Doctors perform a semen analysis after vasectomy to check for sperm and to determine whether or not the surgery was successful. The test looks at things like sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.
A normal sperm count should be at least 15 million per milliliter of semen. It should also be motile, which means that sperm are moving forward and are able to fertilize an egg.
What is a Semen Analysis?
A semen analysis is an evaluation of a sample of seminal fluid that contains sperm. It is a critical test to have for men with fertility issues. It measures both the quantity of sperm in the sample and the quality of the sperm, including their shape and movement. The test can also provide information about how the ejaculatory tract is functioning, such as whether it is blocked.
You can perform the test yourself or have a doctor collect a sample for you. The sample is usually taken while you are masturbating in a private room at the lab and then put into a sterile container. You should not use lubricant when providing the sample to prevent contamination.
The lab will evaluate the semen and look for a variety of things such as sperm movement (motility), sperm shape and morphology, the pH of the sperm and white blood cells in the sperm. They will also measure how much sperm is in the sample, which is typically measured in milliliters of liquid or half a teaspoon.
Sperm Movement
When sperm move to reach and fertilize an egg in the female body, they have to swim through several obstacles. Several factors affect how well sperm move, including their shape (or morphology), concentration and movement. A semen analysis looks at these as well as pH levels, sperm count and leukocytes (white blood cells that may be present in the sample).
To get the most accurate results possible, doctors usually compare your test data to reference ranges that are based on a large number of men with healthy sperm. However, your results may not fall within these ranges, which doesn’t necessarily mean you are infertile.
In fact, many cases of male infertility can be treated through simple lifestyle changes or medication. Your fertility specialist can help you understand your specific test results and develop a treatment plan. The goal is to help you conceive as quickly and easily as possible. A semen analysis is often the first step in determining why you might be having trouble conceiving.
Sperm Shape
Sperm morphology is an evaluation of a sample of sperm cells under a microscope. It examines the shape of each sperm cell, including its head, neck-midpiece and tail. The head carries the genetic material and is shaped like an oval to penetrate the outer layer of an egg and fertilize it. The midpiece contains enzymes and multiple mitochondria to supply energy for motility. The tail is long to allow the sperm to travel through the female reproductive tract.
A normal sperm cell has one head, one slender neck and a straight tail that is 10 times longer than the neck. Any abnormality in a sperm’s head, neck or tail reduces fertility.
Every male has a high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm cells, but it’s important to have enough sperm with the right shape to successfully fertilize an egg. A semen analysis can identify these problems and help a doctor develop a treatment plan to improve fertility.
Sperm pH
Semen analysis tests measure many important factors, including sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. In addition, a sample’s sperm pH level is important. The optimum pH range for semen is between 7.2 and 8.0, as this allows the fluid to support sperm. If the pH of a semen sample is too acidic or too alkaline, it may interfere with the ability of the sperm to reach an egg and fertilize it in a woman’s body.
When the sperm pH level of a semen sample is abnormal, it can indicate underlying health conditions that affect fertility. This includes problems with the testicles and reproductive tract, as well as issues like an ejaculatory blockage.
To ensure the best results, andrologists instruct patients to abstain from sexual activity for two to five days prior to semen collection. This helps to prevent the deterioration of the sperm, as well as any potential bacterial contamination from the vaginal environment. This abstinence also ensures that the sperm is properly collected for analysis. It’s important to know that the sperm pH of a semen sample will be affected by how it is collected.
White Blood Cells
A semen analysis can help a man determine whether his vasectomy was successful. It also helps doctors evaluate male fertility issues. A typical semen analysis tests ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and motility. The test may also include an assessment of sperm morphology, the shape of the sperm head and tail. A semen analysis can also measure the pH level of the ejaculate and its concentration of fructose.
For a semen analysis, the patient is asked to masturbate and ejaculate into a collection cup in a private room at a doctor’s office or other medical facility. The test is typically performed around three months after a vasectomy to see if the procedure worked.
When performing a semen analysis, it is important to use only a clean sample. The use of lubricants can affect the results, as can the intake of certain medications and herbal supplements. For the most accurate results, men should avoid using lubricants and shouldn’t take any medications for several days before the test. The doctor will give instructions for the best way to provide a sample.
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