A sperm analysis is a test that measures the quantity and quality of a man’s sperm. This test is used to diagnose male infertility, which is defined as the inability to conceive a child after at least one year of trying.

There are several factors that can cause male infertility, such as low sperm count, immobile sperm, and abnormal sperm shape and size.

What is a sperm analysis?

A sperm analysis is a laboratory test that evaluates several aspects of a man’s semen and sperm. The test measures the following:.

Sperm count: the number of sperm in a sample of semen
Sperm motility: the percentage of sperm that are moving forward
Sperm morphology: the shape and size of sperm
Semen volume: the amount of semen in a sample
pH level: the acidity or alkalinity of the semen

Why should a man get a sperm analysis?

A sperm analysis is a crucial test for couples who are having trouble conceiving. In couples who are struggling to get pregnant, male infertility is the cause in about 30-40% of cases.

Therefore, a sperm analysis is essential to determine if there is an issue with the man’s fertility.

Even if a couple is not trying to conceive, a sperm analysis is still important for men who are experiencing certain symptoms. These symptoms include:.

Low sex drive
Erectile dysfunction
Pain or discomfort during ejaculation
Swelling or lumps in the testicle area

A sperm analysis can help diagnose the underlying cause of these symptoms and guide appropriate treatment options.

When should a man get a sperm analysis?

A sperm analysis is recommended for men who are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or for couples who are trying to conceive and have been unsuccessful after one year of trying.

Related Article When is it time to do a sperm test?

However, there are some situations in which a man should consider getting a sperm analysis even before trying to conceive. These situations include:.

Prior to vasectomy: Men who are considering vasectomy should have a sperm analysis prior to the procedure to confirm that their sperm count is low enough to ensure the procedure will be effective.
Before cancer treatment: Men who are about to undergo cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, should consider getting a sperm analysis to preserve their fertility. These types of treatments can damage or destroy sperm cells and lead to infertility.
After exposure to toxic substances: Men who have been exposed to toxic substances, such as pesticides or lead, should consider getting a sperm analysis to assess the damage that has been done to their sperm and fertility.

How is a sperm analysis performed?

A sperm analysis is typically performed in a fertility clinic or lab. The man will provide a semen sample by masturbating into a sterile container. The sample is then analyzed under a microscope to assess the quantity and quality of the sperm.

Before the semen sample is collected, the man may be asked to abstain from ejaculating for several days to ensure that the sample is as representative of his overall sperm count and quality as possible.

What do the results of a sperm analysis mean?

The results of a sperm analysis are typically broken down into several different categories. These categories include:.

Sperm count: Normal sperm counts range from 15 million to more than 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. A low sperm count is typically defined as having less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
Sperm motility: Normal sperm motility is defined as having at least 40% of the sperm moving forward. Poor sperm motility can make it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg.
Sperm morphology: Normal sperm morphology is defined as having at least 4% of the sperm in a sample with a normal shape and size. Abnormal sperm morphology can make it difficult for the sperm to penetrate the egg.

Depending on the results of the sperm analysis, the man may be referred to a fertility specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Some treatment options for male infertility include medications to improve sperm production, surgical repair of any issues with the reproductive organs, or assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Conclusion

A sperm analysis is a simple, non-invasive test that can provide critical information about a man’s fertility. It is recommended for couples who are trying to conceive and have been unsuccessful after one year of trying.

However, there are some situations in which a man should consider getting a sperm analysis even before trying to conceive. If you are experiencing any symptoms or have been exposed to toxic substances, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor or a fertility specialist to discuss the possibility of getting a sperm analysis.