Sometimes men also have to undergo various medical tests, right? Especially when they are hoping for a child, or after a vasectomy as a family planning method, this type of test is talked about. In such a situation, a very important test is called a semen analysis . The name may sound a little strange, but this is a very useful test.

What is a Semen Analysis? It's very simple!

Simply put, this is a test done in a laboratory. This test is done by looking at a sample of your semen under a microscope. It mainly looks at a few things:

• How many sperm are in your semen? (That is, the sperm count) .
• How active are those sperm? (That is, their ability to move (Motility) ).
• What is the shape of sperm? (That is, the morphology of sperm ).

These are the things that are primarily tested. This can give you some idea of ​​your fertility, as well as other health conditions.

So, what is this seminal fluid `(Semen)`?

Semen is usually a whitish-gray liquid. This is the fluid that comes out of the penis during orgasm. It mainly contains three things: 1. Sperm: These are reproductive cells. They are shaped like a frog. The head of the sperm contains the genetic material (DNA). This DNA helps the sperm to combine with a female egg to form an embryo. The tail-like part helps the sperm swim along the female reproductive system and find the egg. 2. Fluids: These fluids lubricate the path of the sperm. They also help the sperm to deposit inside the vagina. 3. Proteins, vitamins, and minerals: These provide the energy needed for sperm, like gasoline for a car. Some people also call this "ejaculate."

When is this semen analysis performed?

There are two main reasons why a doctor might ask you to have this test:

• Infertility: If you and your partner are trying to have a baby, but haven't had a baby in a while, there may be a problem with your sperm. This test is done to see how healthy your sperm is and how likely it is to conceive a child.
• After a Vasectomy: Vasectomy is permanent family planning for men.It's a method. This surgery stops sperm from joining the semen. So, this test is done to confirm whether the surgery was successful and whether there are still sperm in the semen.

How exactly is this semen analysis done?

This is also a very simple process. 1. Identification: When you go to the clinic or laboratory to give the sample, you will be asked for a government-issued form of identification (such as a national ID card, driver's license, or passport). 2. More than one sample: Since sperm count can vary from day to day, you may need to give more than one sample, sometimes several weeks apart. 3. Method of obtaining the sample: The best way to obtain a semen sample is through masturbation. This can be done at home, or in a private, comfortable room at the clinic or laboratory. 4. Cleanliness: Before masturbating, you should wash and clean your hands and penis. The doctor will give you a sterile, wide-mouthed container to collect the sample. That container may have been labeled with your name and a number.

Important: Do not touch the inside of the container. If semen spills out, even if it does not fall into the container, do not collect it and put it back in the container or wipe it away. Doing so may contaminate the sample. If you are at a clinic, tell the staff when you are finished. If you are at home, close the container tightly and set it aside while you clean the rest of the things.

5. If you collect the sample at home: If you collect the sample at home, you should bring it to the clinic or laboratory within an hour . The sample should be kept at room temperature (about 20 degrees Celsius, about 68 degrees Fahrenheit) while you are transporting it. Changes in temperature can affect the sperm. 6. If you cannot masturbate for religious reasons: There are options for those who cannot masturbate. The doctor can give you a special condom that does not apply lubricant (Non-lubricated Condom) to use during sex. After ejaculation, the semen in the condom can be placed in the sterilized container.

What specifically does a sperm test look for? (For those hoping to have children)

When performing this test in pregnant women, doctors pay special attention to several things:

• pH scale : This measures the acidity and alkalinity of your semen. If your semen is too acidic, it can affect the health of your sperm.
• Semen Volume: The amount of semen in the sample (in milliliters).
• Sperm Concentration / Density: The number of sperm in a milliliter of semen.
• Sperm Morphology: This looks at the size and shape of the sperm.
• Sperm Motility: The ability of sperm to swim.
• Time to Liquefaction: This measures how long it takes for semen to turn from a sticky substance to a liquid.
• Vitality: The percentage of viable sperm in a semen sample.
• White Blood Cells : If white blood cells are present, it can be a sign of infection or inflammation.

What is checked during the examination after a vasectomy?

A semen analysis after a sterilisation is mainly looking at whether there are any sperm in your semen. The expected result is either no sperm at all or a very low number of non-motile sperm. An abnormal result is when there are still motile sperm or a large number of non-motile sperm.

What do you need to know before the test?

