Testing for male factor infertility can raise several questions. Here at our Los Angeles, CA office, our staff is committed to easing you through this process.
We suggest meeting with a specialist if you and your partner have been trying to conceive for over a year to no avail. To identify the cause, both partners may screen for infertility testing. For the male partner, a semen analysis and physical evaluation will provide a clearer insight on their fertility needs.
What Are the Benefits of a Semen Analysis?
A semen analysis, or semen testing, is a critical test in assessing male infertility; it’s often the first step taken in reaching a diagnosis. The test reveals valuable information into the person’s fertility by evaluating semen volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology.
How Does Semen Testing Work?
Semen testing is a non-invasive procedure that analyzes the quality and viability of a male’s sperm. The procedure goes as follows:
- Sample Collection:
A semen sample is collected by masturbation and funneled into a sterile container provided by a clinic or laboratory. To secure accurate results, the male should abstain from sexual activity for a period of two to five days.
- Visual Inspection:
Upon receiving the sample, a lab technician will perform a visual inspection, notating factors such as:
- Semen Color:
Normal semen should display a white to grayish color.
- Semen Consistency:
This refers to the sample’s thickness or viscosity. An ideal sperm sample’s thickness is measured by how the semen liquefies following ejaculation.
After 20-30 minutes, the semen should liquefy, becoming less thick. It should then transition from a gel-like state to a more fluid consistency.
Moreover, the semen shouldn’t be too thin or watery immediately after ejaculation. An overly watery sample may suggest a low sperm concentration.
A semen sample remaining too thick after 30 minutes, may indicate abnormal viscosity, which may interfere with sperm movement.
- Semen Volume:
The volume is measured and observed - normal semen volume is between 1.5 to 5 milliliters.
Next is the microscopic examination; this aspect of the procedure focuses on the sperm count, motility, morphology, pH level, and presence of infection. Continue reading below to learn more!
What Can You Expect in a Semen Analysis?
In a semen analysis, the objective is to determine the sperm count and fertility potential. The test is comprised of four crucial elements:
- Semen Volume:
Semen is the fluid that carries the sperm from the male reproductive system into the female reproductive tract. The semen volume is the whole amount of seminal fluid produced during ejaculation and plays a significant role in male fertility; it is one of the central components evaluated during an examination.
- Total Sperm Count:
The total sperm count pertains to the total number of sperm present in a sample. The sperm count is critical to reproductive health as it improves the chance that the sperm will successfully reach and fertilize an egg.
Normal total sperm count is generally 39 million sperm or more per ejaculate. Counts below this threshold may be related to oligospermia, or low sperm count, thus impacting a man’s fertility.
- Sperm Motility:
Sperm motility refers to the motion and swimming ability of the sperm. A few categories of sperm motility are as follows:
- Progressive Motility: This movement identifies sperm that travels forward in a straight line or in large circles, displaying effective and purposeful movement. Progressive motility is imperative for sperm to reach the cervical mucus and reach the egg in the fallopian tube.
- Non-Progressive Motility: This type of sperm actively moves, but not as purposefully. Non-Progressive sperm are least likely to reach the egg.
- Immotile: Immotile sperm are non-functional in terms of fertilization, meaning, sperm in this category do not move at all.
- Sperm Morphology:
Sperm morphology refers to the shape and structure of the sperm. A simple observation is made whilst monitoring the anatomical structure and movement of the sperm. Specialists want to ensure that the sperm has the endurance to penetrate the egg.
Normal sperm will have the correct head, midpiece, and tail structures. Around 40-50% of the sperm should have a healthy shape and appearance. Abnormal sperm will display structural defects.
Through this test, we can also identify conditions that may be inhibiting your fertility. This would include infection, pH imbalance, and delayed or retrograde ejaculation. These are all key conditions that may contribute to conception issues.
Understanding Your Semen Analysis Results:
If your test results are abnormal, Dr. Saadat would recommend undergoing a hormone level test. For males, two important hormones for reproduction are testosterone (T) and the follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH).
If deemed necessary, a specialist may introduce an alternative procedure named Testicular Sperm Extraction. This process extracts sperm from the testes, though viability is not determined until the sperm is extracted. A positive is that the viable sperm may be paired with In vitro fertilization (IVF).
Contact a Los Angeles Male Infertility Specialist Today!
If you and your partner are looking to start your infertility journey, testing the male (and female) are critical steps to create an action plan to get pregnant. Our dedicated team will be happy to provide you with more information over the phone and start the consultation process.
Contact us online, or call us at 310-881-8846
