Understanding The Semen Analysis Test Report

Why should you take a Semen Analysis Test?

Usually, a Semen Analysis test cost is prescribed when couples are unable to get pregnant. Many factors could be playing a part when it comes to conception. One of the primary factors is the semen parameter.

Therefore, a sperm analysis is the simplest way to determine whether a low sperm count or other issues with semen may be the reason for infertility.

How is Semen Analysis done?

Before performing the test, a doctor will give you a set of guidelines to follow like azoospermia treatment cost . To get accurate results, these guidelines must be followed. These may include:

• Avoid consumption of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco products or drugs for 5 days before the test.
• Avoid ejaculation for 3 to 5 days before the test.
• Avoid any herbal or hormonal medications as per the doctor’s guidance.

On the day of the test, you will be required to provide your semen sample to the clinic performing the semen examination. There are several ways to do this, however, masturbation remains the preferred and simplest way to do so.

The sample must be collected at and handed over to the clinic within 30 minutes of ejaculation.

Normal Semen Analysis Report

After completing Sperm Analysis, your result should be ready in a day. The analyst who tests the semen is comprehensively looking for several factors that may affect fertility. As mentioned earlier, the shape, number and movement of sperm cells are key factors when determining sperm cell viability. The criteria on which this viability is measured is as follows:

Sperm Shape

The sperm sample is said to be healthy if more than 4% of the sperm cells available are normally shaped as per WHO.

Sperm Count

This should be more than 16 million/ml of ejaculation in a healthy semen sample. And a low number of sperm cells may result in infertility.

Sperm Movement or Motility

To fertilize the egg, the sperm cell must swim to its location through the uterus. Therefore, sperm movement is a key factor in determining male fertility. Healthy sperm should be able to remain motile an hour after ejaculation.42% of the motile sperm of which 30% are forward moving, constitute a healthy semen

Other than these, there are a few more criteria that are looked at during Semen Analysis. These are semen volume(amount), pH factor, liquefaction factor, and appearance of ejaculate.

Abnormal Semen Analysis Report

An abnormal sperm analysis may point to male infertility. It may also indicate several other conditions which include infection, hormonal imbalances, diseases like diabetes, and genetic defects.

Your doctor may recommend several follow up tests in the event of an abnormal result.

Post Semen Analysis Test

Being the key male fertility test, a normal report should indicate that your fertility health is on point. However, if your report was abnormal, the future isn’t so bleak.

There are sexual medically available options through which you can still plan conception. Certain factors causing male infertility can be eliminated with lifestyle changes. Remember, smoking, alcohol and other substance abuse all negatively impact male fertility.

Many clinical methods can be used to plan conception. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) where sperm cells are directly placed into a woman’s uterus. There is also In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) where fertilization takes place outside the body and an embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus. If you face difficulties in conception or are concerned about low sperm count, schedule an appointment with our fertility specialist at Motherhood Fertility & IVF Center.