analysis. Thanks to its implementation, we can determine the quantity, quality and activity of sperm. This test can be quite embarrassing for a man, but sometimes it is the only method that will help determine the source of problems with getting your partner pregnant.
Semen analysis in the diagnosis of male infertility
Performing a semen analysis is the basic test performed on men to check for any abnormalities related to their number, quality or activity. Semen parameters are analyzed, which are important in terms of the chance of fertilization. The basic analysis only includes the assessment of several indicators, including sperm count and structure. Execution is also possible extended semen analysis, which is a spermiogram. Its results include the assessment of the percentage of live sperm in the semen and a more detailed analysis of their structure.
If abnormalities are found, your doctor may tell you that this is the cause of your conception problems. It’s worth doing man’s semen analysisbefore the partner’s advanced diagnosis of infertility begins. Examine the semen in your own home now. Buy Home sperm test – MAGNI-MAN cassette test, which will help you assess the concentration of sperm in the sample.
- Read also about the assessment of the ovarian reserve in women.
The diagnosis of male infertility also includes other tests that may be ordered by a doctor in order to correctly identify the probable cause of the partner’s inability to get pregnant. Such tests for infertility include:
- technique MSOME-6600;
- ultrasound examination of the testicles and scrotum;
- testicle biopsy;
- test HBA;
- SCD test (DNA fragmentation of sperm).
Semen analysis – how to prepare?
Wondering how to prepare for a sperm sample donation? In the period of 3-5 days before the examination, a man should refrain from sexual activity and from consuming alcohol. When collecting a sample, remember that it should be placed directly in a suitable container. The attending physician should know about all illnesses and medications. This is important because they sometimes completely change the interpretation of the results.
How to get semen? It should be done directly at the clinic in a special room, which is equipped with a bathroom. The man also receives special condoms, thanks to which he can obtain a sample during sexual intercourse with his partner. It is important to submit the sample in accordance with the following recommendations:
- you need to be healthy when donating semen, because an infection or an elevated temperature will affect the result;
- the result may be affected by antibiotics, so it is necessary to wait at least two weeks after stopping taking medication;
- usually it is advisable to donate sperm at a clinic; another option is to deliver it in a sterile tank not longer than an hour after obtaining ejaculate;
- sexual abstinence is necessary for 3-4 days, but not longer than a week;
- you should not drink alcohol for at least two days before giving the sample back.
Semen analysis – price
Semen analysis price it is not particularly high when compared with other infertility diagnostic tests. Thanks to this, they can be afforded by almost everyone who cares about the diagnosis of infertility. In private clinics, we usually do not pay more than PLN 240 for them. The final cost depends on the scope of the study. The basic option is available for an average of about PLN 70, while an extended semen test may cost from 140 to 240 PLN.
Semen analysis – results
All the tested parameters obtained in the semen analysis should be assessed together. One parameter that is outside the norm is not a determinant of male fertility. The best result is when you know that your sperm has the right amount of sperm. Their mobility is also an important criterion. Then the chance of fertilizing a partner after a year of efforts is about 85 percent. Sometimes the results show that some sperm cells are not mobile. Again, there is no cause for concern.
In many cases, male infertility can be successfully treated.
Some men are shocked to learn that they have been diagnosed with azoospermia. It just means that no sperm was found in the sample. The most common reason for this is problem with patency of the vas deferens. Occasionally, azoospermia is also a sign of damage to the testicles or an underactive pituitary gland.
Another abnormality detected in semen analysis is cryptozoospermia. This is a sperm concentration below 1 million / ml. This is most often the result of taking certain medications. However, in addition to abnormalities related to too little sperm, in some cases we can observe an increased amount of sperm. As it turns out, this condition can also have a negative impact on male fertility.
Among other reasons, we find the reduced amount of DNA in a man’s sperm, as well as the too fast use of fructose, which gives sperm energy and allows it to move. Additionally, the results may also point to abnormal amount of semen. This is a condition where one serving is less than 0,5 ml of semen. It is a frequent result of malformations, as well as surgical procedures and infectious diseases. Sometimes this aspermia is temporary if you have had too many sexual intercourse in a short period of time.