SEMEN QUALITY ANALYSIS
About SEMEN QUALITY ANALYSIS
Semen Analysis
A semen analysis looks at the volume and quality of sperm. It’s one of the first steps in detecting fertility issues. A semen analysis also shows whether a vasectomy was successful. The test involves collecting a semen sample and evaluating it in a lab.
When is a semen analysis performed?
A healthcare provider may recommend a semen analysis for:
Infertility. If you’re having difficulty conceiving a biological child, there may be an abnormality in your semen. A semen analysis evaluates the health of your sperm and the likelihood that you can cause a pregnancy.
Vasectomy follow-up. A vasectomy is a type of permanent birth control that stops sperm from entering your semen and leaving your body. A semen analysis determines whether a vasectomy was successful.
What does a sperm analysis include?
For a fertility test, a semen analysis looks at:
pH scale. Your pH scale is the levels of acids and bases in your semen. If your semen is too acidic, it can affect the health of your sperm.
Semen volume. Semen volume is the amount of semen in the sample (in millimeters).
Sperm concentration (density). Sperm concentration is the number of sperm per millimeter of semen.
Sperm morphology. Sperm morphology is the size and shape of your sperm.
Sperm motility. Sperm motility is the ability of your sperm to swim.
Time to liquefaction. Time to liquefaction is how quickly your semen changes from a sticky substance to a fluid.
Vitality. Vitality is the percent of live sperm in your semen sample.
White blood cells. The presence of white blood cells may be a sign of infection or inflammation.
A post-vasectomy semen analysis checks to see whether your semen contains sperm. Expected results show no sperm or very few nonmoving sperm. Abnormal results show moving sperm or high numbers of nonmoving sperm.
What to expect after the semen analysis?
After a semen analysis, a healthcare provider may schedule another semen analysis a few days or weeks later. Multiple semen analyses help them get a more accurate idea of your sperm production.