What is a semen analysis?
Seminogram, also called spermogram or spermiogram, is a diagnostic test whose objective is to analyze the quality of semen. The parameters taken into account are, on the one hand, the volume, liquefaction, viscosity, color and pH of the semen, and on the other hand, the concentration, motility, vitality, morphology and presence of epithelial cells or leukocytes of the spermatozoa.
What does the semen analysis consist of?
The patient must collect a semen sample in a sterile container, always by masturbation and after having urinated and washed his hands and genitals. It is important to obtain the total ejaculate sample, since, if a part is lost, the analysis will not be representative and will not be considered valid. Once the sample has been collected, it should be given to the clinic for analysis.
In the case that the sample is taken at home, it should be taken into account that the period between the collection and delivery of the sample must be a maximum of one hour, and that, during transport, the temperature should not be less than 5 ºC.
The semen analysis studies the characteristics of the spermatozoa and their capacity to achieve fertilization and pregnancy.
Why is a semen analysis performed?
The purpose of this test is to check if there is any type of male infertility and to evaluate the possibilities of achieving pregnancy.
Preparation for the semen analysis
It is important to follow the following advice before collecting the semen sample:
- Do not have sex (neither intercourse nor masturbation) between 48 hours and seven days before the test (ideally five days).
- Do not apply ointments during the eight hours prior to semen collection.
Meaning of abnormal semen analysis results
The main problems that can be diagnosed in a seminogram and lead to infertility are:
- Oligospermia (low sperm count).
- Azoospermia (absence of spermatozoa)
- Asthenozoospermia (sperm motility problems)
- Teratozoospermia (sperm morphology problems)
- Hypospermia (low seminal volume).
Having any of these problems may prevent fertilization and therefore the ability to achieve pregnancy. Therefore, it is possible that the couple may require assisted reproduction treatment to conceive.