How
is a semen analysis performed?
A
semen analysis requires collecting a semen sample
from your partner. You should follow your doctor's
instructions on how to collect the sample. Typically,
semen collection will require masturbation and collection
of the semen into a sterile container. It is often
collected in a lab, but if it is collected at home
it needs to be transported to the lab within an hour
and kept free from extreme temperatures. Keeping it
at body temperature is ideal. For specific details
on semen collection, please refer to your doctor or
lab's protocol.
Normal
Sperm Count - Normal Semen Analysis Results
| Normal
Sperm Count |
Morphology |
Motility |
| 20
to 150 million/ml |
40% |
20% |
What
does sperm count mean?
Sperm count refers to the amount of sperm per milliliter
of semen collected. The amount of semen per ejaculation
can vary quite a bit. Anywhere from less than a milliliter
to 6 or 7 milliliters is considered normal. The test
will then look at how many sperm are actually in the
semen. As listed above, anywhere from 20 million per
milliliter to 150 million is considered normal.
What
is morphology?
Morphology is referring to the shape of the sperm.
The sperm will be analyzed to see how many are shaped
and formed properly. Normal results are about 40%
or better shaped correctly.
What
is motility?
Motility
describes the movement of sperm. What will be looked
at is how well the sperm move. What they want to see
is if sperm are moving progressively forward, not
in circles or sluggishly moving sperm. A normal result
is at least 20% of the sperm showing progressive movement
in a forward direction.
What
can I do if my partner's results are abnormal?
As
long as your partner is making some sperm, there is
always the chance of getting pregnant. There are quite
a few things that can affect sperm count. If you find
that your partner's semen analysis is abnormal you
will want to see a urologist.
Causes
of low sperm count - abnormal sperm count
Medications:
Certain medications such as Tagament, ketoconazole,
and erythromycin. Talk to your doctor about any medications
including over the counter and herbal medications
or vitamins you are taking.
Illness
or infection: Low sperm count can be caused by something
as simple as a virus or infection. If your partner
has recently been ill, this could contribute to an
abnormal sperm count.
Anatomical
problems: There are certain conditions that can cause
male factor fertility problems. One concern is a varicocele.
A varicocele happens when the veins of the scrotum
are swelled and dilated. It can be corrected with
surgery.
Other
conditions such as retrograde ejaculations (ejaculating
sperm back up into the bladder instead of ejaculating
outward) and hormonal imbalances can also be a cause
of male infertility. Blood tests can be used to check
for hormonal imbalances and retrograde ejaculations
may be able to be treated as simply as using a decongestant.
It is important to discuss any and all medical treatments
with your doctor.
Vitamins
and supplements to improve sperm count
There
are several supplements suggested for use in improving
male fertility. Your doctor may suggest use of a daily
multivitamin or some other vitamin regimen.
Treatment
options for low sperm count
Along
with options to improve sperm count, other options
available include IUI (Intrauterine Insemination),
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), and male donor sperm.
