Male infertility is becoming an increasingly common problem. According to medical research, in half of the cases of infertility in a family, the cause lies in the man. A decrease in sperm quality can be caused by various factors, such as:
- bad habits (smoking, alcohol consumption);
- negative environmental impact and air pollution;
- infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system;
- hormonal disorders, in particular, problems with the endocrine glands.
One of the main methods of diagnosing male infertility is a spermogram, which allows you to assess the quality and quantity of sperm in the ejaculate.
Diagnosis of male infertility using a spermogram
A spermogram is a laboratory analysis of sperm that helps to identify problems with a man’s reproductive function. This test determines the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the ejaculate. In case of suspected infertility, it is the man who is examined first, as this allows you to quickly identify possible disorders.
What values are considered normal? According to WHO standards, a man should normally ejaculate at least 2 ml of sperm per ejaculation. Semen should be viscous, white-grey in colour with a specific smell. An important indicator is the absence of impurities, such as:
- mucus;
- blood;
- pus;
The semen environment should be alkaline, which is also a sign of a healthy reproductive system.
One of the key parameters of the spermogram is the sperm count. In a healthy man, their number in 1 ml of ejaculate should range from 20 to 200 million. It is important that the spermatozoa are motile and have the correct morphology (structure). In addition, leukocytes may be present in the ejaculate, but their number should not exceed one per million spermatozoa.
To ensure that the results of the spermogram are as accurate as possible, it is important to follow certain preparation rules:
- Refrain from ejaculation for 2-5 days before the test. This ensures an optimal sperm count in the sample. If the abstinence period is less than 2 days, the sperm count may be lower. If it is more than 5 days, sperm motility and quality may decrease.
- It is recommended that the semen sample is donated directly at the Ovumia Alternatyva Group clinic in a cup provided by the medical centre, avoiding the use of condoms, as lubricants may affect the results.
- It is necessary to place the entire portion of the biomaterial in the container, as the volume is also an important parameter for assessing the state of male health.
Remember that it is important for doctors to get a fresh sperm sample. Otherwise, all efforts to become parents will be nullified. Fertility center Ovumia AlternatyvaThe Ovumia Alternatyva Group reproductive medicine clinic has all the conditions for a man to be alone in a separate room, feel comfortable and calm.
Contraindications to taking a spermogram
There is a certain list of factors that can negatively affect the quality of a spermogram. Here are the main ones:
- prostate massage;
- prolonged sexual abstinence;
- intimate contact on the day of the test;
- visits to a bath or sauna, thermal procedures;
- psycho-emotional stress, heavy physical activity;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- illnesses with a temperature above 38°C within the last 2 weeks;
- antibiotic treatment within the previous 2 weeks;
- alcohol consumption on the day before or on the day of the study;
- taking medications that may affect the test result.
In the above cases, the spermogram should be postponed, as the analysis will be unreliable.
For more detailed consultations on male infertility, please contact the Ovumia Alternatyva Group fertility clinic. Our specialists will quickly find the causes and offer a great solution to achieve your goal of becoming a father.