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Sperm quality assessment: what is affected by deviation from normal values

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What affects the spermogram: the negative effects of beer, coffee and smoking, decoding the spermogram

Spermogram is a laboratory study of the ejaculate, which is carried out to assess the quality and quantity of semen and its components.

The analysis allows you to identify possible problems with the male reproductive function and the ability to fertilize. Study results are biased depending on various factors.

The use of drugs and alcohol, various diseases and other factors can significantly affect the spermogram.

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The effect of drugs

One of the factors influencing the indicators of ejaculate research is definitely the intake of certain medications. Medicines that affect sperm quality can be divided into the following groups:

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  •  antidepressants;
  •  antifungal drugs;
  •  antibiotics;
  •  steroids;
  •  corticosteroids;
  •  cytostatic drugs.

More about the effect of drugs on spermogram:

  1. During clinical trials, it has been proven that with prolonged use (about a month) of serotonin reuptake inhibitors, morphology changes in 30% of spermatozoa. This figure is twice the norm.
  2. Self-medication with antifungal drugs can lead to a decrease in the viability of germ cells in men.
  3. Taking antibacterial drugs in most cases contributes to the appearance of changes in quality and quantitative characteristics of the seed: the number of germ cells decreases, their viability decreases, changes structure. After the end of the course of treatment, it is recommended to wait at least a month before examining the ejaculate again. In this case, the sperm composition will be updated and antibiotics will no longer affect the spermogram results.
  4. One of the most aggressive drugs for spermatogenesis is steroids. The degree of their influence on the spermogram depends on the "power" and the timing of use. During studies, it was found that with regular use of anabolic steroids, the viability and sperm count in a man can decrease from 30 to 100% (i.e. e. complete sterilization is observed). Spermatogenesis returns to normal from 2 to 3 months, provided that the recovery period is carried out correctly after the completion of the course of the drug.
  5. Long-term use of corticosteroids causes a decrease in sperm motility. The body's functions are restored about a month after the end of the course of therapy.

Other medicines can also individually affect the semen analysis. Information about this can be obtained from the doctor or from the instructions for the corresponding medication.

Alcohol consumption

The systematic use of alcoholic beverages can have a significant effect on the spermogram. Alcohol leads to changes in the maturation of the germ cells. In such a situation, the number of deformed spermatozoa (without a head or tail) in the ejaculate triples.

In addition, alcohol abuse affects other characteristics of the spermogram:

  • there is a decrease in the number of sperm, the volume of semen and the mobility of male germ cells;
  • sperm production decreases;
  • their concentration in the ejaculate, the viscosity of the semen and the time of its liquefaction change.

There is an opinion that low-alcohol drinks (including beer) do not in any way affect the reproductive function of the body. And this is fundamentally wrong, since the negative effect of beer on spermogram has been confirmed by many studies. In men who regularly consume this drink, the results of the analysis of semen are always significantly deviated from the norm.

In order to neutralize negative changes in the seed and resume normal mobility and quantity sperm, it is required to refrain from taking alcoholic beverages (including beer) for 3-4 months. In this case, a complete renewal of the sex cells will occur.

Impact of disease

It is logical to assume that high-quality seed material is produced only in a healthy man, since any ailment to one degree or another affects the functioning of the body. However, the course of not all diseases affects reproductive function.

Among the pathologies that can affect the process of spermatogenesis, the following can be distinguished:

All diseases accompanied by a high temperature negatively affect the analysis.

  1. All ailments that are accompanied by a significant increase in body temperature have a negative effect on the formation of germ cells. The impact on the quality of the semen is short-term and stops with the onset of recovery.
  2. Lesion of the male genitourinary system.

    The nature and degree of changes in the spermogram in this case depends on the complexity of the disease, its course and methods of therapy. Such ailments are characterized by a significant change in the pH level, an increased viscosity of the ejaculate, the presence of mucus, erythrocytes, microflora and amyloid bodies in it. The restoration of the spermatogenesis process lasts from a month, or it may not happen at all.

