Most commonly prescribed test for male fertility evaluation is semen analysis .
It is very basic test . It gives very important information for further plan and management
Semen should be collected by masturbation (preferably) but on rare occasion it can be collected with seminal collection condoms during sexual relation.
Certain time anxiety and fear may produce inhibition and even normal population also it can not be collected perfectly.
Some times vibrator therapy can be useful for collection. On rare occasion one specific machine needed that having probe that will be inserted through anal region and under anesthesia it is collected( electro ekaculation) . This therapy may be needed for spine problems and paralysis.
2-5 days abstinence (not ejaculated by relation or masturbation) is ideal.
Semen volume, sperm count per ml and per ejaculate , sperm morphology, motility and ph observed.
No semen expelled(aspermia) or very low volume ejaculate( hypovoumic semen)
It may suggest obstruction in the semen travelling system . It should be properly examined by Uroandrologist. Investigation in the form of trus( specific sonography) is advised.
If the count is less than 15 million per ml than it’s low count considered.
It’s callled Oligospermia.
If motility is not good, means either non progressive or immotile than it is called asthenospermia.
Sometimes it is important to differentiate dead Sperms or immotile sperm by specific sperm vitality test.
Among most of the normal population morphology ( quality) is good in 4 percent of Sperms.
So if morphology is not good it is called teratozoospermia.
If together all three abnormalities present it is called oligoasthenoteratozoospermia(OAT)
Usually we advocate minimum 2-3 samples at different occasions.
If nil Sperm count Id there it is called Azoospermia
Some times pus cells are present in semen so they are producing reactive oxygen species (bad products that will damage our body) and they are detrimental to Sperm counts .
So pyosospermia means infection in semen is also have to identify and treat with specific antibiotics ( under guidance of Uroandrologist-no self medication)
On rare occasion blood in semen( hematospermia) found.
In most cases it is sign of infection but malignancy ( cancer) should also be excluded.
Role of good embryologist is very helpful in this regard.
Any couple having fertility issue should first undergo semen analysis because it is so simple and non invasive as compared to investigation of female partner .
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