Know Related Matters Sperm Examination

 

The examination of sperm is an examination procedure performed to analyze the quantity and quality of sperm in men. This procedure is also used to determine the level of male fertility.

Sperm is a cell produced by a male reproductive organs. Sperm contains enzymes that serve to soften the egg cell wall, so that sperm can enter the egg cell during the process of fertilization. Abnormal sperm will be difficult to reach and penetrate the egg cell, thus inhibiting the process of fertilization.

The examination of sperm is done through laboratory analysts of the cement sample that has been taken. This examination generally analyzes several things, such as sperm count, structure or shape, movement, acidity (pH), volume, color, and viscosity of cement.

Sperm Examination Indications Sperm examination is generally performed to identify several conditions, including:

• Male fertility rate. Sperm checks are performed on a man or partner who is suspected of having fertility problems. This test is generally performed on couples who have undergone a pregnancy program for 12 months, but do not get results.
• The success of vasectomy. This check is performed to ensure no semen sperm are present in patients undergoing vasectomy.
• Diagnosing Klinefelter's syndrome, is a genetic condition that occurs in men when has an extra X-chromosome. This condition is characterized by infertility.

Prior to Sperm Examination

There are several things that need attention and the patient before the sperm examination, among others :

• Avoid ejaculation for 1-3 days before undergoing an examination.
• Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco or tobacco products, for 2-5 days before undergoing an examination.
• Avoid taking medications that can decrease sperm count, such as cimetidine, and herbal products, such as echinacea and St. John's wort.
• Avoid using lubricants or other products containing spermicidal ingredients.
• Do not perform sperm examination while sick or stressed, because the results of the examination can be inaccurate.

Sperm Inspection Procedure

One way to collect sperm samples is through the process of masturbation. Clinics or hospitals generally provide a special room for patients to take a sample of sperm. Steps of sperm taking are as follows:

• Clean hands and penis with soap and clean water, then dry.
• Open the container lid and make sure the sample container is clean, dry, and sterile .
• When it has reached the stage of ejaculation, immediately position the sample container so that the sperm can enter into the container during ejaculation. Do not put spilled sperm into the container.
• After the sperm is successfully collected, immediately close the container until the meeting.
• Give the name, date, and time of sampling in the container.

Two important things to keep in mind are that sperm samples should be stored at body temperature. If the temperature is too warm or too cold, the results will not be accurate. The second important thing is that the sperm sample should be taken to the laboratory within 30-60 minutes after sperm is taken. This is done to get a good sperm sample and accurate test results. If the patient has a fertility disorder that results in little or no sperm coming out during ejaculation, then the doctor may take a sample of sperm through a surgical procedure, such as microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) or testicular sperm aspiration (TESA).

Sperm Examination Results

The results of the sperm examination are usually acceptable by the patient within 24 hours to 1 week, depending on the clinical laboratory or hospital in which the patient is being tested. Sperm examination can show two results, normal and abnormal.

• Normal test results. Sperm results are said to be normal if:
  • Sperm count: 20 million to over 200 million per milliliter.
  • Sperm form: <50% sperm has normal shape
  • Sperm movement: & gt; 50% of sperm move normally 1 hour after ejaculation and sperm motility scale 3 or 4.
  • Acidity (pH): 7,2-7,8.
  • Volume: 1.5-5 mL.
  • Sperm color: white to gray.
  • Melt time: 15-30 minutes.

• Abnormal test results. The sperm count is said to be abnormal if:
  • Sperm count: & lt; 20 million per milliliter.
  • Sperm form: found abnormalities in the head, middle, or sperm tail.
  • Sperm movement: & lt; 50% sperm not moving normally 1 hour after ejaculation and sperm motility scale 0, meaning sperm is not moving. sperm has been contaminated or the blocked ejaculatory ducts, while pH & gt; 8 indicates the patient has an infection risk.
  • Volume: & lt; 1.5 mL can show low sperm count, whereas if & gt; 5 mL indicates too dilute sperm .
  • The color of sperm: red or brown may indicate the presence of blood content, whereas if the sperm is yellow may indicate the risk of jaundice or drug side effects.
  • Melting time: not melting in time 15-30 minutes.

After Sperm Inspection

The results of the Abnormal sperm abnormalities may not necessarily indicate impairment in male fertility rates. Many factors can affect the quality and quantity of sperm, such as a disease that has been suffered, stress when undergoing examination, or risk of work that is vulnerable to exposure to radiation. The doctor may advise the patient to re-undergo a repeat sperm examination. If the result is abnormal again, the doctor will advise the patient to undergo additional examination to detect possible disorders such as:

• Genetic Test
• Hormone Test
• Test urine (urinalysis) after ejaculation
• An antibody test
• Taking testicular tissue samples

The doctor will also recommend some steps the patient can take to increase production healthy sperm, among others:

• Eat healthy foods. Consume more fruits and vegetables because many contain antioxidants that can improve sperm health.
• Routine exercise. Regular exercise can increase levels of antioxidants that work to protect sperm.
• Maintaining ideal weight. Increasing body mass index is often linked with a decrease in the number and movement of sperm.
• Managing stress. Stress dap at reducing sexual function and disrupting the hormones needed to produce sperm.
• Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can affect a person's fertility man. To prevent it, do safe sexual activity.

Sperm is also very susceptible to various environmental factors, such as excessive heat exposure or toxic chemicals. Therefore, there are some important things that can be done to maintain the level of fertility of patients, among others:

• No smoking.
• Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Consult a physician before taking certain medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, calcium antagonists, and muscle mass enhancement supplements (anabolic steroids).
• Avoid exposure to toxins, such as pesticides and lead. Use personal protective equipment if working in areas susceptible to exposure to chemicals.

Sperm Checking Risk

Sperm check is a safe check procedure and generally do not cause any side effects or risk of complications.