  3. All sexually transmitted infections have a direct effect on the entire reproductive function, including the number of germ cells, their integrity and viability.
  4.  Mumps (mumps) with a complex course is complicated by orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), the consequence of which is often complete sterilization.
  5. Oncological diseases of the genitourinary and endocrine systems affect the entire body, including the reproductive system.
  6. Chronic renal failure significantly inhibits spermatogenesis, since in this case testosterone levels decrease.
  7. Diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, hypertension, neurological disorders also worsen sperm activity indices. These are chronic diseases, and therefore the influence on the results of the examination does not stop.

If changes in the spermogram are detected, it is recommended to undergo a second examination 2-3 months after the completion of the course of treatment. If the disease is chronic, then the interpretation of the results should be carried out taking into account the nature and complexity of the disease.

Other influencing factors

Perhaps the most common cause of changes in spermogram doctors call lifestyle. This is not only hardening, exercise in the morning and proper nutrition. It is important to know whether a man has bad habits and for how long, whether he has been abusing coffee, how overworked, whether the emotional stress is great, whether the man suffers from insomnia.

Smoking affects the results of spermogram not in the best way

Nicotine has a significant impact on the quality of ejaculate. It helps to reduce the number of motile sperm. However, a change in the morphology of germ cells, as a rule, occurs if the smoker has a long experience. Smoking can affect spermatogenesis if a man smokes more than 5 cigarettes per day.

In the same way, caffeine affects the characteristics of the seed. Moderate coffee consumption leads to deviations in spermogram indices extremely rarely and under the influence of other factors. Abuse of this drink can reduce the number of sperm in the semen.

Not only bad habits can affect the spermogram: the conditions of modern society constantly keep the working person in suspense.

The results of clinical studies of recent years allow us to draw disappointing conclusions: in men of reproductive age, leading an active life, going in for sports and having no bad habits, the spermogram indices go beyond the reference values.

The reason lies in the constant nervous tension associated with working conditions and the inability to "disconnect" from problems. This condition leads to sleep disturbance.

In turn, stress and insomnia can affect the quality of semen as well as bad habits.

These conditions negatively affect the entire body and inhibit spermatogenesis, which leads to a decrease in the number of cells and their mobility in the ejaculate.

X-ray exposure is considered to be another influencing factor. When passing such examinations, temporary changes occur in the work of the reproductive system. Their duration depends on the radiation dose and the individual characteristics of the organism.

It is worth noting the nutritional characteristics as one of the possible reasons for the effect on the characteristics of the semen. Excessive consumption of "heavy" fatty foods provokes a decrease in spermogram results. Overcooked, very sweet and salty foods also alter the test results as they alter the quality of the test.

The ecological situation indirectly affects the reproductive function of men, since it affects the body as a whole.

Prolonged abstinence decreases sperm activity

Prolonged abstinence in sexual relations also leads to a decrease in sperm activity. On the other hand, an excessive number of intimate relationships affects the number of sperm: they decrease.

When planning an examination to identify possible problems in the reproductive function of the body, a man must adhere to simple rules to reduce the influence of various factors on the spermogram.

First, sexual relations (including masturbation) are excluded 2-4 days before the test. Secondly, you should not drink alcohol for 2-3 weeks.

Thirdly, 5 days before collecting the material, the amount of junk food and the number of cigarettes smoked are reduced.

And it is imperative to get enough sleep, "disconnect" from work and rest from thinking about problems for 15-20 minutes 5-6 times during the day.

If, for one reason or another, the results of the examination differ from the reference value, you should pay attention to sleep, nutrition and the presence of addictions. A man should remember what medications he took, what he was sick with, and discuss with the doctor all possible points affecting the spermogram. After identifying the cause, collecting the material is repeated after 2-3 months.

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A source: http://MpsDoc.com/potenciya/besplodie/chto-vliyaet-na-spermogrammu/

Sperm quality assessment

Sperm quality assessment.

Sperm are assessed by volume, color, odor, motility, concentration, and the experience of sperm.

The semen obtained from the stallion is poured into a beaker through two layers of sterile gauze and the volume is determined. Sometimes a thick secret of the accessory gonads remains on the gauze, which is not used.

