What is a basic seminogram and how is it done step by step?

The semenogram, spermiogram or spermogram is a diagnostic test that aims to evaluate semen quality. Macroscopic parameters, such as seminal volume and pH, and microscopic parameters such as morphology, mobility and sperm concentration were studied.

The WHO (World Health Organization) establishes reference values ??that determine what the normal values ??are for a spermogram. With these parameters of normality and the result obtained in the seminogram, it is evaluated if there is any type of alteration that can cause infertility and the possibilities that exist to achieve a pregnancy.

Next you have an index with all the points that we are going to treat in this article.

Index

What is a basic seminogram and how is it done step by step?

Procedure for performing the spermogram
1.1. Sample collection for sperm
2. Normal values ??of the spermogram (WHO)
2.1. Macroscopic analysis
2.2. Microscopic analysis
3. What is the SEM seminogram?
4. Frequently Asked Questions
4.1. What are the normal values ??of the spermiogram?
4.2. How do I know if I am a fertile man?
4.3. How long do you get the results of the seminogram?
4.4. Where can I get a spermogram?
4.5. Are there diseases that cause sperm problems?
4.6. What medications are needed for the sperm?
4.7. Does Enterococcus faecalis in semen cause infertility?
4.8. How much does a spermogram cost?
5. Recommended Reading

Procedure for performing the spermogram

In order for the results to be reliable, the WHO states that the seminogram should be performed after a period of sexual abstinence of between 3 and 5 days. This not only includes the absence of sexual intercourse, but also of masturbation.

In order to make the diagnosis of male infertility, it is required that at least two seminograms with an interval of at least one month of difference be made and that the results of both coincide. It must be taken into account that there may be alterations in the results by environmental or laboratory variables, not just physiological ones.

Sample collection for sperm

The semen will be collected by masturbation, after having washed the hands and genitals properly, and will be deposited in a sterile boat that will have provided the clinic.

It is very important to get the total ejaculate sample. Many men feel uncomfortable or nervous during collection of semen and that causes them to lose part of the sample, especially the first fraction.

If a fraction of the ejaculate or part of the bottle is lost, the analysis will not be representative and therefore will not be considered valid. The staff of the laboratory should be indicated and a new collection should be proposed for a better study of the semen.

Collect a semen sample

The ideal is to collect the sample in the clinic itself to alter as little as possible the conditions of the seminal sample. However, many clinics offer the possibility of obtaining the sample at home and deliver it later to the laboratory, provided that it does not take more than half an hour from the collection of the sample until the arrival to the clinic to obtain a reliable result.

In addition, until the arrival at the laboratory, the appropriate temperature and light conditions must be maintained. It is recommended to keep the bottle in a pocket or in contact with the body and wrapped in aluminum foil so that it does not give the light.

We inform you that you can now make the seminogram at a more affordable price in numerous assisted reproduction clinics. Visit our discounts section: Seminogram discounts.

Normal values ??of the spermogram (WHO)

The WHO published seminal reference values ??in 2010, below which the semen sample is considered out of order.

The sperm evaluation process is divided into macroscopic and microscopic examination. In general, the basic parameters of study determined by WHO are analyzed. However, depending on the clinic or laboratory, there may be variations in the procedure.

Macroscopic analysis

Macroscopic analysis is the first to be performed. It evaluates the most basic features of semen, such as the following:

Volumense measures in milliliters (ml) the amount of semen expelled during the ejaculation. From 1.5 ml is considered normal. Liquefaction is produced by letting the sample stand for about 20 minutes at room temperature. The semen becomes less compact and the microscopic examination of the sample can now be performed correctly. A protein expelled in the ejaculate called fibrinolysin is responsible for the liquefaction of semen. If it does not occur, there may be a pathology.Viscosidadse analyzes the presence of threads. If there is an extreme viscosity, the threads must be broken so that the spermatozoa can circulate freely through the seminal fluid.Colorel semen, under normal conditions, has a greyish white or slightly yellowish color. If it has another aspect, it can be indicative of infection. The normal pH values ??are between 7.2 and 8.0, which are considered slightly basic values. Variation in pH may indicate the presence of infection or alterations in the production of seminal fluid. Macroscopic analysis of semen sample

Microscopic analysis

At the microscopic level, the most important parameters to be evaluated are:

