Decoding Fertility: The Role of Semen Analysis in Male Reproductive Health

Female and male reproductive health is under the impact of several endogenous and exogenous factors causing infertility. In simple terms, infertility is defined as the inability to have children even after 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse. According to the ISAR, in India, infertility is reported to be affecting around 10–14% of couples. Both men and women can be infertile, depending on multiple reasons. In this article, we will discuss male infertility and semen analysis. Male infertility can be checked by semen analyses, a detailed medical and sexual history, and a complete physical checkup of the individual.

What is Semen Analysis?

Semen is a fluid that is ejaculated by reproductive organ of men during sexual activity. Semen contains sperms which are vital for reproduction. Semen analysis is a series of tests which examine sperm release, sperm count, movement, and shape of the sperm. Individuals undergoing vasectomy also undergo semen analysis to check no sperm is present in the semen.

Tests done in Semen Analysis:

Once the sample is received, semen is checked under a microscope for concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm. This gives an idea of the normal sperm count, whether the sperm are motile, and whether the shape of the sperm is good to fertilize or not. In details is described below:

Total sperm count or sperm density:

It estimates the total sperms present and its concentration in the whole semen sample. The average count should be 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. It also measures how close together the sperms are in your semen.

Motility of sperm:

It’s the percentage movement of sperm moving that can fertilize the egg. It should be in the range of 40–50%. Food habits, smoking, and alcohol can lead to a lower percentage of mobility.

Morphology of the Sperm:

The measurement of the number of sperm having a normal shape. Anything abnormal won’t be able to fertilize the egg. Ph of semen: The chemical composition of the semen is very important. This measures the Ph levels or acidity in the semen. The normal range is 7-1-7.8. Anything abnormal can cause damage to sperm health and movement.

Volume ejaculated:

This measures the volume ejaculated for the sample given. The normal limit is 1.5-2 ml. Anything less than this could indicate ejaculatory duct blockage, dysfunction in the seminal vesicles or prostate.

Fructose content:

Fructose acts as an energy source for sperm movement and activity. Absence of fructose can indicate some problem in the seminal vesicles.

Liquefication time:

This measures the time taken by semen to liquefy. Semen is thick during time of ejaculation, and it should normally liquefy within 20 mins after ejaculation.

Factors effecting Semen Analysis:

The sample must be at body temperature and should reach the lab within 30- 60 mins from time of sample collection. Some of the factors which can affect the result of semen analysis are:

-Semen contamination with spermicide or other. -Test was taken under stressed conditions or any medication. -Sample collection, storage, and analysis by the technicians. -Use of alcohol, smoking, drugs can also affect the result. - Sample should be collected minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 7 days of sexual abstinence otherwise sperm quality may not be good

Conclusion:

In the present generation lifestyle such as reduced smoking and alcohol intake, healthy food, exercise, and ensuring the scrotal temperature essential for sperm production is in normal range can improve male factor fertility. Semen analysis is the first step of analysis of infertility in men. If the results are abnormal doesn’t mean you are permanently infertile. But it indicates sperm health to be one of the problems for not getting your partner pregnant. Abnormal results may also indicate infections, underlying genetic conditions, gene defects, radiation etc. Keeping this in mind the doctor may prescribe u additional tests such as genetic, Hormone balance, etc. for a better understanding of the situation. Treatments for infertility totally depend on the cause. To help improve the Infertility issues, your provider may refer you to a doctor who specializes in infertility or other fertility options available including range of treatments like:

• IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection
• intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• in vitro fertilization (IVF)

 Also read, WHAT IS SEMEN ANALYSIS - KNOW THE PURPOSE, PROCEDURE, & RESULTS