Normal semen of a stallion is milky in color with a grayish tint without any specific odor. Stallions that give sperm of a pinkish-red or greenish tint, as well as with a putrid odor, are not allowed for use. The presence of these signs indicates an inflammatory process in the accessory gonads.

The determination of the concentration of spermatozoa is carried out in the Goryaev chamber, which is used for counting blood cells. The semen is collected in a leukocyte mixer to a division of 0.5. Then a 3% sodium chloride solution is drawn into the mixer to mark 11.

Clamp both ends of the mixer and turn it up and down for 2-3 minutes, mixing the semen with a solution of sodium chloride. Then 4-5 drops are released from the mixer (to remove the solution that has not mixed with the semen). The tip of the mixer is wiped off with a napkin, after which a drop is applied to the middle plate of the chamber.

Through slit-like capillaries, sperm penetrates under the cover glass. At the same time, make sure that there are no air bubbles on the mesh. Sperm count is carried out at a magnification of 400-600 times. The camera is placed on the microscope stage so that one large square fits into the field of view.

Spermatozoa are counted in five large squares diagonally across the grid.

The concentration of spermatozoa of all types of farm animals, expressed in billions per ml, is calculated using a simplified formula by dividing sperm count, counted in 8G) small (five large) squares, per 1000, For example, stallion sperm count in five large squares 176. In this case, the sperm concentration is 0.176 billion / ml.

Sperm motility is assessed on a ten-point scale.

In the field of view of the microscope, the number of spermatozoa with active rectilinear-translational movement is determined by eye as a percentage of the total number of spermatozoa.

The highest score of 10 points is received by sperm in which all 100% of the spermatozoa have a straight-forward movement, 9 points - about 90%, 7 points - 70% of sperm, etc.

The complete absence of sperm in the field of view is indicated by the letter A (azospermia). If all spermatozoa are motionless in the field of view, then this state is indicated by the letter H (necrospermia).

Evaluation of sperm motility under a microscope is carried out at a temperature of 38-40 ° C using a special heating table.

To do this, a drop of sperm is applied to a heated glass slide with a sterile stick or a pipette, covered it with a clean cover glass and viewed under a microscope at a magnification of 200-300 times and dim lighting.

When heated, the spermatozoa do not begin to move immediately, therefore, for an objective assessment of the quality of sperm, it must sometimes be observed for up to 1-2 minutes, until the sperm show the greatest mobility. In this case, a large drop of sperm should be taken, since at 38-40 ° C it dries quickly, which causes the sperm to die.

An important and decisive condition in assessing the fertilizing ability of stallion sperm is its survivability outside the body.

This indicator is determined as follows: after assessing the quality of sperm under a microscope into two sterile tubes (penicillia vials) with a capacity of 7-10 ml, 1 ml of freshly taken sperm is poured into each of which 3 ml of medium (glucose-yolk, lactose-yolk or LHCZH). The composition of these media is given in Appendix 2.

Parallel research (in two test tubes) is carried out to obtain results of greater accuracy. The tubes are closed with stoppers and transferred for storage in a refrigerator or in a thermos with ice (temperature 2-4 ° C).

Every 12 hours, the activity of sperm movement is monitored until their translational movement is completely stopped. The date, viewing hours and assessment of sperm activity in points are recorded in a special journal. Based on the records, the sperm survival rate is calculated in hours.

When calculating it, the time is taken from the beginning of observation until the moment the oscillatory motion is established, or the death of all sperm and subtract half the time between the last but one and the last observations.

This is done because the active linear-translational movement has ceased in the interval between views.

Sperm survival rates vary significantly for individual stallions and average 140-190 hours.

Sperm quality assessment should be carried out not only before the start of the breeding campaign, but also repeated throughout the season at least 1 time per month for all stallions in stable keeping.

A source: http://ZooVet.info/o-loshadyakh/razmnozhenie/vosproizvodstvo/9715-otsenka-kachestva-spermy

5 factors that affect sperm quality

The quality of male sperm directly affects conception. Therefore, many men around the world are wondering "how to improve sperm quality." Based on the accumulated experience, we have identified 5 main factors that affect the quality of sperm.

