When a couple decides it’s time to grow the family and, after months and months of trying, isn’t successful, the first thing that comes to mind is that the woman may not be able to have children and needs to see a doctor for tests to find out what’s happening.
After performing all the tests and finding nothing, no irregularity, what could be going on? The problem could be with the man. In this case, it may be necessary to do a complete semen analysis after a doctor’s request to check for issues and why they are unable to get pregnant.
For a woman to become pregnant, the man’s sperm must be able to reach and fertilize the egg. The purpose of a complete semen analysis is to assess whether these sperm can do so, whether they are strong enough, and healthy enough to reach the egg.
Through a complete semen analysis, the quality of the semen is evaluated, as well as its quantity and physical and chemical properties. This test will provide the couple with a diagnosis of what is happening and, if a problem is found, allow the situation to be reversed through proper treatment.
When Is a Complete Semen Analysis Indicated and Where Is It Done?
Usually, a complete semen analysis is requested when investigating infertility in a couple or in a man. Or even when it’s already known that the man is sterile, but the reason for this infertility needs to be determined and whether it can be reversed1.
In the test, the sample is thoroughly analyzed, looking at its quality, smell, quantity, and the pH of the sperm. The complete semen analysis is performed in a specialized laboratory and the examination is carried out using the appropriate equipment, such as a microscope, which is able to closely observe every detail of the semen. In this way, it is possible to compare with what is considered normal in order to reach the correct and precise diagnosis.
The possible abnormalities that may be found in the semen analysis performed by the complete semen analysis are:
- Oligospermia – Number of sperm below normal
- Astenospermia – Difficulty reaching the egg
- Necrospermia – A large proportion of dead sperm
- Teratospermia – Abnormal sperm shape
Other problems and abnormalities that may be detected in the complete semen analysis include azoospermia2, which is the total absence of sperm, oligoasthenospermia, which is a decrease in the number and the difficulty of sperm reaching the egg, and leucospermia, which is the presence of a large number of leukocytes in the seminal fluid, possibly indicating an infection that needs to be treated.
The test is performed with total privacy, requiring a semen sample to be collected in a specimen container. The man will stay in a room alone and will have as much time as needed to collect the sample. Generally, clinics and laboratories provide some assistance by offering erotic materials to make the process easier for the man.
Some laboratories now allow collection to be done at home, as long as certain hygiene, sterilization, and material delivery time standards are followed.
The sample for the complete semen analysis must be delivered within 30 minutes after collection. After this period, the semen is considered invalid for testing. Preparation for the complete semen analysis requires a minimum of 5 days of sexual abstinence. As for hygiene before collection, hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and plenty of water to ensure they are completely free of bacteria.
Certain dietary restrictions may be advised by the doctor and must be followed for at least 5 to 7 days before collection. Furthermore, the sample should never be collected using condoms, as they contain spermicides that may affect the test result, as well as other substances like lubricants.
If, even after all these tests, it is concluded that natural conception is not possible, why not consider in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination3? That way your dream might come true faster than you think.
See also: Male Infertility and Semen Analysis – What Are the Main Issues
