Semen analysis evaluates various parameters of a man’s semen (the entire fluid) and sperm (the actual gametes with semen that swim and fertilise the egg) to determine the potential for achieving pregnancy. The parameters that provide valuable insights into sperm health, include count, motility, and morphology (the physical appearance). Understanding the results of a semen analysis can help guide treatment options and address any underlying fertility concerns.
Semen analysis
Semen analysis is the first test we like to do (or get a report, if recently done elsewhere) when investigating a couple for infertility; it’s that crucial a diagnostic tool in the couple’s evaluation.
Preparing for the Test and How to Collect the Sample
Before undergoing a semen analysis, it’s important to follow specific advice. You will be asked to abstain from ejaculation for 2-5 days before the test. The sample is usually collected through masturbation into a sterile container, generally at the clinic but if that’s difficult for any reason, we can collect a sample you make at home, as long as the sample is delivered to the lab within an hour. Please talk to us if you need this service.
What Do We Check?
During a semen analysis, several key parameters are evaluated. These include sperm count (the number of sperm present in a given volume of semen), motility (how well the sperm move), and morphology (the shape and structure of the sperm). Other factors, such as semen volume, pH levels, and the presence of white blood cells, are also assessed. These measurements help determine whether sperm are healthy and capable of fertilizing an egg, providing a comprehensive picture of male fertility.
What If the Test Is Sub-Optimal?
If the semen analysis results are sub-optimal, we have answers for that.
Depending on the specific issues identified, treatments may include lifestyle changes, medication, or assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) using only the active sperms or in vitro fertilization (IVF) using ICSI may be some of the answers. In some cases, repeating the test after addressing potential factors like stress, illness, or lifestyle habits may yield improved results.
In severe cases of low sperm (oligospermia) or even no sperm (azoospermia) we can have advanced techniques to retrieve sperm directly from the vas (ducts that transport the sperm from the testes) or the testis itself (under anaesthesia).
What Other Tests May Be Relevant?
In cases where semen analysis results are abnormal, additional tests may be recommended to gain more insights. These can include hormonal testing to assess levels of testosterone and other reproductive hormones, genetic testing to check for chromosomal abnormalities, or a scrotal ultrasound to evaluate the structure of the reproductive organs.
Advanced Tests for Y Chromosome Deletion
Y chromosome microdeletion testing is an advanced genetic test that can be performed when male infertility is suspected to be related to genetic factors, particularly when a semen analysis reveals severely low sperm count (oligospermia) or no sperm at all (azoospermia). This test specifically looks for deletions in specific regions of the Y chromosome, which are known to be associated with impaired sperm production.
The results can provide valuable information on the likelihood of success with fertility treatments such as IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
In addition to guiding treatment decisions, Y chromosome microdeletion testing is important for genetic counseling, as certain deletions can be passed on to male offspring, potentially affecting their fertility in the future.
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