Hey there! If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the male role in infertility, you’re not alone. It used to be that guys often got overlooked when it came to fertility testing, but that’s changing. Recent studies show that male factors can contribute to around 50% of issues when couples are trying to conceive, which is why semen analysis has become super important.
So, what’s the deal with semen analysis? It’s basically the first step in figuring out male fertility. At our clinic, we offer a thorough semen analysis that covers all the key tests. Plus, we’ll help you understand your results and what they mean for your family planning.
Preparing for Semen Analysis
To get ready for your test, it’s best to abstain from sexual activity for about 2-7 days, with 3-5 days being ideal. Too short or too long of a break can mess with the results. When you’re ready to provide a sample, it should be done through masturbation into a sterile cup. You can do this at our clinic in a private room designed to keep things calm and controlled, or you can produce a sample at home. Just remember to get it to the lab within 40 minutes and keep it at a comfortable temperature (20–37 °C). If you’re having trouble, you could consider using a perforated condom, but there are some limitations with that method.
Don’t forget to bring an ID with you!
Basic Semen Analysis
Our basic semen analysis follows the latest World Health Organization guidelines. We look at several factors, including volume, appearance, pH, liquefaction time, and stickiness. We also assess sperm concentration, motility, viability, and morphology. Here are the WHO reference values:
- Volume: > 1.5 ml
- Concentration: ≥ 15 million/ml
- Total sperm count: ≥ 39 million
- Motility: ≥ 32% with progressive motility or ≥ 40% total motility
- Viability: ≥ 58% live sperm
- Morphology: ≥ 4% normal morphology
- Spermatogenic cells: ≤ 5 million/mL
- Leukocytes: < 1 million/mL
If your results fall below these values, it may indicate potential fertility issues. But even good results don’t guarantee fertility, so we may recommend repeating the analysis within two weeks to three months for accuracy.
Looking for a more detailed look at your sperm health? We offer extended tests like the MSOME (Motile Sperm Organelle Morphology Examination) which gives a high-magnification view to assess sperm structure. This can be especially useful for men dealing with issues like teratozoospermia or unexplained infertility. Results are typically available within 4 hours, and you can check them online.
We also have tests for sperm chromatin integrity and the HBA (Hyaluronian Binding Assay) to assess your sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. These tests help us identify any issues that might be affecting your fertility, so we can find the best pathway forward.
And don’t forget about the importance of oxidative stress! Using the MiOXYS test, we can measure oxidative stress in your semen, as this can play a crucial role in male infertility.
Ultimately, if you’re interested in evaluating your fertility, a semen analysis is a great starting point. All you need is a single visit to our clinic. Check out our pricing and make an appointment—don’t wait any longer!
If you’re curious about the early weeks of pregnancy, be sure to check out this blog post for more insights. And if you’re considering home insemination, Make a Mom has some great resources on that topic. For those interested in what to expect during IUI, Parents offers excellent information.
Summary
Semen analysis is a crucial first step in assessing male fertility, helping to identify issues that might be contributing to fertility challenges. By preparing correctly and understanding the tests available, you can gain valuable insights into your reproductive health.