Spermogram is a laboratory examination of sperm. Sperm is produced by the testicles and exits through the vas deferens. Its production is regulated by hormones, almost the entire male reproductive system is involved, so the study of sperm is very informative. Based on its results, it is possible to make conclusions about male fertility, the state and functioning of the male reproductive system in general.
When a spermogram is prescribed
Usually a man is given a direction to make a spermogram during an examination for infertility in marriage or in the preparation for artificial insemination. It is important to know that this examination is performed in any case, even if the woman has infertility confirmed, because the result of the spermogram allows to choose the optimal reproductive assistive technology.
Moreover, the spermogram is indicated for a number of diseases of the organs of the male reproductive system, in particular, oncological or suspected diseases.
How to prepare for semen analysis
Sperm production by the male body is a complex and delicate process. It is seriously affected by such seemingly insignificant factors as sleep deprivation or visits to the baths. Therefore, to obtain an accurate result of the analysis, it needs strict compliance with such requirements:
- To make the semen analysis is no earlier than two weeks after recovery from any illness that was accompanied by an increase in temperature
- It needed to abstain from sexual contact for three days. Too short a period of moderation will lead to a small volume of ejaculate and the number of spermatozoa in it, and too long - to the death of older spermatozoa.
- Avoid alcohol, excessive physical and psycho-emotional stress two to three days before the test.
- Avoid one day before the test any thermal procedures: visiting a sauna, baths, taking a bath or a hot shower, it is better to turn off even the heating of the seat in the car. The reason is that overheating of the scrotum worsens spermatogenesis.
- If using any medicinal products, it should be informed the doctor before the spermogram, and then follow doctor’s recommendations.
How to give the analysis
Ejaculate for a spermogram is obtained by masturbation. It takes place in a special room of the clinic, where there is all the necessary relaxation, under conditions of strict confidentiality. The patient collects the entire portion of sperm in an above-prepared container and hands it to the healthcare professional. The filled container should be in the laboratory within an hour, no later.
Result and its evaluation
Sperm is evaluated by the following parameters:
- volume;
- physical characteristics (appearance, color, liquefaction, smell, pH)
- spermatozoa concentration;
- morphology (structure) of spermatozoa;
- spermatozoa mobility;
- DNA damage.
If the result showed the norm, one analysis is enough. However, for accuracy, especially for the detection of abnormalities, two, and sometimes three spermograms are performed with intervals from a week to several months between them.
Sperm Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation is a method of quick and deep freezing of living tissue, which allows to preserve its viability after defrosting. Sperm cryopreservation is a method of preserving spermatozoa for further using in the IVF (in vitro fertilization) program.
The method essence is that the sperm is exposed to ultra-low temperature, which allows the cells to enter the "glass" stage without the formation of harmful water crystals. The container with the frozen sperm is carefully labeled and stored in the cryobank for any length of time.
Sperm cryopreservation can be used by any man who wants to preserve his sperm for the future. This is especially relevant if there is a risk of loss of fertility. For example, for oncological disease, since chemotherapy and radiation therapy have a negative effect, primarily on reproductive cells. The second vulnerable group is military personnel during hostilities.
Offer for the military
The "Mother&Child" Medical Center offers a free program to preserve the fertility of male Ukrainian servicemen (servicemen of the Armed Forces and the National Guard of Ukraine). The program includes:
- spermogram;
- sperm cryopreservation;
- cryopreservation up to 12 months.
In the future, this material can be used by the man himself or woman indicated by him in the notarized application, in the event of his death or incapacity.
The program for women military has a 30% discount on the fertility preservation program (oocyte retrieval, cryopreservation and storage up to 12 months).
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