Sperm Check
Semen testing is the most common method used to determine male fertility and identify factors that may cause infertility.
It also aims to analyze the health of sperm. Sperm is found in the semen released during ejaculation.
Semen analysis measures three main factors of sperm health, namely:
- Sperm count ( concentration ).
- Sperm shape and size ( morphology ).
- Sperm movement ( motility ).
In order to get ideal examination results regarding sperm health, the doctor will perform 2-3 sperm checks to get an average sample.
Average semen sampling can provide convincing results because sperm counts can vary from day to day.
Why Should You Do a Sperm Check?
Low sperm production can cause infertility in men or a decreased ability to conceive a partner. Based on this, a sperm check is very important to do.
A semen test to ensure there are no sperm in the semen should also be performed by a man who has had a vasectomy.
In a vasectomy, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis are cut or blocked to prevent sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation to prevent fertilization.
Doctors often recommend that men have a semen analysis once a month for three months after a vasectomy to ensure that there are no more sperm in the patient’s semen.
When Should You Do a Sperm Check?
A sperm check is done when a couple has difficulty conceiving. With this test, the doctor can find out whether a person is fertile or not.
In addition, sperm checks can also determine the number of sperm, whether the sperm is thin or not, and the possibility of sperm dysfunction which can affect infertility.
How to Do a Sperm Check?
To perform a sperm test, the doctor will ask you to provide a semen sample.
Usually, you will be asked to ejaculate into a container provided.
For 2–5 days before the sperm test, your doctor may ask you not to have sex or masturbate. This is done to ensure the highest sperm count.
However, do not avoid ejaculation for more than two weeks before the test as this can produce a sample with less active sperm.
It is best to avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine before a semen analysis. You should also tell your doctor about any medications and herbal supplements you may be taking regularly.
Do not use lubricants when collecting the sample as this can affect how easily your sperm moves.
To get the most accurate results, your doctor will test more than one sample. Therefore, you will need to provide another sample within 2–3 weeks. This is because semen samples from the same man can vary.
Sometimes you also need to collect a sperm sample at home with the requirement to store it at room temperature and take it to the doctor or lab within 1 hour.
What are the Criteria for Normal Sperm?
When doctors analyze semen test results, there are many factors to consider.
Normal sperm will show results that include:
1. Sperm shape
The shape and size of sperm can affect their ability to fertilize an egg. Normally, semen will have at least more than 50 percent of normally shaped sperm.
2. Sperm movement
How many and how well the active sperm move also affects sperm health. In ideal conditions, about 50% or more of a sperm sample should have active motility.
3. pH content in sperm
The pH level in sperm should be between 7.2 to 7.8 as a normal criterion. If the pH content of sperm is above 8.0 it can indicate an infection.
However, if the pH is less than 7.0, the sperm has been contaminated or there is a blockage in the ejaculatory duct.
4. Sperm volume
Normal semen should have more than 2 milliliters. Because a small or low volume of semen can be an indication of low sperm count.
However, excessive semen volume can also mean that the sperm contained in it is thin.
5. The ability of sperm to liquefy
It takes 15 to 30 minutes for semen to become liquid. The ability of semen to liquefy can help sperm move.
Fertility can be affected if semen does not liquefy within that time.
6. Sperm count
Normal sperm count is 20 million to more than 200 million sperm. This is called sperm density.
7. Sperm color
Normal sperm is whitish to gray in color. Yellow sperm can indicate a disease or side effect of medication.
In addition, reddish-brown sperm can indicate the presence of blood.
Meanwhile, abnormal sperm will have difficulty reaching and penetrating the egg cell.
Abnormalities in the sperm may indicate the following:
- Infertility.
- Low sperm count.
- Infection.
- Hormonal imbalance.
- Various diseases, such as diabetes.
- Genetic defect.
- There is radiation exposure.
When the results are abnormal, the doctor will recommend that you take additional tests, namely:
- Genetic testing.
- Hormone test.
- Urine test after ejaculation.
- Taking tissue samples from the testicles.
- Testing for anti-sperm immune cells.