Alcohol

Scientists have long proven that alcohol directly affects sperm quality. In men who drink frequently, the composition of the semen changes, and the sperm become less mobile.

Their production decreases. Drinking regularly can lead to oligospermia.

Dothers in other words, the number of active sperm cells, which are able to fertilize a female egg, decreases.

Also, alcohol negatively affects the condition of the testes. As a rule, their weight decreases, the channels for the excretion of fresh sperm are narrowed. It is through them that sperm passes during ejaculation. The vessels in the body degenerate, particularly in the testicles. This leads to impaired blood circulation in the genitals, and this leads to a deterioration in the nutrition of spermatozoa, which are just maturing.

With frequent alcohol consumption, the ratio of abnormal to normal sperm also changes. Usually, these so-called abnormal sperm make up a quarter of the total volume.

Alcohol increases their number at least twice. If a woman's egg is fertilized with an abnormal sperm cell, it can lead to very serious consequences.

For example, a child may have developmental defects.

Intelligence

University of New Mexico scientist Jeffrey Miller has shown that IQ also directly affects sperm quality. He noticed that those tested at the university men who have a high IQ have more healthy sperm in ejaculate compared to those with lower IQs. In the latter, spermatozoa were less mobile.

“IQ is a good indicator of a man’s general health,” the scientist added.

When Miller spoke about the results of his research at a special lecture at Harvard University, the audience applauded furiously. And it's not strange, the clever guys got another reason for pride.

Weight and exercise

Iranian scientists have conducted research, the results of which have shown that the quality of sperm can improve and exercise. Initially, they took a group of men between 20 and 40 years old with normal sperm counts. They were divided into 4 groups:

  • The first group succumbed to high-intensity exercise (10 runs of 1 minute at a very fast pace)
  • The second was offered to do sports in moderation - to run three times a week for 30 minutes for 8 months
  • The third also studied three times a week, but more intensively.
  • Men in the fourth group did not play sports at all

As a result, everyone who did physical education lost their weight. In all three "sports" groups, the sperm count increased and the quality improved.

 The best results were shown by men from the second group - those who played sports in moderation. Also, scientists noticed that if you quit doing physical education, the effect disappears within a month.

 According to them, to improve the quality of sperm, it is enough to practice at least half an hour three times a week.

Conversely, if a person is overweight, it negatively affects fertility. According to scientists, more abnormal sperm were seen in obese people. At the same time, excess weight does not affect their concentration and activity.

Ecology and chemistry

The environmental situation also affects the quality of the semen. This conclusion was made by scientists from the University of Utah. According to their research, polluted air affects sperm activity. In regions with poor ecology, they are less mobile than in places where the ecological situation is normal.

The negative effect is also observed due to exhaust gases. Affects semen and household chemicals.

According to the specialists of the Cleveland Clinic, mobile phones should also be avoided. According to their research, if you use the phone for more than 4 hours a day, it greatly degrades the quality of sperm. In this case, the viability of sperm significantly decreases. Experts advise not to carry your mobile phone in the front pocket of your trousers, but instead use wireless headsets.

Seasonality

As Israeli scientists have found out, sperm cells also have a seasonality factor. Studies have shown that sperm quality in men is significantly higher during the spring season.

According to scientists, sperm cells show the greatest activity during this period. Due to the fact that daylight hours increase, the structure that is responsible for the endocrine and nervous systems reacts to this. Also, in the spring, the risks of having a child with various genetic diseases decrease. Therefore, it is in the spring that it is best to plan for conceiving a child.

Read about the indications for fertilization using the IMSI method

Read also:Symptoms and treatment of gardnerellosis in men

A source: https://HMC-Israel.org.il/news/5-faktorov-kotorye-vliyayut-na-kachestvo-spermy-2017-07-09

Sperm quality and methods for its improvement

Medical statistics say that 40% of infertile couples cannot conceive a child due to male health problems.

