Fertility Treatments
Sperm Analysis: A Comprehensive Guide for Male Fertility Testing
The spermogram serves as the foundational examination for diagnosing male infertility, providing detailed insights into both the macroscopic and microscopic attributes of sperm.
Conducting a Spermogram
For accuracy, the test requires a period of 2 to 5 days of sexual abstinence before sample collection. The analysis should then be performed within an hour after ejaculation to ensure the integrity of the sperm sample.
Evaluating Key Sperm Characteristics
The spermogram focuses on several critical aspects of sperm health:
- Mobility: The ability of sperm to move efficiently.
- Concentration: The number of sperm cells present per unit of semen.
- Vitality: The proportion of live sperm cells within the sample.
Spermocytogram: Assessing Sperm Morphology
A spermocytogram complements the spermogram by examining sperm shape and structure using the modified David classification. This involves the detailed analysis of at least 100 sperm cells to assess morphological normality.
Interpreting Sperm Analysis Results
Sperm analysis can yield various outcomes, each providing insight into potential fertility issues:
- Normozoospermia: Indicating normal sperm characteristics.
- Hypospermia: Reduced semen volume.
- Aspermia: Complete absence of semen.
- Leukocytospermia: Elevated white blood cell count in semen.
- Haemospermia: Presence of blood cells in semen.
- Oligozoospermia: Lowered sperm concentration.
- Asthenozoospermia: Diminished sperm movement.
- Necrozoospermia: Reduced live sperm count.
- Cryptozoospermia: Sperm detected only after semen centrifugation.
- Azoospermia: No sperm found, even after centrifugation.
- Teratozoospermia: Reduced percentage of normally shaped sperm.
- Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia: A combination of low concentration, poor mobility, and abnormal morphology.
Follow-up on Abnormal Results
If initial spermogram results indicate abnormalities, a follow-up analysis is recommended after 3 months. Variations in sperm quality can result from several factors, including recent illness or medication use, making reevaluation crucial for accurate assessment.
Understanding the results of a spermogram and subsequent spermocytogram is essential for addressing male infertility, with retesting offering a clearer picture of fertility status over time.