Semen Analysis

Vanakkam and Welcome to Dr. Shah’s Clinic. My name is Dr. Shah Dupesh, I am Consultant Andrologist in Chennai In this awesome round-up post, I am going to tell you everything under the sun about taking a semen analysis test in Chennai. First things first…

Why do a sperm test?

The sperm test or the semen analysis test is still the ‘Gold standard test for the assessment of male fertility’. 

With male factor infertility on the rise, a large proportion of men are suffering severely from long-standing male reproductive health issues.

A sperm test is usually the first investigation that will be ordered to assess possible problems with sperm production. Not just that, the semen analysis test is usually a guide to further treatment of male infertility In a spermiogram or sperm test, 4 important variables are assessed.

They are A. Semen Volume B. Sperm Concentration C. Sperm Motility & D. Sperm Morphology  Each parameter gives us important information about the individual’s male overall reproductive health.

Let’s discuss each of these parameters individually and let us also look at the normal values.

How is a semen analysis done?

So here is the thing, typically during a sperm test, you will asked to collect a sample by masturbation.

The actual sample collection is done in a private office space in your doctor’s office. You must follow a few conditions before the testing. They are as follows

1. Sexual abstinence for 2 to 7 days.
2. The sample should be collected using dry hands
3. Be careful not to spill the sample during the collection process
4. Post sample collection, immediately you should close the lid of the container and keep it close to the body. This will prevent temperature fluctuations.

Some men may face difficulties during their sample collection, in these situations, the home collection procedure is adviced. 

A specialized non-toxic condom can be given to patients who require a home collection.

In some instances, where patients cannot collect a sample in the doctor’s office, a home collection of semen can be recommended provided the patient is able to bring the sample to the office within 1 hour of collection.

How long does a semen analysis usually take?

A typical sperm analysis test is complete in about 1 hour. This is to allow for the liquefaction of semen which typically takes about 30 minutes.

Semen on ejaculation forms a jelly-like clot which then progressively liquefies over time. The interesting thing is that, as the semen liquefies, sperm gain progressive motility over time.

In some instances, the sample will not liquify. In these instances, the sample must be syringed and forcibly liquified before an analysis of sperm count or motility is done.

What is the normal semen volume for a man?

If you doing a semen analysis test in Chennai, a definite parameter of interest you should look at is the semen volume. The semen volume is of an important biological significance.

The normal semen volume ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 ml. Very low semen volumes are often associated with

1. A spilled sample
2. Erectile Dysfunction
3. Ejaculatory Dysfunction or
4. Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

Repeating the sample is recommended for all patients who report a low semen volume.