Most of all infertility cases are caused by male problems, and one of the first tests to be done to measure male infertility is a semen analysis called spermiogram. Semen analysis, also known as spermiogram.
The white-colored liquid formed by the union of the male reproductive cells, sperm, and other various cells that occur with ejaculation is called "semen". Sperms are located in the middle section of the semen and can move forward thanks to their mobile structure. Although it is thick when it comes out, it loses some of its properties after a while and becomes liquefied. Sperms carry the chromosome structures of the man. They try to fertilize the egg cells by moving forward in the vagina. In a semen sample, there are plenty of fructose, prostate secretions, coagulant and lubricant substances as well as sperm. In addition, the levels of vitamin C, chlorine, calcium, cholesterol, citric acid, keratin, lactic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamin B12, and zinc in the content of sperm vary from person to person.
Why is a spermiogram performed?
If a man's partner has not been able to conceive for more than 12 months, a spermiogram may be performed to determine if there is a fertility problem.
A spermiogram to determine fertility should be performed on a minimum of two samples collected at 2-3 week intervals. Sperm count and semen consistency may vary from day to day, and some conditions temporarily affect sperm motility and counts. When a semen analysis shows abnormal findings, the test is repeated at specified intervals.
It is also recommended to have a spermiogram done approximately 3 months after the vasectomy operation to see if the procedure was successful. This will determine if there are still sperm in the semen.
What are the factors analyzed in the spermiogram test?
Volume: The volume of sperm collected should be approximately 1.5 to 5 milliliters (about a teaspoon) per ejaculation. A lower amount is evidence of low sperm count, and pregnancy is very difficult to achieve with low sperm count.
Liquefaction: Semen is initially thick in structure and becomes liquid within 15 minutes. If this feature does not occur in semen, sperm movement is prevented.
Concentration: This is the factor that indicates the number of sperm in the semen. A normal amount of semen should contain at least 20 million sperm. Anything less will reduce the possibility of fertility.
Motility and Speed: Normal sperm cells should be motile and move straight for 1 hour after ejaculation. Speed and motility factors are examined in 2 ways. According to the total cell percentage, the percentage of active cells should be at least 50% active within the evaluation between 0% and 100%. The quality of sperm movement is evaluated between 0 and 4 points and should be at least 2 for a healthy value.
Morphology: It is the examination of the size, shape and appearance of sperm cells. Sperms have a regular head, middle section and tail. At least 50% of the sperm in the semen should be of normal shape, size and length. Sperms with morphologically abnormal values are important factors that increase the possibility of infertility.
PH Value: The pH value of semen analysis can vary between 7.2 and 7.8, which is the normal range. An increase in the pH value indicates the possibility of an infection in the person. A decrease indicates a problem such as a blockage in the sperm ducts.
Fructose Value: Simple structured sugars found in the body to meet energy needs are called fructose. It is found in large amounts in the semen content. The normal value is 150 mg. and above. If the amount of fructose is low or absent, the possibility of a blockage in the sperm ducts increases.
White Blood Cells: The semen sample should not contain any white blood cells or bacteria. Otherwise, there is a high probability of infection.
How is spermiogram performed?
In order to take a sample, the man is first asked to stimulate himself and ejaculate. In order for the resulting sample not to lose its properties, it should be evaluated within 60 minutes at most. Sperms are not suitable for high temperatures and for this reason, they should be kept at low temperatures.
For the test to give accurate results, the person must not have had sexual activity for at least 2 days. However, this waiting period should not last longer than 1 week. In order not to affect the results, alcohol should not be consumed or drugs should not be used.
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