1.Semen analysis test
A semen analysis is a diagnostic test performed to evaluate the quality and quantity of a man’s semen and sperm.
This test provides crucial information about a man’s reproductive health and can help identify potential causes of infertility.
To perform the test, a man will be asked to provide a semen sample, typically through masturbation, into a sterile container. Sometimes it can be psychologically difficult to produce a sample, in these circumstances a special condom can be provided to collect sperm during intercourse. We ask that you do NOT abstain for long periods prior to providing your sample. Ideally ejaculating 48 hours before the test date.
Transportation: The sample needs to be transported to the laboratory within a specific time frame, typically within an hour, and kept at body temperature during transportation to preserve the viability of the sperm and any microorganisms present. Alternatively you can produce your sample at the laboratory at special, private rooms.
The sample will be examined by trained embryologists who look at a number of different parameters. However the following are the most useful during the assessment:
Volume: The amount of semen produced during ejaculation.
This can be low in the following circumstances:
- You did not manage to collect all of the sample
- Psychological stress about performing the sample can occasionally cause a lower than usual volume
- Retrograde ejaculation – some of the ejaculate may go back wards into the bladder. This is common in diabetic patients or men who have prostate abnormalities. If this is suspected, a further analysis can be carried out on a urine sample looking for sperm
- Anatomical blockages at the level of the prostate/ejaculatory ducts/seminal vesicles
Sperm Count: The number of sperm present per one millilitre of semen. A normal sperm count typically ranges from 15 million to more than 200 million sperm per millilitre (mL) of semen.
Total sperm count: This is a calculation of volume x sperm count.
Sperm Motility: The percentage of sperm that are moving and their ability to move in a forward direction. Motility is vital for the sperm to travel through the female in order to reach and fertilise an egg.
Sperm Morphology: The shape and structure of sperm. Abnormalities in sperm morphology can impact fertility BUT this is a very subjective test and there is a lot of uncertainty as to its importance.
A high number of round cells or debris may indicate infection or inflammation in the reproductive tract.
2. DNA fragmentation sperm test
A DNA fragmentation test is a sperm test which can be used to assess the quality of sperm DNA. It measures the extent of DNA damage in sperm cells, which can affect fertility and the success of assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Sperm is produced by masturbation and sent to specialist labs where
the DNA is extracted and assessed to measure the degree of fragmentation or breakage in the DNA strands. High levels of DNA fragmentation can indicate issues such as oxidative stress, environmental toxins, or other factors that may affect sperm health and fertility.
This test is not routinely needed but may be helpful in the face of a normal semen analysis with repeated miscarriages or IVF failures.
3. Sperm culture
Also known as sperm microbiology, this diagnostic test can be used to detect the presence of bacteria, viruses, or fungi in semen.
This test is typically performed when there is suspicion of a genital tract infection in men, which could be causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or discharge from the genital area, or when there are issues with infertility.
Sample Collection: The patient is asked to provide a semen sample through masturbation into a sterile container. In order to minimise contamination from the hands and skin on the penis and groin, we ask that you shower before producing the culture sample. The hands, penis, scrotum and perineum must be carefully washed just before masturbating.
Microbiological Analysis: In the laboratory, a portion of the sample is cultured on specific media to allow any bacteria, viruses, or fungi present in the semen to grow.
If growth is observed, further tests may be conducted to identify the specific microorganism(s) present and determine their susceptibility to antibiotics or antifungal medications.
A positive result on a sperm culture test doesn’t necessarily mean that an infection is causing infertility or other symptoms. In some cases, microorganisms may be present in semen without causing any symptoms or affecting fertility. Therefore, the results of the test will be interpreted in conjunction with the man’s history