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Semen Analysis
A semen analysis measures the amount of semen a man produces and determines the number and quality of sperm in the semen sample.
A semen analysis is should the first test done to help determine whether a man has a problem fathering a child (infertility). A problem with the semen or sperm affects more than one-third of the couples who are unable to have children (infertile).
Tests that may be done during a semen analysis include:
Volume: This is a measure of how much semen is present in one ejaculation.
Liquefaction Time: Semen is a thick gel at the time of ejaculation and normally becomes liquid within 20 minutes after ejaculation. Liquefaction time is a measure of the time it takes for the semen to liquefy.
Sperm Count: This is a count of the number of sperm present per milliliter (mL) of semen in one ejaculation.
Sperm Morphology: This is a measure of the percentage of sperm that have a normal shape.
Sperm Motility: This is a measure of the percentage of sperm that can move forward normally. The number of sperm that show normal forward movement in a certain amount of semen can also be measured (motile density).
pH: This is a measure of the acidity (low pH) or alkalinity (high pH) of the semen.
White Blood Cell Count: White blood cells are not normally present in semen.
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Why It Is Done
A semen analysis is done to determine whether:
A man has a reproductive problem that is causing infertility.
A vasectomy has been successful.
The reversal of a vasectomy has been successful.
How To Prepare
You should avoid any sexual activity that results in ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before a semen analysis. This helps ensure that your sperm count will be at its highest, and it improves the reliability of the test. A long period of sexual inactivity can result in poor results.
Tell your health professional about any medications or herbal supplements you are taking.
How It Is Done
You will need to produce a semen sample, by ejaculating into a clean sample cup. You can do this in the private rooms at Kettering Reproductive Medicine. If you live close to KRM's Laboratory office, you may be able to collect the semen sample at home and then transport it to the office or clinic for testing, however the pre-tested container must be obtained from KRM
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Sperm Washing
Sperm washing is a procedure used to prepare sperm for use in IUI. It allows your partner's sperm a better chance for survival and fertilization. Sperm washing separates sperm cells from a man's semen, helping to get rid of dead or slow-moving sperm as well as additional chemicals that may impair fertilization. Once sperm has been washed, it can be used during IUI to help achieve pregnancy.
Why is Sperm Washing Necessary?
Sperm must be washed in order to be used with IUI. Raw semen cannot be inserted directly into a woman's uterus. This is because semen contains chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause muscular contractions and are responsible for cramps during menstruation and pregnancy. If raw semen is inserted directly into your uterus, rather than going through the cervix first, it could cause severe pain and cramping. It could also cause your uterus to collapse, causing severe complications.
Sperm is also washed in order to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Sperm washing can remove dead sperm and those sperm with poor motility. This leaves behind sperm that can swim faster and that are more likely to fertilize your egg. Sperm washing can also get rid of the white blood cells, mucous and seminal fluid surrounding the sperm, which can also interfere with fertility.
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Who Can Benefit From Sperm Washing?
Anyone who pursues IUI will receive the sperm washing procedure. However, the procedure can also benefit others, especially those with:
unexplained infertility
male-factor infertility
women with endometriosis
Preparing for the Sperm Wash
Your semen will be collected after you masturbate. It is important to refrain from sexual intercourse for two days before your sperm is collected. However, do not go more than five days without intercourse. Certain antibiotics may also affect the quality of your sperm, so speak with your reproductive endocrinologist if you are taking any medications.
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Sperm Washing Procedures
Density Gradient Sperm Wash: The density gradient sperm wash works to separate dead sperm cells, white blood cells, and other waste products from the sperm.
A test tube is filled with multiple layers of liquids of different densities. Semen is then placed on the top layer of liquid and the test tube is spun in a centrifuge. After it is spun, active, healthy sperm will make their way to the very bottom layer of liquid in the test tube, while debris and dead sperm will get caught in the top two layers. These top layers are removed. This active sperm are then used in the IUI procedure. Density gradient sperm washes take approximately 60 minutes.
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