Sperm examination is an examination procedure carried out to analyze the quantity and quality of sperm in men. This procedure is also used to determine the level of male fertility.
Sperm are cells produced by male reproductive organs. Sperm contains an enzyme that functions to soften the walls of the egg, so sperm can enter the egg during fertilization. Abnormal sperm will be difficult to reach and penetrate the egg, thus inhibiting the fertilization process.
Sperm examination is carried out through laboratory analysts on semen samples that have been taken. This examination generally analyzes several things, including sperm count, structure or shape, movement, acidity (pH), volume, color, and thickness of semen.
Indications for Sperm Examination
Sperm examination is generally done to identify several conditions, including:
- Male fertility. Sperm examination is carried out on men or couples suspected of having fertility problems. This test is generally done on couples who have undergone a pregnancy program for 12 months, but are not getting results.
- The success of vasectomy. This examination is done to ensure there is no sperm contained in semen in patients who have just had a vasectomy.
- Diagnose Klinefelter's syndrome, a genetic condition that occurs in men when they have an extra X-chromosome. This condition is characterized by infertility.
Before Sperm Examination
There are several things that need to be considered and done by the patient before undergoing a sperm examination, including:
- Avoid ejaculation for 1-3 days before undergoing examination.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco or tobacco products, for 2-5 days before undergoing examination.
- Avoid taking drugs that can reduce sperm count, such as cimetidine, and herbal products, such as echinacea and St. John’s wort.
- Avoid using lubricants or other products that contain spermicidal ingredients.
- Do not do sperm testing when you are sick or stressed, because the results of the examination can be inaccurate.
Sperm Examination Procedure
One way to collect sperm samples is through the process of masturbation. Clinics or hospitals generally provide a special room for patients to take sperm samples. The steps to take sperm are as follows:
- Clean your hands and penis with soap and clean water, then dry.
- Open the lid of the container and make sure the sample container is clean, dry, and sterile.
- When it reaches the ejaculation stage, immediately position the sample container so that sperm can enter the container during ejaculation. Do not put spilled sperm in the container.
- After the sperm have been collected, immediately close the container until it is tight.
- Give the name, date and time of sampling at the container.
Two important things to remember for patients, namely sperm samples must be stored according to body temperature. If the temperature is too warm or too cold, the results of the examination will not be accurate. The second important thing is that sperm samples must be immediately taken to the laboratory within 30-60 minutes after the sperm is taken. This action is done to get a good sperm sample and accurate test results.
If the patient has a fertility disorder that results in little or no sperm coming out during ejaculation, the doctor may take a sperm sample through a surgical procedure, such as microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) or testicular sperm aspiration (TESA).
Sperm Examination Results
Sperm examination results can usually be received by patients within a period of 24 hours to 1 week, depending on the clinical laboratory or hospital where the patient underwent examination. Sperm examination can show two results, normal and abnormal.
Normal test results.
- Sperm count: 20 million to more than 200 million per milliliter.
- Sperm shape:> 50% of sperm have a normal shape.
- Sperm movement:> 50% of sperm move normally 1 hour after ejaculation and the sperm movement scale is 3 or 4.
- Acidity (pH): 7.2-7.8.
- Volume: 1.5-5 mL.
- Sperm color: white to gray.
- Melting time: 15-30 minutes.
Abnormal test results.
- Sperm count: <20 million per milliliter.
- Sperm shape: found abnormalities in the head, middle part, or tail of sperm.
- Sperm movement: <50% sperm do not move normally 1 hour after ejaculation and sperm movement scale 0, meaning the sperm is not moving.
- Acidity (pH): <7 indicates a sperm sample has been contaminated or a blocked ejaculatory duct, while a pH> 8 indicates the patient has a risk of infection.
- Volume: <1.5 mL can indicate low sperm count, whereas if> 5 mL indicates sperm is too runny.
- Sperm color: red or brown color can indicate blood content, whereas if sperm is yellow it can indicate the risk of jaundice or drug side effects.
- Melting time: do not melt within 15-30 minutes.
After Sperm Examination
Abnormal sperm examination results do not necessarily indicate a disturbance in male fertility. Many factors can affect the quality and quantity of sperm, such as a disease that has been suffered, stress when undergoing examination, or the risk of work that is vulnerable to radiation exposure. The doctor may encourage the patient to re-undergo a repeat sperm examination. If the results return to normal, the doctor will recommend that patients undergo additional tests to detect disorders that may be experienced, such as:
- Genetic testing
- Hormone test
- Urinalysis (urinalysis) after ejaculation
- Antibody test
- Take testicular tissue samples
The doctor will also recommend a number of steps a patient can take to increase healthy sperm production, including:
- Eat healthy food. Expand to consume fruits and vegetables because they contain lots of antioxidants that can improve sperm health.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise that is done regularly can increase levels of antioxidants that function to protect sperm.
- Maintain ideal body weight. An increase in body mass index is often associated with a decrease in sperm count and movement.
- Manage stress. Stress can reduce sexual function and interfere with the hormones needed to produce sperm.
- Prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can affect a man's fertility. To prevent this, do safe sexual activity.
Sperm is also very susceptible to various environmental factors, such as excessive heat exposure or toxic chemicals. Therefore, there are some important things that can be done to maintain the level of fertility of patients, including:
- Do not smoke.
- Limit consumption of alcoholic drinks.
- Consult your doctor before taking certain medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, calcium antagonists, and muscle mass enhancing supplements (anabolic steroids).
- Avoid exposure to poisons, such as pesticides and lead. Use personal protective equipment if working in an area prone to chemical exposure.
Risk of Sperm Examination
Sperm examination is a safe examination procedure performed and generally does not cause side effects or risk of complications.
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