Semen Analysis
There are various situations in which semen analysis may be required: common examples include ascertaining the fertility of a man, or determining whether a vasectomy (or reverse vasectomy, for that matter) has been successful. This kind of analysis measures the amount of sperm produced by a man, as well as its quality.
There are actually various tests which are usually conducted during the semen analysis. For example:
Sperm count
This test is used to calculate the volume of actual sperm available in each millimetre of semen that’s released during ejaculation.
Volume
The aim of this test is to specifically evaluate the volume of semen that gest released in a single ejaculation.
Liquefaction time
Even though healthy semen normally has a thick consistency, all semen will get liquid in about 20-30 minutes after being released from the body. This test measures the exact time that it takes for the sperm to get liquid.
Sperm motility
This kind of test evaluates how effectively spermatozoids can move normally within the seminal fluid; it also measures the motile density, which is the percentage of spermatozoids that move normally within the seminal fluid.
Sperm morphology
This test focuses on the shape of spermatozoids, and its main purpose is detecting any anomalies that might hinder fertility.
Ph levels
Healthy semen should not be too acidic (low PH) nor too alkaline (high PH), and this test will determine whether a man’s sperm is within ideal PH boundaries.
White blood cell count
Usually, white blood cells are not found in semen unless there’s something wrong. This test is meant to ascertain just that.
Fructose level
Fructose is a sugar that provides sperm with energy, and this test will measure the amount of fructose in sperm.
Taking the semen analysis will require specific preparations, which your doctor will readily inform you of. For example, you will be asked not to ejaculate in the 3 to 5 days prior to the analysis, in order to ensure as high as possible sperm count and volume, thereby making the tests more effective and reliable.
There’s no reason to take abstinence too far though, since a period of 1 or 2 weeks without sexual activity can lead to stale semen, which may also interfere with the accuracy of the tests.
Additional precautions include not drinking alcohol in the days prior to the test, as well as telling your doctor about any medications you’ve been taking recently. In the appointed test date, you will be asked to place a sample of your semen in a plastic cup – which you can do in the privacy of your home, of course.
There really is no point in feeling frustrated and hopeless, if you feel you have low quality sperm, or if you release a small volume of semen in each ejaculation. Besides getting the appropriate medical care, there are natural pills available such as Performer5: aimed at increasing both the quality and quantity of your semen, as well as improving penile blood-flow which should translate in stronger, more powerful erections.