Interpreting Semen Analysis Results: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Semen analysis is a test done to check the volume and quality of the semen. In the case of a person facing a fertility issue, this is the first test performed. A semen analysis test is also performed to make sure the vasectomy surgery is successful. In this test, the semen sample is collected to see if factors can decrease the chance of the sperm fertilizing the egg.

What Is Meant by Semen Analysis?

Semen analysis is a laboratory test that is performed to test the semen under a microscope. This test is also known as the sperm count test. This test can evaluate the fertility of the person. The results of the semen analysis test elaborate on the sperm shape, pH, liquefaction, count, appearance, and volume. The semen analysis test usually analyzes three main factors, these are,

• The sperm count is the presence of sperm in the semen.

• Sperm activity or sperm motility.

• Sperm shape or morphology.

Doctors do multiple tests of the semen for about two to three months as the sperm count keeps varying continuously. Taking the average result of the sperm samples can help to give a conclusive result.

What Are the Contents of Semen?

The contents of semen are

• Sperm: Sperms are reproductive cells with a unique shape and resemble tadpoles. The head of the sperm will have the genetic material, the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) used to fertilize the egg. The tail part of the sperm helps the sperm swim over the female reproductive system and helps to reach the egg.

• Fluid: This fluid is used to lubricate the urethra.

• Proteins, Minerals, and Vitamins: These contents help to fuel the sperm cells.

When Is Usually the Semen Analysis Done?

The semen analysis test will be recommended by the doctor only during:

• Infertility: If the couple is finding it difficult to conceive a child naturally and the issue is with the male partner, then there are chances for some abnormalities in the semen. This test helps to analyze the health of the sperm and the possibility of the couple getting pregnant.

• Vasectomy: Vasectomy is a procedure where the sperm is prevented from entering the semen and leaving the body. It is one of the permanent birth control methods performed in males. Semen analysis helps to determine whether the vasectomy procedure was successful or not.

What Are the Things That Can Be Analyzed Through Semen Analysis Test?

The semen analysis usually includes the following:

• pH level is tested through semen analysis, which tests for the acids and bases present in the semen. If the acid content of the semen is very high, it can affect the quality and health of the semen.

• Semen volume is tested for the quantity of semen in the sample.

• The sperm concentration is the number of sperm present in one milliliter of semen.

• The size and shape of the sperm are noted.

• The ability of the sperm to swim is called sperm motility.

• Liquefaction of the semen is noted, which is the time taken by the semen to change from a sticky stage to a fluid stage.

• The percentage of the live sperm, called the vitality of the sperm in the semen, is noted.

• If WBC (white blood cells) are present in the semen sample, it indicates infection or inflammation.

How Should a Person Prepare for a Semen Analysis Test?

The doctor will instruct the person on how to get ready to get this test done. All the instructions need to be followed to get an accurate result. The instructions are

• Ejaculation needs to be avoided 24 to 72 hours before the test.

• Consumption of alcohol, smoking, or other drugs such as cocaine or marijuana need to be avoided two or three days before the test.

• All the herbal medications need to be stopped as instructed by the doctor.

• Any intake of hormonal medications needs to be stopped as instructed by the doctor.

What Are Some Factors That Can Negatively Affect the Test?

Some factors that can negatively affect the semen analysis test are

• When semen is contacted with spermicide.

• Collecting the sample for testing when the person is ill or stressed.

• Laboratory technician mistakes.

• The sample is contaminated.

Intake of some substances can also affect the test, such as

• Alcohol.

• Caffeine.

• Herbs.

• Intake of drugs or medications which can reduce the sperm count.

• Use of recreational drugs.

• Tobacco.

What Are the Normal Results of Semen Analysis Test?

• Sperm Shape: A normal result of sperm shape is when a man has 50 percent of the sperm that are normally shaped. If the person has less than 50 percent, it can affect fertility.

• Movement: The motility of the sperm is very important as the sperm has to travel to the egg to fertilize it. The movement of the sperm is rated on a scale of zero to four. If the motility is zero, it affects the fertility; if the movement is three or four, then the sperm has good movement.

• pH: pH should usually be 7.2 to 7.8. If the pH is more than 8.0, it implies the presence of some infection, and if the pH is 7.0, then the semen is contaminated.

• Volume: The normal volume range from semen is greater than two milliliters. If it is less, it will not contain more sperm to fertilize the egg.

• Liquefaction: Usually, it takes about 15 to 30 minutes for the semen to liquefy, but if it does not happen within this time, then it affects fertility.

• Sperm Count: The usual sperm count is between 20 million to 200 million. If the sperm count is lower, then it affects fertility.

What Does an Abnormal Result Indicate?

• Infertile.

• Presence of infection.

• Gene defect.

• Radiation exposure.

• Hormonal imbalance.

• Disease condition.

Conclusion

A semen analysis is a laboratory test done to determine the sperm count, motility, pH, morphology, etc. This test also helps to know whether the vasectomy procedure was successful or not. Before performing this test, all the instructions given by the doctor need to be followed properly. This test determines the health and quality of the sperm present in the semen. Any abnormalities may affect the fertility of the person.