Concentration of sperm give two values. On the one hand, the concentration of sperm per milliliter (ml), which from 15 million / ml is considered normal. On the other hand, the total number of sperm in the ejaculate, which WHO shows as normal from the 39 million sperm / ejaculate. Motility or sperm motility analyzes the ability of sperm movement. Generally, two values ??are given: total movement (all sperm movements are counted), which must reach at least 40%, and progressive mobility (the sperm move and move forward) and the minimum value is found in 32%. In some clinics the type of movement is also analyzed: if it is fast, moderate or slow. Vitality is performed by a staining test. It is not done in all cases, only in those where a large number of immobile sperm are found to check if they are alive and immobile or dead. The reference value for vitality is that there must be at least 58% live spermatozoa. Morphology evaluates the shape of the head, that there is a middle piece or neck and, finally, the sperm tail. The WHO qualifies as a morphologically normal sample the one that shows more than 4% of spermatozoa with normal form, that is to say, with no abnormalities in any of its parts. Presence of leukocytes or epithelial cells is habitual that, in addition to spermatozoa, cell type, such as leukocytes or epithelial cells by skin scaling. In samples with a high presence of leukocytes, the presence of an infection is suspected.

What is the SEM seminogram?

Another test that can be done as a complement to the seminogram is the mobile sperm count or REM test. If done, we would talk about SEM or spermiogram.

The SEM seminogram consists of the separation of the spermatozoa according to their mobility.

Thus, we obtain a fraction of the sample concentrated in the spermatozoa of greater mobility, which will inform us of the quality of the recovered spermatozoa. Thus, we can evaluate in a more efficient way the assisted reproduction technique that offers the highest probability of success depending on the seminal quality obtained.

For example, an optimal concentration and mobility may be observed in a basic seminogram, but the sample does not respond well to preparation and is not of good quality after centrifugation. That will make it not advisable to perform an artificial insemination, since the chances of getting pregnant with this technique will be low.

To obtain this fraction of motile spermatozoa, the ejaculate sample is subjected to a process called sperm training. There are several methods to train the sample, although the main ones are swim-up and density gradients.

A sample is considered normal when it has a number of spermatozoa with progressive mobility (a + b) greater than 3-5 million in REM.

Frequent questions

What are the normal values ??of the spermiogram?

Answer by IVF Recoletos

Regarding the normal values ??of a spermiogram or also called seminogram, the most important are:

Sample volume ? 1.5 ml
pH between 7.2 and 8.0
Sperm concentration ? 15 million / ml
Total sperm> 40 million
Progressive mobility (A + B) ? 32%
Live spermatozoa> 58%
Normal spermatozoa ? 4%
REM (sperm capacity)> 5 million, this being the most determinant parameter of the seminogram

How do I know if I am a fertile man?

Answer by Create Medical Center for Assisted Reproduction.

To know if you are fertile you must do a series of tests. The first thing to do is to make a medical history and a complete physical examination, together with a seminogram, a test that detects volume, concentration, motility, viability and morphology of spermatozoa, and also helps prevent, prevent or cure disorders that cause sterility and that often go unnoticed.

How long do you get the results of the seminogram?

It will depend on each laboratory and the volume of work they have. The result could be known on the same day as the sample is deposited, but usually delivered to the patient 2-3 days later.

Where can I get a spermogram?

The most common places to perform this diagnostic test are assisted reproduction clinics and clinical analysis laboratories.

It can also be carried out in Social Security if the doctor considers it necessary and indicates it.

Are there diseases that cause sperm problems?

Yes, there are certain testicular diseases such as varicocele, hydrocele, cryptorchidism and some genetic diseases that can alter the normal production of spermatozoa and cause infertility.

Hormonal problems such as hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and diabetes also affect sperm development.

If the seminal pathways and accessory glands have any abnormalities, sperm maturation and ejaculation may be altered.

What medications are needed for the sperm?

There is no drug that has to be taken to make a seminogram. However, if any alteration is detected in the spermogram, the doctor may prescribe a nutritional supplement to improve the seminal quality during the next 3 months and evaluate if there is an improvement with a new seminogram.

Does Enterococcus faecalis in semen cause infertility?

This microorganism is a gram positive bacterium that is usually located in the male urethra and is part of the bacterial flora. However, it can sometimes ascend the urogenital system and trigger an infection.

Enterococcus faecalis is the most common cause of infections affecting the prostate and semen. As with any infection that affects the reproductive system, it could cause infertility, which would be solved with antibiotic treatment. Only if the infection is acute and not treated in time can it cause permanent infertility.

How much does a spermogram cost?

The price of the seminogram varies according to the clinic in which it is performed and the tests that are included. In general, it is about 70-130 ?.

If you need to make one, we recommend you visit our discounts page: Discounts for seminograms.

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