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When the couple makes the decision that it is time to raise the family and have a baby, it is not always so quick to carry out these plans. Some couples can take months or even years to achieve the positive dream, due to several problems of marital infertility . During this period, some tests may be necessary to assess whether there are any impediments, such as the spermogram.
What is the sperm test?
The sperm test is the main evaluation test for male fertility. It focuses on analyzing the composition of the semen and the physical conditions of the sperm, in addition to being able to point out altered conditions of the prostate.
In addition to a sperm test, the test is referred to by medicine as sperm count, semen analysis and seminal cytology.
How is the Spermogram Collection Performed?
The spermogram exam is performed manually, through masturbation. Clinics and laboratories offer space reserved for the realization , in addition to forms of incentive and stimulation, such as magazines and films.
Some laboratories allow the collection to be carried out at the residence itself, as long as the delivery period to the laboratory does not exceed 30 minutes . After this period, the collected material is considered invalid for analysis.
The semen collection must be carried out carefully, without the use of ointments, gels or lubricants and preferably directly in the collection cup, to guarantee the reliability of the result. The material must be sent immediately for analysis by the laboratory.
What is Analyzed in the Spermogram
In the spermogram examination, the analysis performed is completely descriptive and complete. All semen characteristics are verified, such as volume, viscosity, color, amount of PH (semen acidity) , liquefaction and physical conditions, as well as the ability to mobilize sperm (mobility).
Through microscopic analysis, sperm count is analyzed, in addition to its vitality, structure and progression. Leukocyte levels contained in sperm are also checked .
Usually two collections are requested with an interval of 15 days between them, for comparison of results and confirmation. If the results change too much, a third party may be required for confirmation.
Exam Preparation
To perform the spermogram exam, preparation is required, which will be indicated by the laboratory. Sexual abstinence from 2 to 7 days is essential to ensure a satisfactory result and a well-concentrated sample, in addition to good hand hygiene at the time of collection.
IMPORTANT: Sexual abstinence includes, in addition to sexual intercourse, masturbation or any act that makes a man have ejaculations. No other precautions are necessary, such as fasting.
After collection, no care is needed and the man can return to his normal life as usual. There are no risks and contraindications, since the entire analysis process is laboratory.
How to Read the Result of the Spermogram?
Reading the result of the spermogram may seem like a real puzzle to the couple. And the search for answers on the internet is not always satisfactory. On the contrary, they can cause great confusion and even a lot of concern, since the laboratory references are usually different.
Before looking curious and trying to guess your results, take the results for your doctor to evaluate. It is the only way to carry out the reading of the result in a safe and correct way, besides already explaining to you if there is any change.
Changes found in the sperm test
Through the complete spermogram examination it is possible to detect the following changes:
- Azoospermia – total absence of sperm;
- Oligo-astenospermia – reduction in the number of sperm and difficulty reaching the egg.
- Leukospermia – when a high number of leukocytes is found in the seminal fluid, indicating an infection.
- Oligospermia – Number below normal sperm.
- Atenospermia – Difficult sperm to reach the egg.
- Necrospermia – Majority of dead sperm;
- Teratospermia – different features and format, out of the ordinary.
Only the specialist doctor will be able to assess the condition of the condition and indicate which treatment is appropriate for the patient. Some changes can be reversed with treatments, medications and others, they may be an indication for auxiliary methods, such as the use of donations in a semen bank.
When is the spermogram indicated?
The spermogram exam is not considered a periodic exam and its indication usually occurs when an infertility problem is suspected. This suspicion usually happens after 1 year of unsuccessful attempts by a couple to get pregnant.
When seeking help from a specialist, several tests are requested to assess fertility, women and men. And the main thing to assess male fertile conditions is through the sperm test.
The spermogram exam is also requested after procedures such as vasectomy, to assess whether it was performed successfully or if there is still the presence of live sperm. Obviously, it is necessary to wait for the period recommended by the specialist and after the amount of ejaculations recommended to zero the amount of sperm present in the channel.
It can also be indicated to evaluate possible infections in the male genitalia, in addition to the investigation of possible pathologies. Men who have recently undergone cancer treatment may also be tested for fertility, as some medications can cause infertility.
Homemade spermogram
For some men, having a sperm test is a total constraint and they end up refusing to do it. Depending on the indication, it can be performed using a homemade sperm test, which is a test bought at a pharmacy or at specialized sites to be performed at home.
The homemade spermogram is reliable and can offer a satisfactory result, but it is not very detailed and does not indicate the presence of diseases or causes of infertility. The only information that is provided through the result is if there is the presence of sufficient sperm or if it is below normal, it is indicated that a specialist should be sought.
IMPORTANT: When the result is negative, it is essential to seek a urologist to perform more complete tests, such as a sperm test.
Other Exams to Analyze Male Fertility
In addition to the sperm test, other tests may be ordered by the urologist or the assisted reproduction specialist who is accompanying the couple. Blood tests for analysis of hormonal dosages, genetic tests and verification of infectious diseases may be requested.
The ultrasound of the testicles, as well as biopsy and testicular puncture can be included for performing a battery of more complete tests. The clinical examination is also essential to solve and investigate all possible causes.
Clinical analysis can also indicate through the size and anatomy of the testicles , if there are any signs of problems such as varicocele. However, even with all the exams in hand, the most complete and that will give the most accurate information is the complete spermogram.
Can Something Change the Result of the Spermogram?
If the preparation indicated by the laboratory for sexual abstinence in the recommended period is not made, the result of the spermogram may not be reliable. The more days the man is without ejaculating, the more concentrated the material to be analyzed will be.
The result of the spermogram is an exam that must be evaluated and considered for the period of performance and can undergo changes after days, weeks or even months. Therefore, if you notice any changes, the best thing to do is to repeat the sperm test for confirmation.
Depending on the alteration found by the urologist, the use of some methods for replacement or improvement of semen quality may be indicated. Therefore, it is essential to read the result by a specialist who will analyze the condition and indicate the best fertility treatment and monitoring.
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
