Semen Analysis
A sperm analysis examines the quantity and quality of a man's sperm. It is one of the first steps in determining male fertility problems. The test also determines whether or not a vasectomy was successful. Semen analysis entails collecting a sample of sperm and analyzing it in a laboratory.
What is semen?
When a man has an orgasm, this substance is released from his penis. It includes:
Sperm are the male reproductive cells. The cells have a distinct shape and contain:
- Head containing genetic material for fertilizing a woman's egg.
- A tail that allows it to travel through a woman's reproductive system in order to reach and fertilize an egg.
Fluids that allow sperm to be deposited toward the back of a woman's vagina. This region is near the cervix, the opening of the womb where babies develop. Proteins, vitamins, and minerals help sperm travel to the egg. In a semen analysis, sperm samples are examined under a microscope. It assesses factors such as sperm count, activity, and shape.
You may require a sperm analysis for the following reasons:
- Male infertility: If a couple has been struggling to conceive, there could be a sperm abnormality. In some cases, this is due to a problem with a man's sperm. Semen analysis helps determine whether or not a man will be able to cause a pregnancy.
- A semen analysis determines whether or not a vasectomy was successful. This procedure prevents sperm from being deposited in the tubes.
How does semen analysis work?
A man masturbates in order to produce a sperm sample. This method is preferred because it yields a clean sample. Because sperm counts vary from day to day, you may need to provide multiple samples separated by a few weeks.
Healthcare providers handle and test the sperm using research-based methods. Using a lab that specializes in sperm analysis ensures accurate results.
This includes laboratories that:
- Part of a fertility clinic
- Perform a large number of sperm analysis