In particular, this is the viability, mobility, activity of male sperm cells. Therefore, if a couple is infertile, doctors definitely advise a man to be examined. The main diagnostic method is spermogram, otherwise - semen analysis.

Spermatozoa are male germ cells that are highly susceptible to negative factors. The quality of the spermogram can be influenced by both diseases and the nature of the diet, lifestyle, etc.

Factors affecting the quality of the spermogram

Male factor of infertility plays a role in 40-48% of cases. Therefore, in order to make an accurate diagnosis and find out the cause of the pathology, a mandatory check is necessary. the quality of the semen analysis, as the results will have a direct impact on the methods and effectiveness treatment.

The quality of the spermogram depends on many internal and external factors, some can be influenced independently, others can be eliminated only with the help of qualified specialists.

External factors:

  • Stress;
  • Obesity: pathology causes hormonal disorders and reduces fertility;
  • Bad habits;
  • Overheating of the testicles (tight underwear, hot procedures, etc.): it has been scientifically proven that high temperature negatively affects spermatogenesis and cell parameters;
  • Medications;
  • Frequency of sexual activity: Frequent sexual intercourse and prolonged abstinence negatively affects the quality of the spermogram and sperm fertility.

Internal factors:

  • Autoimmune processes;
  • Pathology of the genitourinary system (prostatitis, STIs, hepatitis, mumps and others): the quality of the spermogram can significantly decrease with various infectious and inflammatory processes;
  • Injuries;
  • Pathology of the vas deferens.

Preparation for sperm analysis

Today, taking a spermogram is not considered something out of the ordinary, although a man does not always easily decide on such a procedure. Subconsciously, he fears that the results of the spermogram will reveal any problems in the intimate sphere. And men are very kind to this. However, the desire to have children in the family overpowers all psychological complexes.

The study can be done in the direction of a doctor or at your own request by contacting a special center. The man should prepare for the analysis as follows:

- refrain from sexual intercourse;

- do not drink alcohol;

- to reduce the consumption of tea, coffee, tobacco;

- avoid taking medications;

- do not overheat, do not visit the bathhouse, sauna, hot bath.

All the rules must be observed within 3-7 days before taking an analysis called a spermogram. Good preparation is the key to good research.

During the procedure itself, the man collects semen in a special container and transfers it to a specialist in a medical institution, who sends the semen for analysis.

Spermogram norm and deviations

The research time takes no more than an hour. Therefore, in the next day, the man gets the result. Now you can compare the spermogram indicators with the norms. It is good if the help is provided by a qualified specialist, that is, a medical professional. However, you can do it yourself. When the spermogram is passed, the norms are easy to find on the Internet in the form of special tables.

How to understand if the spermogram is bad or good? Normative tables usually indicate:

1. Physical parameters of sperm:

- volume;

- Colour;

- viscosity;

- pH level;

2. Microscopic parameters of sperm:

- the number of seed cells;

- sperm motility;

- the content of other cells and a number of other parameters.

Judging by the results of the spermogram, we can conclude why it is not possible to conceive a child. About problems on the part of a man such indicators may indicate:

- head pathology;

- low sperm motility;

- insufficient number of them;

- reduced fertility.

However, this does not mean that infertility is now becoming a sentence for a man.

Sperm quality assessment and its parameters

Ejaculate volume is an important characteristic.

Semen is necessary to protect sperm from destruction (it alkalizes the environment vagina), and for successful fertilization, active sperm must have time to penetrate into the cavity uterus.

Normally, the volume of ejaculate should be 3-5 ml. If the indicator is less than 2 ml (oligospermia), then this may indicate hypofunction of the testicles and gonads and cause male infertility.

Ejaculate dilution time - this parameter is studied by determining the viscosity of the semen. Normally, the ejaculate liquefies in 10-40 minutes, if the process is delayed, then this may indicate a pathology of the prostate.

Sperm acidity can indicate initial reproductive and sexual dysfunction. Normally, the pH level is 7.2-8.0.

Sperm count - this parameter has a direct impact on the quality of the spermogram. The norm should contain approximately 20-120 million / ml.