This depends on the reason you are doing this test.

• For a fertility test: The doctor will first review your medical history and perform a physical exam (including a genital exam). He or she will then refer you for a semen analysis and give you specific instructions. It is best to abstain from sexual activity (including intercourse or masturbation ) for two to seven days before the semen analysis. This is when your sperm count is at its highest. This is when you can get the most accurate results.
• After a vasectomy: This test is usually done 8 to 12 weeks after the surgery. It is a good idea to masturbate a few times after the surgery and have safe sex. This will help flush out any remaining sperm from your system.

Can your wife or partner help you get this sperm sample?

Yes, your wife or partner can help you collect the semen sample. However, you should avoid unprotected sex and do not use any lubricants (saliva, vaginal fluids, artificial lubricants). These can affect the sperm. As mentioned earlier, you can also collect the sample using a special condom that does not have any lubricant applied to it and place it in a sterilized container.

Are there ways to check sperm count at home?

At-home semen analysis products are now available. Many people think that it is easier to do this at home than to go to a clinic or laboratory and talk to a doctor. However, at-home tests are not as accurate as laboratory tests. Also, there is not enough research to say how effective they are.

If you are concerned about your infertility, it is best to see a doctor and have a sperm test done at a reputable clinic or laboratory. Using home tests can sometimes delay a diagnosis or the initiation of necessary treatment.

What happens after the test? How long does it take to get the results?

After a sperm test, your doctor may order another sperm test in a few days or weeks. Repeated tests can give you a more accurate picture of your sperm production. You can usually get the results of your sperm test within a few days of providing your sample.

What should the results be like after a vasectomy?

After a sterilisation, it may take several weeks for your semen to be completely free of sperm (`Azoospermia`) or for only a very low number of non-motile sperm to remain. You will need to use another form of birth control until you achieve the desired results.

What should normal results be like in a test performed on children?

The laboratory compares the characteristics of your semen with expected values. Normally, healthy semen should have the following characteristics:

• Active sperm should have one round head and one tail per sperm.
• There must be a certain amount of sperm.
• The pH value cannot be too acidic.
• Semen needs to become liquid within a short period of time before it can travel through the female reproductive system.

When testing fertility, the normal ranges are as follows:

• Semen Volume: 1.4 milliliters (mL) or more.
• Total Sperm Number: 39 million or more in a single ejaculation.
• Sperm Concentration: 15 million or more per milliliter of semen.
• Total Motility: (Percentage of moving sperm) 40% or more.
• Progressive Motility: (Percentage of sperm moving in a straight line or in large circles) 32% or more.
• Vitality: (Percentage of viable sperm) 58% or more.
• Sperm Morphology: (Percentage of sperm with normal shape) 4% or more.
• pH value: 7.2 or higher.
• White Blood Cells: Less than one million per milliliter of semen. If it is higher than that, it may be a condition called Pyospermia (which means there is pus in the semen).

Important: These values ​​are general guidelines only. Only your doctor can accurately interpret your results.

If the results are abnormal, how will it affect my ability to have a child?

Abnormal results may mean that a man's chances of conceiving a child are lower than normal. However, a sperm test is not the only factor in male fertility. Additional tests are often needed to find out more. Your doctor may order additional tests, such as:

• Blood Tests : These can check your hormone levels (especially testosterone levels). These hormones affect sperm. They can also look for genetic causes of infertility, such as problems with the Y chromosome. If the Y chromosome is affected, it can affect your body's ability to produce sperm.
• Imaging Tests: Tests like ultrasound can be used to non-invasively examine your testicles and other parts of your reproductive system. They can also check for any blockages that might be preventing sperm from joining the ejaculate.

A few final things to keep in mind (Take-Home Message)

A semen analysis is a laboratory test that checks the number, movement, and shape of your sperm. It is used to assess fertility in men who are trying to conceive, and to confirm the success of a vasectomy.

The most important thing is that it's normal to feel uncomfortable and embarrassed when giving a sample for a test like this. But don't think too much about it. Doctors and lab staff are very professional when talking about these things, handling samples, and testing them.

Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Providing a clean sample is very important for accurate results. If you get unexpected or unusual results, it may mean that more tests are needed. Your doctor may order another semen analysis to confirm the results, or they may talk to you about what to do next. If you have any questions about this, don't hold back and ask your doctor. That's the best way to keep your mind clear.

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