Fertility issues are quite common among both men and women. Today, if a couple struggles with conception, both partners are checked for their fertility to determine the exact cause of infertility. For a female, an analysis of the egg reserve, fallopian tubes and uterine health can help understand more about her fertility and for a male, a semen analysis can help.
Semen is the thick liquid released when a man ejaculates. It is usually whitish grey in colour. It contains the sperm, fluids that help lubricate the sperm’s path, proteins, minerals and vitamins that help fuel the sperm.
Though all of this enters the woman’s vagina during ejaculation, only the healthy sperm is required for a successful conception. Of all the liquid that enters, only the healthy sperm manage to travel up the cervix and reach the egg waiting to descend the fallopian tube. The rest are all flushed out.
A semen analysis is a clinical test that examines the semen under a microscope. A semen sample is collected and analysed for the sperm count, motility and morphology. A semen analysis is usually recommended when a couple is having difficulty conceiving or soon after a vasectomy to ensure the surgery is a success and no semen is leaving the body.
A semen analysis will typically check the sperm count, if they are well-formed, how they move, how much semen is ejaculated and how long it takes for the thick semen to liquefy enough to travel through the vagina.
These details are necessary to understand the overall semen quality. It helps doctors identify issues with the male partner’s fertility. In some cases, men with poor semen analysis results can still impregnate their partners successfully. Similarly, men with good semen analysis results may still struggle to impregnate their partners. This could be due to various other factors, and a semen analysis can help rule out issues with the sperm.
Once you fix an appointment with the clinic, you should refrain from any sexual activity for about 2-7 days before the test. The clinic technician or healthcare provider will provide you with all the necessary details.
On the day of the test, you will need to ejaculate into a sterile cup at the clinic. Some clinics also accept samples collected at your home. Ensure you use only the provided container and submit the sample within the specified timeframe.
Your hand and penis must be clean and free of any product when you collect the sample. Refrain from using the semen that does not go into the container directly. Even if your sample quantity is too low, refrain from collecting the semen spilt outside the container, as it will be contaminated.
Your container will be labelled and sent for analysis. You may need to wait a few days to receive the results. The duration can vary from lab to lab.
Since the semen quantity and sperm count vary from day to day, you may need to do a follow-up test after a few days. This helps clinics confirm a diagnosis in case the sperm count or semen quality is not up to the mark.
Not all test results are easy to understand. Despite the ranges clearly mentioned in the lab result, you need to understand what those parameters are to understand the overall result.
Your semen analysis test results will contain ranges of various readings. Remember, the ranges can vary from clinic to clinic, and it is important to get an explanation from the lab or clarify your doubts by consulting your doctor. Your doctor may even ask you to take more than one such test to compare the results before confirming a diagnosis.
A typical semen analysis interpretation is based on these factors:
● pH Scale – This indicates the quality of your semen. Semen is slightly alkaline and can range between 7.2 and 7.8. This range facilitates good sperm motility and viability. Anything exceeding these ranges can indicate a possible issue that could be affecting one’s fertility.
● Semen Volume – Indicates the volume of semen collected in the sample. Typically, 1.5 to 7.6 mL of semen should be produced per ejaculation. Anything less can reduce the concentration of sperm produced. Anything more can cause dilution, which again affects fertility.
● Sperm Density – Refers to the number of sperm per mL of semen. Anything less than 15 million sperm per mL of semen indicates a low sperm count.
● Sperm Morphology – Refers to the shape and size of the sperm. A sperm contains three parts: a head, a body and a tail. When the majority of the sperm in the sample do not meet the required criteria, it is abnormal sperm morphology, which can cause infertility.
● Sperm Motility – Measures the quantity and quality of the sperm’s movement. A minimum of 40% motility is necessary for the sperm to fertilise the egg successfully.
● Time to Liquefaction – The semen contains proteins, which cause coagulation after ejaculation. Liquefaction refers to the time it takes for the semen to change into a liquid state, for the sperm to move freely. Delayed liquefaction can cause fertility issues.
● Vitality – Refers to the percentage of live sperm found in the sample collected. Less than 58% can cause infertility.
Abnormal test results indicate difficulty or challenges in successful conception. Abnormal test results could be just one of the reasons for fertility struggles for a couple. Unless they take various other tests (for both partners) and rule out other issues, doctors cannot confirm the issue is with only the male partner.
The test results soon after a vasectomy will show traces of sperm. This does not mean the surgery was a failure. It will take a few weeks before the semen sample shows zero sperm count. Until then, the couple has to use other forms of protection to avoid pregnancy.
If the semen analysis shows poor semen quality or low sperm count, consult your fertility specialist for further guidance. Avoid taking medications or supplements without a prescription, as they can affect your overall health. Sometimes, it can be due to an underlying health condition. Identifying and addressing the health issue can help improve semen quality.
Yes, both semen quantity and quality can be improved by making the following changes –
● Improving Diet – Increase intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, foods rich in antioxidants, zinc and folate. Reduce your intake of processed and fatty foods, as well as red meat.
● Active Lifestyle – Regular moderate exercise can help improve overall health, hormone production and semen quality.
● Stress Management – Stress can play a big role in sperm count and quality. Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or a hobby.
● Manage Weight – Being overweight or underweight can negatively impact semen quality. Maintaining a healthy weight range can help improve the semen.
● Prioritise Sleep – Try to get sufficient quality sleep every night. Avoiding late nights and going to bed around the same time every day can help to a great extent.
● Avoid Substance Abuse – Refrain from smoking, alcohol and drugs to improve both sperm count and quality in a short while.
● Environmental Exposure – Exposure to excess heat, chemicals, radiation and toxins can affect semen quality. Limiting such exposures can have a positive impact.
● Medical Help – Consult your fertility specialist to understand the exact cause behind poor semen quality or quantity and address the issue. Treating underlying health conditions and using prescribed supplements can help.
A semen analysis is a very helpful test when it comes to understanding male fertility. When a couple struggles to conceive naturally, the problem could be with one, both or neither of the partners. A semen analysis helps identify if and where the exact problem is when it comes to the male partner.