Sperm motility is no less important than their concentration. Sex gametes are divided into 4 categories: A - fast rectilinear movement, B - slow rectilinear movement, C - circular movement, D - complete immobility. Normally, sperm of all categories are present in the ejaculate, with a high quality of spermogram A + B should be more than 50%, or A more than 25%.

Sperm agglutination (sperm adhesion) is a sign of a compromised immune system that affects sperm fertility.

Sperm aggregation - gluing due to the components of the ejaculate, does not affect fertility.

Antisperm antibodies - antibodies produced against sperm cells. They immobilize them, prevent fertilization. These antibodies can form in both the male and female body.

All parameters of the spermogram change over time, so the quality of the spermogram can be influenced in different ways. In addition, to increase the objectivity of the data obtained, it is recommended to take the analysis twice with an interval of 2 weeks.

It is possible to improve the spermogram

The question that a person should ask if he has a bad spermogram is: what to do? It is possible to improve the quality of the spermogram only after obtaining an adequate interpretation of the analysis results. Not all sperm parameters affect fertility, although a large amount of negative data can generally negatively affect the possibility of fertilization.

Before proceeding to improve the quality of the spermogram, it is necessary to determine the cause of the development of the pathology, as well as the degree of damage. In some cases, you can improve the quality of the spermogram on your own, following a number of recommendations.

But in other situations, it is necessary to seek the qualified help of a specialist to prescribe therapeutic measures.

There are certain rules that will help improve the performance of a study such as a spermogram. Treatment often may not even be necessary, it is enough to establish a normal lifestyle.

Namely:

 - avoid alcohol: spirits and beer increase the level of female hormones estrogen, which reduces the quality of sperm;

- smoke less or completely say goodbye to this habit, which worsens the condition of the seminal fluid;

- to establish proper nutrition: doctors are sure that sometimes only this can improve the spermogram change, reducing the amount of unhealthy fats and carbohydrates, enriching the diet with protein, vegetables and fruits, fish, dairy products;

- reduce the consumption of foods with estrogenic activity - legumes, various types of cabbage;

- normalization of weight also leads to an improvement in the quality of the spermogram.

It is clear that a lot depends on the spouse of the man to whom the spermogram was assigned. How to improve the quality of the spermogram - this question is usually of a woman's concern no less than a man. Therefore, spouses can work together to improve nutrition, physical activity, and life without stress. Moreover, the diet in the family most often depends on the woman to a greater extent.

Foods for improving the quality of spermogram:

  • Garlic: contains vitamin B6, selenium, allicin - has a positive effect on the blood flow of the reproductive system, protects sperm from damage, increases libido, strengthens the immune system, normalizes hormonal background;
  • Nuts: Includes zinc, which affects testosterone concentration;
  • Bananas: consist of vitamins A, B1, C, magnesium and proteins, all of these components stimulate the formation of sperm and regulate hormonal activity;
  • Avocado: vit. E, folic acid, B6 - increase sperm motility, regulate the function of the gonads, increase libido;
  • Asparagus: includes vitamin C, increases sperm vitality and activity, increases semen volume;
  • Tomatoes: contain lycopene, which affects many parameters of the spermogram;
  • Apples: improve the quality of the spermogram and increase the sperm count;
  • Pumpkin seeds: contain zinc, omega-3 fatty acids - affect sexual function, sperm count, testosterone levels;
  • Oysters: a source of zinc;
  • Pomegranate: increases libido, sperm count.

Special substances to improve the quality of spermogram

However, it is not uncommon for problems to be solved only by improving the way of life. Special drugs will help.

A proven remedy for improving sperm quality is royal jelly. Experts advise choosing drone from all types. Use the drug in half a teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach, dissolving under the tongue. Stored in a cool place.

Zinc and other trace elements that improve the seminal fluid of men are found in pumpkin seeds, beans, and wholemeal bread. Honey is definitely useful. From greens, parsley, celery, cilantro are good for solving this problem.

Special drugs to improve spermogram after receiving the results will be prescribed by a doctor. As prescribed by a physician, a man can receive hormone therapy. This will increase the production of male hormones and normalize sperm.

