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A semen analysis is used to evaluate the quantity and quality of sperm in a given semen sample. It should be noted that medication, drugs, extremes of temperature, or viral illness within the past 3 months could affect the results of the semen analysis. These factors must be considered when evaluating the sperm and sometimes it is necessary to repeat the test.
The semen analysis is one of the most important fertility tests because some degree of male infertility is present in almost half of infertile couples. Obviously, no treatment of the female will be successful in the absence of enough quality sperm.
Sperm are carefully evaluated using the Kruger Strict Criteria. Many of the measurements are "qualitative" and best interpreted by a reproductive medicine laboratory. Our andrology technicians have extensive experience evaluating the many characteristics of semen that denote male infertility.
The semen is usually evaluated for the following:
- Volume (amount of fluid that makes up the
semen, usually expressed in milliliters)
- Sperm concentration (number of sperm in a standard given volume)
- Motility (percent of sperm that are moving when the semen is examined under the microscope)
- Progression (forward movement)
- Sperm morphology (percentage of sperm with normal forms/ shapes)
For all testing, follow the instructions included with the specimen cup provided by the Andrology laboratory located in the ARTS center. Please schedule an appointment for a Semen analysis between 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.
A semen analysis is conducted using a semen specimen freshly collected by masturbation in a sterile cup that the Andrology Lab provides. Please do not use lubricant, saliva or a condom when collecting the specimen.
The husband should abstain from intercourse or ejaculation for at least 2 days, but no more than 4 days, prior to the day of collection. The sample may be obtained in a private room at the Andrology lab, or it can be brought from home if the time from collection to arrival in our laboratory is less than 1 hour. Keep the sample at body temperature during transportation (i.e., tuck inside your shirt in cold weather; do not refrigerate or heat).
All specimens must be labeled. Make sure the entire ejaculate is collected, the lid is tight, and the label is placed on the cup (not the lid). Put the cup in the specimen biohazard bag, and the plastic bag in a brown paper bag for your privacy. Results are usually available in 1 day.
Antisperm antibody testing is done to rule out the presence of antisperm antibodies in the semen that can impede sperm function and cause male infertility. This immunologic cause is usually diagnosed when 50% or more of motile sperm are found to be coated with antibodies in at least one semen sample. Risk factors for developing antisperm antibodies include a history of testicular injury, torsion, undescended testes, vasectomy/ reversal, or infection. A immunobead test is usually performed to assay for the type and amount of antibodies in the semen. The antisperm antibody test is performed by the Andrology laboratory by appointment.
If you are being treated with IUI using your husband's sperm, a nurse or physician will notify you of the appropriate time to perform the insemination. IUI procedures are usually performed the day after an LH-surge is detected, or 36 hours after HCG is administered. Typically, semen is processed starting at 8:30-9:30 a.m., with the IUI performed 2 hours later. Instructions for collected semen are similar to those for a semen analysis above.
Our office will schedule the sperm washing procedure with the Andrology lab. When scheduled, please bring the semen specimen to the Andrology lab, pick up the washed specimen prior to your scheduled IUI time, and deliver it to our office. When you arrive, please inform us that you have a semen specimen so that we may place it in our incubator prior to your IUI.
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