What analysis is carried out for studying male infertility?

When a couple finds it difficult to conceive, both partners should be tested for infertility. In many cases, there may be more than one cause of infertility. Semen analysis is an important part of diagnosing male infertility.
What is Semen Analysis?
Semen analysis involves taking a semen sample and testing it in a lab for sperm concentration, sperm quality and infections. A semen analysis for studying infertility may need to be repeated several times over a period of time to get an accurate result. This is because the volume and quality of sperm being produced may vary from one day to the next.
The sample needed for this test may be collected in a doctor's office with the help of electrical stimulation or by masturbating into a special container. In certain cases, a sample may be obtained by having sexual intercourse with a special condom. In such cases, the sample must be sent to the doctor within 60 minutes of ejaculation and be kept at body temperature.
Understanding the Results of a Semen Analysis
There are many aspects to the results of a semen analysis including:
The Shape of the Sperm
Ideally, at least 4% of the sperm in the sample should be normally shaped. This means that it must have an oval head, midsection that is thinner than the head and a long tail that is thinner than the midsection.
Movement
At least 40% of the sperm in the sample should be able to move properly for an hour after ejaculation. This movement is usually rated on a scale of 0 to 4 where a score of 0 means that the sperm is not moving. If the sperm cannot move, it will not be able to swim through the cervical mucus and reach the egg.
pH Levels
This should be between 7.2 and 7.8 to be considered normal. Higher than normal results usually indicates an infection. Lower than normal results could be a sign of blocked ejaculation ducts.
Liquefaction
When ejaculated, semen is usually thick but within 15-30 minutes, it should turn into a watery consistency. This helps the sperm move.
Sperm Count
A man should ideally have at least 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. Less than this is considered a sign of low sperm density and could affect fertility.
Appearance
Semen should be whitish grey in colour. A reddish brown tint could indicate the presence of blood. Similarly, a yellowish tint could be a sign of jaundice or be the side effect of certain medications.
How long the sperm lives inside the testicles?
Know MoreWhat is a Hypospermia?
Know MoreHow is blockage in the tubes that transport sperms treated?
Know MoreHow is Hypospermia Diagnosed?
Know MoreHow is Decrease in Semen Volume Connected to Male Infertility?
Know MoreHow does mumps affect male fertility?
Know MoreHow Do I Know If I Have a Low Sperm Count?
Know MoreHow much does it cost to do a semen analysis?
Know MoreHow can we improve sperm motility?
Know MoreHow is Hormonal Imbalances Related to Infertility in Men?
Know MoreWhat can cause a low sperm count?
Know MoreCan Low Testosterone Level Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Know MoreWhat Is a Hypospadias?
Know MoreWhat is a normal sperm count?
Know MoreWhat Causes the Testosterone Levels to Drop?
Know MoreWhat is Estrogen in Men?
Know MoreWhat is Leukocytospermia?
Know MoreWhat is Male Chlamydia?
Know MoreDoes age affect fertility in men?
Know MoreDo sperm count decrease with age?
Know MoreWhat is Sperm Donation?
Know MoreWhat is Testicular Atrophy?
Know MoreWhat is the normal motility of sperm?
Know MoreWhat is the sperm regeneration cycle?
Know MoreWhat Causes Male Infertility?
Know MoreCan Being Overweight Cause Infertility in Men?
Know MoreWhat is varicocele?
Know MoreWhy is My Urine Foamy?
Know MoreWhat is XYY Syndrome?
Know MoreWhat are the defects of seminal vesicles and how it affects fertility?
Know MoreWhat are the assessment and Medical Treatment For Male Sexual Problems
Know MoreWhat are testicular infections?
Know MoreWhat is Vasectomy Reversal?
Know MoreWhat is Reconstructive Surgery of VV and VE?
Know MoreWhat is TESA and how is it done?
Know MoreWhat is Transurethral Resection of Ejaculatory Duct?
Know MoreWhat is TESE and How It is done?
Know MoreHow Do Dietary Supplements and Vitamins Affect Sperm Quality?
Know MoreWhat is a Spermatocele?
Know MoreWhat is Scrotal Ultrasound?
Know MoreWhat is Premature Ejaculation?
Know MoreWhat is Post Ejaculation Urinalysis?
Know MoreWhat is MESA and How is It Done?
Know MoreWhat Kind of Abnormalities Can Occur in Sperm?
Know MoreWhat is Hyperspermia?
Know MoreHow to Increase Sperm Quality Naturally?
Know MoreWhich are the Food Items That Boost Sperm Count and Improve Quality?
Know MoreWhat is Andropause?
Know MoreWhat is Azoospermia?
Know MoreHow Does Chemotherapy Affect Male Fertility?
Know MoreWhat is Testicular Cancer?
Know MoreCan Overheating of Testicles Lead to Infertility?
Know MoreHow Obesity and Being Overweight Related to Male Infertility?
Know MoreCan Smoking Marijuana or Cannabis Lead to Infertility in Men?
Know MoreCan Drug Abuse Lead to Infertility in Men?
Know MoreHow Does Alcohol Cause Infertility in Men?
Know MoreHow is Smoking Related to Infertility?
Know MoreCan Emotinal Factors be Responsible for Infertility in Men?
Know MoreWhat are the Genetic Causes of Male Infertility?
Know MoreIs Decrease in Ejaculate Quantity Directly Related to Male Infertility?
Know MoreHow can We Connect Decrease in Semen Volume to Male Infertility?
Know MoreReasons for Male Infertility
Know MoreWhat is the Importance of Sperm Count in Reproduction?
Know More