It is also good to take a course of taking dietary supplements containing zinc and vitamin E. All this contributes to the improvement of the spermogram and the achievement of the set goal - the conception of a child.

A source: http://www.best-ivf.ru/patients/uluchshenie-pokazanij-spermogrammy

Semen analysis: semen analysis and rate

Semen analysis or spermogram is a laboratory test of the ejaculate, which is carried out with the aim of revealing the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg or determining a hidden urogenital infections. Latent infections are chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, Trichomonas, etc.

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In addition, this analysis is taken by men who are sperm donors, and before preparing for in vitro fertilization of a woman.

There are certain parameters of the ejaculate, on the basis of which the semen is assessed (volume, viscosity, color, pH level, white blood cell count, dilution time, etc.).

Preparation

To get reliable data, a man needs to properly prepare himself. There is a list of guidelines that a man must adhere to before donating sperm for analysis:

  • You can donate semen no earlier than 14 days after the treatment of a genitourinary infection.
  • Some medications can affect the spermogram readings, so if a man is taking medication, he should inform his doctor about it.
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages a week before taking this test.
  • Do not visit baths or saunas for 7 days before the day of sperm analysis.
  • The man is advised to give up hot baths. Warm souls are preferred.
  • During the week before the analysis, you need to limit the amount and intensity of physical activity. This also applies to physical activity, such as riding a bike or going to the gym.
  • 3-4 days before the analysis, a man is advised to refrain from any sexual intercourse, as well as masturbation. But the decoding of the spermogram can show a reduced sperm quality if the man has not had sexual intercourse for a long time. For this reason, sperm is taken from the patient, provided that sexual abstinence does not exceed 5 days.
  • The last urination before the delivery of biological material should be at least 5 hours ago.

It is not recommended to use any personal hygiene products in the evening before sample collection. Soap or shower gel contains chemical components that can distort the obtained spermogram data.

It is worth noting that on an individual basis, this list can be supplemented, therefore, before taking an analysis, you should clarify all the necessary requirements for its preparation with a doctor.

Collection of biological material for research

Sperm donation for analysis takes place in a specialized medical institution. The man is directed to a room designated for this, where the patient must masturbate to collect his seminal fluid in a sterile container.

Collecting analysis through interrupted intercourse or from a condom is not allowed, as the results may be distorted. For semen analysis, all the semen that is released from a man at one time is required.

Some clinics provide an opportunity for a man to collect sperm at home.

To do this, they give the patient a special thermal container in which the man must keep the sample for analysis until it is delivered to the laboratory.

The test results are issued the next day. In case of minor deviations from the norm, the patient is recommended to re-take the analysis after 2 weeks in order to compare the results and make sure their authenticity.

If the result remains the same, the doctor prescribes additional examinations to identify the cause of the pathology.

In the event that the patient has a suspicion of having a genital infection, treatment begins after the results of the first spermogram are received.

Decoding spermogram

According to the established norms, the biochemical analysis of semen is considered satisfactory with the following parameters:

