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Semen analysis to assess male fertility
A semen analysis is a test, which is used to assess male fertility. Prior to fertility treatment, it is usual for a semen analysis test to be performed. The semen analysis evaluates the semen and the amount and quality of the sperm contained within it. The volume and the number of sperm per millilitre of ejaculate are measured, and an assessment of the sperm morphology (normal sperm) and sperm motility (how they swim) is made. The World Health Organisation defines a normal sperm count as between 15-200 million per ml. It is also usual to measure the liquefaction, volume and pH. Our samples are analysed using an automated machine (SQA-Vision Sperm Quality Analyser), which provides an analysis of the above values; however, this type of examination does not replace an analysis made by an andrologist.
Most men feel a little uncomfortable about collecting a semen sample for analysis. The circumstances for providing the sample can be less than ideal, however, the staff at Cherish-UK are aware of the embarrassing factors and are used to dealing with samples in a professional manner.
Cherish-UK has a designated quiet room for producing samples at the clinic if required. The site of semen collection does not affect the results of a semen analysis.
Prior to producing a sample, it is important to understand factors, which can affect the quality of the semen sample; it is essential to let the clinic know if any of the following have been used in the last three months prior to your test:
• Caffeine, alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and tobacco
• Herbal medicines, such as St. John's wort and high doses of echinacea
Medicines, such as:
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Male and female hormones (testosterone, oestrogen)
- Sulfasalazine
- Nitrofurantoin
- Steroids / some ‘body building’ supplements
- Some chemotherapy medicines
Testing
It is necessary for a sample to be tested within an hour of production. It should be delivered by yourself or your partner within one hour to Cherish-UK. The semen sample should be produced by masturbation into the pot provided by Cherish-UK. The pot in which the sample has been collected must be kept at body temperature to ensure the sperm are kept alive before the sample is tested. Delays in delivering semen and exposure to various temperatures will results in lower overall motile sperm count. It is therefore very important not to expose the sample to extreme temperatures; the motility will be affected if the sample gets too hot or too cold. Once you have produced your sample you must keep your specimen container upright in a plastic bag, with the lid securely tightened. Please clearly write your name and the time and date of your sample on the sample pot.
It is advisable not to have any sexual activity for at least 48 hours before providing the sample; this means no sex or no ejaculation of any kind including masturbation. However, do not abstain for more than seven days as the sperm begin to decline if ejaculation is infrequent.
Once the sample has been collected it will be analysed to assess the overall count, the following assessments will also be made:
Semen Volume
A normal semen volume is between 1.5 ml and 6.5 ml.
Semen pH
The normal pH range specified by WHO criteria is greater than 7.2. A higher pH value may indicate an infection. Infection may also be indicated if there are high levels of white blood cells present in the semen sample.
Semen Morphology
The World Health Organisation Criteria 5th Edition states that a sample is considered normal if there are 4% or more sperm with normal morphology (shape).
Semen Motility
Rapid progressive motility > 32%
Non-progressive motility
Immotile
The values are reported in percentages, which add up to 100%.
Semen Liquefaction
Liquefaction describes the process, which occurs after ejaculation when the gel, which is formed by proteins from the seminal vesicles, is broken up and the semen becomes more liquid. When the semen becomes more liquid it allows the sperm to be able to swim out of the sample and into the cervical canal. It normally takes approximately 20 minutes for the sample to change from a thick gel into a liquid. However, a liquefaction time within 60 minutes is regarded as being within the normal range.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Before providing the semen sample make sure your hands and penis are clean. Wash them with soap and then rinse with clear water to ensure no soap residue is left. It is important not to use any lubricant, including saliva. You will need to ejaculate directly into a sterile container provided by Cherish-UK. You must avoid touching the inside of the pot. The semen sample needs to be complete, e.g. all the ejaculate should be collected, which includes the first, sperm-rich portion as it contains the highest concentration of sperm.
Please follow the instructions on the semen analysis form and complete all of the details on the form before delivering the sample to Cherish-UK. In exceptional circumstances if it is difficult to provide a sample from masturbation a sample may be collected during intercourse in a special type of condom known as a collection condom. Collection condoms are made from silicone or polyurethane, as latex is harmful to sperm and should not be used. For more information contact Cherish-UK for advice on where to purchase collection condoms.
Service Pricing:
Semen Analysis: £150.00
(Please be aware that a stand-alone semen analysis does not include consultation about the results. If a consultation is required a further charge will apply)
*Please note a £20 deposit is needed at the time of booking a semen analysis with the balance of £130 to be paid on attendance. Please be aware the deposit is not transferable and is only valid for use within 4 months of purchase.
If you would prefer to do your sample at home and can deliver it to Cherish-UK within one hour, we can post the sample pot to you. There is an extra postage charge of £7.50 for this service.
