A Guide To Interpreting Sperm Test Results
A sperm count test, commonly known as a sperm analysis, determines the health and viability of a man’s sperm. Semen is the fluid generated after ejaculation that contains sperm. In this article, we will learn more about sperm results. The test can provide information about your fertility. Sperm shape, motility, pH, volume, liquefaction, sperm count, and appearance are all evaluated.
The first stage in evaluating fertility is the sperm test result, which might reveal several issues that prevent couples from conceiving naturally.
A sperm analysis will tell you how your sample compares to the average fertile male, but it will not tell you the whole story. Sperm count, concentration, and volume are the three most important results.
A sperm count test is also known as a sperm analysis. The test may give you details about your fertility. Sperm shape, motility, pH, volume, liquefaction, sperm count, and appearance are all evaluated.
Why should you have a sperm analysis?
Male infertility testing
When couples are experiencing difficulty conceiving, a sperm analysis is frequently recommended. The test will assist a doctor in determining whether a man is infertile. The research will also help determine whether a low sperm count or sperm malfunction causes infertility.
Semen analysis is performed on males who have had vasectomy procedures to ensure there are no sperm present. To permanently prevent pregnancy, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis are cut and sealed during a vasectomy. To ensure sperm is no longer present in their semen, doctors frequently advise men to undergo sperm analysis once per month for three months following a vasectomy.
How to Get Ready for a Sperm Analysis?
Your doctor will tell you how to prepare for the sperm analysis. It is critical to follow these directions exactly if you want precise results.
How is sperm analysis carried out?
A sperm sample must be provided to your doctor for a sperm analysis. There are four primary methods for obtaining a sperm sample:
- Masturbation
- Sex using a condom
- Before ejaculation, have sex with withdrawal.
- Ejaculation induced by electricity
- Masturbation is said to be the best approach to obtaining a clean sample.
Interpreting the results of a semen analysis test results
Understanding the various metrics and what they signify might help when interpreting the results of a semen analysis test.
The following essential considerations should be made when evaluating the outcomes of a semen analysis test:
To assess male fertility, many sperm analysis tests can be carried out. The most typical test is a semen analysis, which counts and evaluates sperm and semen in both number and quality.
The outcomes are examined for sperm motility, shape, volume, liquefaction, count, and appearance. Sperm volume, concentration, and count are the three key findings. Sperm motility, or the quantity of moving sperm, and progressive motility, or the quantity of moving sperm that do so in a straight line, are additional crucial metrics.
The study of the sperm will also entail a look at its pH, morphology, and general appearance.
The two most popular sperm-zona pellucida binding tests, the hemizona assay (HZA) and a competitive intact-zona binding assay are examples of additional tests that can be run to assess male fertility.
Male fertility testing can also check for anti-sperm antibodies, interactions between cervical mucus and sperm, hamster egg penetration, hormone evaluation, and X-Y sperm sorting. The main goals of the semen analysis are to determine whether any intervention is required and, if so, to choose the best course of action.
How much time does a semen analysis test take?
Depending on the laboratory and the location of the test, a semen analysis test might take a variety of time. The following are some general principles:
It is advised to refrain from ejaculatory sexual activity for two to three days before the test.
Using a special condom provided by the healthcare practitioner during intercourse or masturbating into a sterile jar or cup is the recommended sample collection method.
Within 30 minutes of collection, the sample must be transported to the lab and analyzed within 2 hours.
Semen analysis test outcomes are frequently accessible in a matter of business days.
A semen analysis test is anticipated to be completed in 4-6 days.
Conclusion
A semen analysis is a diagnostic procedure that assesses the quantity and caliber of sperm and semen. The test is used to determine whether a sperm or semen issue is likely to cause infertility or to assist in determining the reason for infertility.
Although far from ideal, semen characteristics might help determine the kind of treatment a couple may require. To decide on the best course of action, reviewing the results with a healthcare professional is critical.