  • Volume. Normally, it should be in the range of 2-5ml-5ml. If this indicator is less than 2 ml, then this indicates a disturbance in the work of the vas deferens, prostate gland or seminal vesicles. An insufficient amount of seed fluid is characterized by a name such as oligospermia. In addition to pathological processes, the volume of semen can be affected by improper preparation for the delivery of sperm for analysis. If a man ignores the rule of abstinence before collecting biological material, this will affect the volume of ejaculate. And this, in turn, can become a reason that prevents the conception of a child, since the acidic environment of the vagina has a detrimental effect on sperm, and a decrease in their number due to a small volume reduces their chances of survival.
  • Liquefaction time. After ejaculation, semen is a viscous liquid, but after a while it becomes liquid. This process occurs under the action of enzymes that the prostate gland secretes. The liquefaction time normally ranges from 10-60 minutes. If a man's sperm remains viscous after 60 minutes, there is a possibility that his prostate gland is not functioning well.
  • Sperm acidity. This indicator should normally be within the pH range of 7.2–8. This pH level allows sperm to move towards the uterus by decreasing the acidity of the vagina. The level of acidity in the spermogram is not an indicator on the basis of which an exact pathology can be established. This parameter can cause misdiagnosis in the presence of other abnormalities.
  • Semen color and odor. This indicator does not really matter, since microscopic examination makes it possible to accurately establish the number of erythrocytes and spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Normally, the color can be white, with a gray or yellow tint. If the color of the seminal fluid is red (brown), then this indicates the presence of blood in the sample. The appearance of blood in the semen can be a consequence of the appearance of a tumor, injury to the prostate gland, or the presence of a stone in it. The smell of ejaculate is given by the substance sperm secreted by the prostate gland. It is often compared to the scent of a flowering chestnut tree.
  • Leukocytes. The permissible content of leukocytes in the analysis sample is 1 million. for 1 ml. An increase in the level of leukocytes indicates inflammatory processes in the genitals of a man. The cause can be urogenital infections, prostatitis, orchitis.
  • Red blood cells and mucus. According to the standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO), there should be no red blood cells and mucus in the ejaculate. The presence of red blood cells in semen is a serious symptom that can be caused by a tumor, gland stones, trauma, or vesiculitis. Mucus in the analysis indicates the course of inflammation in the accessory gonads.

Sperm motility

There are 4 types of sperm motility:

  • Actively mobile with rectilinear movement (A). This type includes healthy, newly formed sperm. They move at a speed of approximately 0.025mm / s. Normally, there should be at least 25% of such actively motile spermatozoa in one sample of the analysis.
  • Progressively weakly mobile with rectilinear movement (B). Their movement speed is 0.025mm / s. This type includes spermatozoa that are more than 24 hours old. They are called "aging" sperm, and their number increases significantly with abstinence for more than 5 days. According to the established norms, one sample of a man's biological material must contain at least 25% of such spermatozoa, and the total A + B amount must exceed 50%.
  • Sedentary with rotational or oscillatory motion (C) - from 10 to 20%.
  • Fixed (D). These are sperm cells that are on the verge of dying or have already died. Their number should be minimal - 10-15%.

When sperm motility decreases, then this is called asthenozoospermia, the reasons for its appearance have not yet been fully understood.

At risk are men whose occupation is associated with work at elevated temperature conditions (cook, bath attendant, hot shop employees, etc.).

Asthenozoospermia can be caused by negative exposure to toxic or radiation waste, the presence of infection, tight underwear, stress, smoking, hypovitaminosis and immunological factors.

Sperm quality assessment

The density of sperm is estimated by their number in 1 ml of ejaculate, as well as in the total volume of semen. The total amount of biological material handed over by a man for analysis should normally contain from 40 to 500 million sperm. In 1 ml of ejaculate - from 20 to 120 mln. An increase in sperm density is characterized by polyzoospermia, and a decrease is characterized by oligozoospermia.

The morphological parameter makes it possible to understand how much sperm with a normal structure is contained in the sample, which allows the fertilization of the egg.

Healthy semen must contain at least 40% of the sperm suitable for fertilization. Deterioration of the morphological picture is considered if this indicator is less than 20%.

Bonding or agglutination is another indicator that can be used to determine the presence of infection, immune system disease, or inflammation of the gonads.

When glued together, the sperm lose their ability to move normally, which reduces the likelihood of conception.

The agglutination process can be caused by the presence of mucus or antisperm antibodies in semen (immunoglobulins).

To make an accurate diagnosis and find out what triggered this phenomenon, an additional MAR test is performed. If the amount of immunoglobulins in semen exceeds 50%, then this can lead to the development of infertility.

Spermogram makes it possible to assess the quality of the sperm for fertilization of the egg. On its basis, it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis of urogenital infection or other sexually transmitted diseases (if any), but the analysis of semen indirectly indicates their presence.

Therefore, if for any reason the doctor recommends this study, the man should not give it up.

To improve spermogram indices, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, consult a doctor in a timely manner if you suspect an infection or other pathology, and also not to postpone treatment.

A source: https://AnnaHelp.ru/diagnostika/analiz-spermy.html

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