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Semen
Analysis
What is semen analysis
While a positive post-coital test
result will indicate that the sperm count is normal, an analysis of the
semen itself is the most basic test that can be carried out on your husband.
How is the test carried
out
A semen sample will be collected
by asking your husband to masturbate directly into a special sterile container.
There is no point trying to collect a sample by withdrawal at intercourse
as some of the initial part of the ejaculate is lost. Transferring a sample
from a condom does not help either as most sheaths these days contain a
potent spermicide. Some specialists recommend that you abstain from intercourse
for a few days before the sample is collected. However, others feel that
it is better to follow your normal pattern of intercourse. The semen sample
should be kept warm and should be delivered to the laboratory for
testing within one hour of production. After the sample volume has
been measured, the following calculations are carried out.
-
The number of sperm per milliliter (ml).
-
The percentage of sperm showing normal
forward progressive movements (motility).
-
The percentage of abnormal sperm.
What are the indications
for normal semen
A normal semen analysis will show:
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A volume greater than 2 ml.
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A count of more than 30 million sperm
per ml
-
A motility greater than 60% within one
hour of production
-
An abnormality rate of less than 25%
What if the semen
analysis results are not normal
If your husband's semen analysis
falls short of the figures given above, it does not imply that a pregnancy
will be unlikely. Different samples from your husband will show different
results. This is why a reduced semen analysis will always be checked with
1 or 2 repeat tests. Changes in his general health 10 weeks before the
collection of the sample can affect the sperm count and motility. . For
example, if he has had an illness like 'flu, it can reduce both the count
and motility in a sample produced 10 weeks later, as this is the time taken
for sperm to reach maturity. A repeat sample tested after an additional
2-3 months could very well be normal.
What will the results
of the semen analysis tell me
If your husband has a good quality
semen sample with a count of 10 million per ml and your own fertility is
normal, then statistically it will take up to 6 years for you to become
pregnant. If this count is 20 million per ml and of good quality it will
take up to 3 years, and at 30 million per ml a pregnancy should occur within
a year. But keep in mind that these are generalizations that cannot be
blindly applied to every couple. The quality of the semen is always more
important than the quantity of sperm per ml.
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