What is Semen Analysis?
Semen Analysis, also called sperm number, which measures the quantity and quality of men’s semen and sperm. Semen is a thick, white fluid emanating from the penis during the sexual act of men. Which is also known as a thrush. Men’s semen contains sperm cells that are genetic. When a male’s sperm cell combines with an egg from a female, it forms an embryo (the first stage of the development of an unborn child).
If a man’s semen has a low sperm count or an abnormal sperm size or low circulation, it makes women difficult to conceive. The cause of infertility in men can be ascertained through semen analysis.
Why analysis of semen analysis is done?
If a man has infertility problem, the reason of this is determined with the help of semen analysis. Also, if a man has undergone sterilization, this test is also done to find out how successful he has been. Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that prevents sperm release from conception during sex. For couples who are failing to conceive for the last 12 months, their male partner may require semen analysis. In addition, recent men who have undergone sterilization also require this test, to know how successful their sterilization process has been.
Also read: Watery Semen: Causes, Effects on Fertility, Treatment, and More
Things to know
What should I know before conducting semen analysis?
There is no known risk for semen analysis.
How to prepare Semen Analysis?
You should get information from your doctor about what kind of preparation you should prepare for this test. Follow these instructions to get successful test results:
1.Avoid semen ejaculation for 24 to 72 hours before the test. 2.Do not consume cocaine and marijuana such as alcohol, caffeine and drugs 2 to 5 days before the test.
3.Do not take any herbal medicine as per your doctor’s advice.
4.Do not take any hormone medicine as directed by your doctor.
5.If you use any medicine, inform your doctor about it.
How is Semen Analysis done?
For this test, a man has to give a semen sample to his doctor.After which two things have to be taken special care of. First, semen should be kept at body temperature. If it is too hot or too cold, test leads may be inaccurate. Second, the semen should be tested within 30 to 60 minutes of coming out of the body.This test can also be done at home. However, this can only be done to detect sperm count. It does not analyze sperm motility or its size.Results of a home test can usually be found within 10 minutes. This test does not count the normal sperm count (20 million sperm per milliliter of semen), as it cannot detect all possible causes of male infertility.If you are concerned about your fertility, it is always the best option to get a lab test done. Lab test gives accurate and accurate results of your fertility.
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What happens after Semen Analysis?
After the semen sample is collected, it may take 24 hours to a week for the test results to arrive.If you have any questions about semen analysis, consult your doctor. Understand the result
Read more:Semen Analysis: Sperm Count Test Procedure and Results
What do my results mean?
When a doctor reviews sperm analysis test, there are many factors behind it. Analysis after male vasectomy reveals the presence of sperm, but more study has to be done to analyze for fertility. During this time your doctor will take into account each of the following results:
Sperm size
A normal sperm size is made up of more than 50 percent of sperm. If a male has more than 50 percent sperm that is abnormally sized, it reduces his fertility. During the test, abnormalities are identified in the spermathecae, middle part or last part of the sperm. During this time it may also be possible that the sperm is immature and therefore not able to conceive the egg effectively.
Communications
For normal results, more than 50 percent of sperm should be moving normally even one hour after ejaculation. The circulation or motility of the sperm is important for fertility because the sperm have to walk to conceive an egg. During the test the automated system analyzes the sperm for this communication and rates them on a scale of 0 to 4. Where a score of 0 means that the sperm are not moving, and a score of 3 or 4 indicates good communication.
PH
The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8 to achieve a general result. A pH level of more than 8.0 indicates that the male has an infection. A result of less than 7.0 indicates that the sample given for the test is contaminated or that the male’s ejaculatory tubes are closed.
Volume
For normal results, the volume of semen should be more than 2 ml. A low semen volume may indicate a low amount of sperm for conceiving an egg. At the same time, fluid intake can also mean that sperm volume is very thin.
Melting of semen
Eggs should be melted 15 to 30 minutes after ejaculation. When the semen is initially thick, its ability to liquefy helps the sperm to move. If semen does not dissolve within 15 to 30 minutes, fertility may be affected.
Sperm count
In a general semen analysis, the sperm count should be between 20 million and 200 million. It is also known as thickening of sperm. If this number is small, it may be more difficult to conceive.
Color of semen
The color of semen should be white to gray and opalescent ie milky. Semen that have a reddish-brown tint indicate blood in the semen, while a yellow tint indicates jaundice or may be a side effect of the drug.
Unusual results may indicate the following:
1.Infertility
2.Infection
3.hormonal imbalance
4.Diseases, such as diabetes
5.Gene defect
If your results are abnormal, your doctor may suggest you to have some other tests. These tests may include:
1.Genetic testing
2.Hormone test
3.Urine check after ejaculation
4.Examination of testicles
5.Anti-sperm immune cell test
Depending on the laboratory and hospital, the normal range for semen analysis may vary. If you have any question related to this, please contact your doctor.