If you’re on a journey to understand male infertility issues, a semen analysis at our Glendale and Los Angeles clinics can provide valuable insights. Reach out to us to connect with one of our fertility specialists.
Understanding Male Infertility
If you suspect you or your partner might be facing challenges with infertility, you’re in the right place. A semen analysis can help determine the health and functionality of sperm, guiding you toward the most suitable treatment options available at our center.
Did you know that the CDC states that male factor infertility accounts for 30-45% of infertility cases in couples? This makes understanding male fertility crucial!
What’s Involved in a Semen Analysis?
While basic sperm count tests can offer some fertility insights, a comprehensive semen analysis conducted in a specialized fertility lab can provide a deeper understanding. At Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles, your physician will evaluate several key factors:
- Sperm Count: This refers to the number of sperm present in a millimeter of semen, with a normal count ranging from 40 million to 300 million sperm per ejaculation.
- Motility: This assesses how well the sperm swim, with healthy motility rates typically between 12% and 75%.
- Morphology: This examines the shape and size of sperm, aiming for about 30% of sperm to have a normal shape. The Kruger Morphology test, which looks specifically at sperm head shape, may also be conducted, with at least 14% of sperm needing to have a normal shape for optimal fertility.
- Velocity: This measures how fast the sperm are moving, which is crucial for effective fertilization.
- Volume: This is the total amount of semen per ejaculation, with an average of around 2.5 mL. Low volume could indicate prostate issues.
- Liquefaction: The time taken for semen to transition from gel to liquid; ideally, this should happen within 20 minutes.
If no sperm are found, additional tests may be performed to check for seminal fructose, which can indicate blockages or congenital issues. Sometimes, cultures may be requested to check for bacteria or STDs.
Reducing Male Infertility Risks
Here are some lifestyle changes that can help lower your chances of male factor infertility:
- Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol can hinder sperm production.
- Quit Smoking: Both tobacco and marijuana can negatively impact sperm count and quality.
- Exercise Moderately: While staying active is beneficial, overdoing it can lower testosterone levels and sperm count.
If you’re interested in exploring more about starting a family, check out this blog post on path to positive pregnancy tests for aspiring mothers. It’s a great resource! Additionally, if you’re considering home insemination, you might want to look at this at-home insemination kit which is a reliable option. For more information on pregnancy week by week, March of Dimes offers excellent resources.
Summary
Semen analysis is a crucial step in understanding male infertility, providing insights that can lead to effective treatment options. By evaluating sperm count, motility, morphology, and more, our experienced team at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles can guide you on your fertility journey. Remember, making simple lifestyle changes can also significantly impact your fertility health.