In recent years, medical experts have noticed a massive group of men who are facing fertility issues, which has impacted their marital life. All men are well aware of sperm testing, also known as semen analysis, all around the world. The test is essential as it gives a clear insight into male fertility and sperm health. This testing is a specialized medical procedure that analyzes sperm quality, shape, pH, movement, sperm count, volume, and liquefaction.
Generally, it is said to be a test that gives a factual picture of a man’s sperm health and practicality. For your information, semen is a special fluid like other fluids in our body. However, its specification and composition are different as it contains protein components and other sugars that are released while ejaculating. Typically, semen analysis assesses some key factors associated with sperm health, such as the sperm count and the sperm shape, also known as sperm motility.
When the sample is taken for semen analysis, there are multiple tests performed on that sample to cover various aspects of the sperm’s health. Medical experts recommend taking a semen analysis in repetition every 2 to 3 months because the sperm count changes daily, so the repetitive and continuous testing can provide accuracy in results by calculating an average of the multiple tests.
Why Is Semen Testing Conducted?
Every medical test or procedure has an objective to achieve, whether it’s to evaluate a specific medical condition or measure a substance in the body. In the same way, semen analysis is suggested by medical professionals for couples who are having difficulty conceiving. This test gives a comprehensive report of male fertility through which doctors can identify multiple aspects of male health, such as sperm dysfunction or low sperm count.
Preparation for Semen Analysis
Like other tests that need preparation, such as a diabetes test and fasting before the test, similarly, there are precautions associated with every test. When it comes to semen analysis, there are particular guidelines that must be followed for accuracy in results. Let’s have a look:
- First of all, make sure to avoid ejaculation for at least 24 to 72 hours before the sperm count test.
- Also, stop the intake of any kind of drugs, caffeine, and alcohol three to five days before the sperm test.
- Avoid consumption of any type of herbal medication.
- If you’re using any hormone medications, make sure to avoid them.
Although these instructions are essential to follow, there are two key factors that should be considered of utmost importance;
- The collected sample of the semen must be stored at the body temperature because temperature change can disrupt the results.
- The semen sample should be sent to the laboratory for testing within 30 to 60 minutes of ejaculation.
What is Sperm Test At Home Service?
With the advancements in technology, the medical industry has also developed a lot, and now testing procedures have become easy as the sample can be collected from your home. Home healthcare providers offer high-quality semen analysis at home, including the assessment of sperm count, shape, and motility.
You might be wondering how the home testing works so accurately, well this is because home testing doesn’t mean your sample will be tested at home, it means your sample will be collected from your doorstep so you don’t have to visit a clinic or laboratory and wait in long queues to get tested in an uncomfortable environment.
Once the sample is collected from your home, it is then carried to a laboratory for testing, where several tests are performed to complete the semen analysis perfectly in a controlled environment. Once the testing is done, reports are generated and sent to you with full privacy and safety.
How to Interpret the Sperm Test Results?
When you receive the report for your sperm tests, the first thing you must do is to seek an expert doctor to review the reports and provide professional medical consultation about the factors taking place in the analysis. Here are some of the factors that a doctor considers in your semen analysis report:
1. Sperm Movement/Motility
Sperms present in semen tend to travel to fertilize an egg, and that’s why sperm movement is crucial. Normally, more than 50% of sperms travel for an hour after being released. When semen analysis is performed, it checks the sperm movement, and it is rated on a scale of 0 to 4. When the score is 0, the sperm is immotile, and a score of 3 to 4 is considered to be a good sperm movement.
2. Sperm Shape
In a normal, healthy male, more than 50% of the sperm have an ideal shape, which is a good sign for fertility. But, if a man has less than 50% of normal-shaped sperm, which means the abnormal sperm is more than 50%, then it’s an indication of reduced fertility. However, getting tested determines the abnormalities associated with sperm health, such as a defect in the sperm’s head, midsection, or its other end, called the tail. Moreover, it can be an immaturity in the sperm due to which it is unable to fertilize an egg.
3. pH of the Sperm
We all have heard a lot about pH, mostly in the case of water, acid, and alkalis. However, sperm also has a pH that should be maintained in order to avoid any complexities in fertility. Usually, the sperm pH should range from 7 to 8, and results other than that indicate sperm issues. When the pH level is shown higher than 8 in the test results, it could indicate that the patient has an infection; similarly, if the results are below 7, this indicates the sample is contaminated.
4. Volume
For a positive result, the volume of semen should be more than two milliliters which is considered as an optimal volume. A low volume of semen in the sample may suggest that not enough sperm are present to fertilize an egg, indicating a fertility issue. Another possibility for an increased fluid volume could be diluted sperm.
5. Liquefaction
A normal semen sample should liquefy after 15 to 30 minutes of the sample is taken. Semen is originally thick in texture, but it has the ability to liquefy. It changes to a watery consistency, which allows sperm to pass through. However, the fertility of a male may be impacted if semen does not liquefy in 15 to 30 minutes.
6. Sperm count
When a semen analysis test is conducted, it checks your semen on different factors, including the sperm count. Generally, the sperm count of a normal male should be between 20 million and 200 million. The sperm count test is also known as a sperm density test. If the results of the sperm count are low, it becomes difficult for the couple to conceive, leading to fertility issues.
7. Appearance
The appearance of semen is one of the most important indicators in checking semen health. Usually, a normal person has a whitish, gray, and opalescent sperm color. However, if an individual has issues with semen health, the semen color can be a red-brown color that shows the presence of blood in the semen. If the color of the semen is yellow, this indicates the person is having jaundice or a side effect of an ongoing medicine.
Read also: Top Tips for Choosing Between Urgent Care and ER
The Final Words
In short, semen analysis is an important test used to assess male fertility and overall sperm health. It monitors several crucial factors such as sperm motility, shape, sperm count, volume, pH, and appearance of the semen. This comprehensive testing procedure provides a complete understanding of a male’s reproductive health.
