Preparing for a spermogram what you need to know before taking the test

Spermogram is an analysis of male sperm, most often collected by masturbation, which determines the factors of male infertility and the activity of his sperm. A spermogram is usually taken after careful preparation in a specialized clinic or laboratory, and the analysis is deciphered by a urologist. To pass the tests correctly, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the basic requirements of the clinics and know exactly how to go through this procedure correctly.

What is the collection of male semen for?

With the help of a spermogram, it is possible to determine the volume, color and viscosity of the material, as well as the pH, acidity, degree of liquefaction, the number of sperm and their motility and the presence of other cells. Together with these factors, it is possible to determine whether a man is capable of impregnating a woman or not. In addition, a semen analysis may be prescribed if a man donates sperm as a donor or prepares with his wife for artificial insemination.

Causes of male infertility

The causes of male infertility are often hidden in simple things, and in most cases are quickly treated or corrected.

Indicators of deterioration in men's health can be:

• deterioration in general physical condition (stress, nerves).
• environment (life near factories, factories, in an unsuitable climatic zone).
• unhealthy lifestyle (sleep patterns, unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption, smoking).
• urological, genetic, chronic diseases.
• disorders of the immune system.

How to properly prepare for a spermogram?

To know how to pass a spermogram correctly, you need to take into account several main rules. The analysis can be carried out in a man who has been sexually active for the last six months, has not been sick, has not used hormonal drugs and has not undergone surgery. If a man has any of these factors, then it is better to postpone the test for at least three months.

Immediately a few weeks before the test, it is necessary:

• 3-5 days before the sperm test, you need to refrain from intercourse.
• a week before the planned test, do not visit baths, saunas, do not overheat or freeze, do not take a hot bath at home and wear comfortable clothes, especially underwear.
• a few days before the test, give up fatty, fried, spicy foods, exclude the use of alcohol and coffee.
• no smoking, no drugs.
• give up taking medications a few weeks before the test, and if this is not possible, discuss it with your doctor and notify the laboratory assistant at the clinic where you will take the spermogram.
• if you have been prescribed a prostate massage, then 3-5 days before the test you need to stop doing it.
• protect yourself from stress and anxiety, do not overwork yourself with hard physical work.

It is better to lead a measured lifestyle before taking a spermogram, not to get nervous, use vitamins, healthy food and get enough sleep.

In order to pass a spermogram and achieve the most accurate indicators, it is necessary to take an analysis in the clinic after instructing, where the laboratory assistant or nurse must explain as accurately as possible how to pass the analysis correctly. But today, many clinics allow to collect a spermogram at home in a sterile container, and the sample itself is collected by masturbation and within an hour or two to deliver the sample to the clinic.

Many men are interested in whether it is possible to take a spermogram at home?

In some laboratories, it is allowed to go through the very procedure of collecting semen at home, but only in compliance with all the doctor's recommendations (correct transportation, temperature, etc.).

It is not recommended to collect a sample for analysis by interrupted intercourse or oral sex. These methods are unreliable and imprecise because leukocytes, flora, and other cells can enter the sample during sperm collection. The use of a condom to collect the test is also not allowed, because a chemical lubricant can enter the semen.

What should be done immediately before the spermogram?

• go to the toilet and urinate.
• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• prepare a sterile container.
• collect analysis in a container from start to finish.
• send the collected ejaculate to the laboratory for analysis.

Many men do not hesitate to say that donating sperm for analysis is a difficult and rather complicated process. But nevertheless, if it is necessary for the treatment, conception or diagnosis of a disease, it is necessary and possible to properly prepare, tune in psychologically and undergo the procedure. And remember, it is important to know how to pass the test correctly, because even simple nervousness or anxiety can ruin your result.

Many people carry out the analysis at home using the Internet. But it is best to visit a urologist and listen to his opinion and recommendations. A bad spermogram in a man is not yet a verdict, only a doctor can tell you how to solve the problem quickly and reliably.

Main indicators of normal spermogram and their meaning

When a man knows how to take a spermogram, it can increase the accuracy of its results. The normal volume of ejaculate should be at least 2 ml (norm 3-5 ml), white-grayish (ivory). If the sperm is less than the expected rate, then this may indicate that the man's testicles and gonads are not working well, or he simply did not collect the entire sample. This indicator against the background of the general picture may indicate a possible male infertility. Various disseminations of blood cells can also indicate serious disorders of the reproductive system.

Male sperm should liquefy in normal laboratory conditions in 10-40 minutes, and the pH level should be between 7.2-7.8.

Spermatozoa in 1 ml of liquid should be from 60-120 million, and in the total amount of the sample in 40-500 million. work of the body.

Actively motile spermatozoa should be at least 25% of the total, weakly mobile and non-progressively mobile - at least half, but immobile sperm should be absent or not more than 20%. Sperm with pathologies should also be no more than 20%. But if the test results show a greater number of immotile spermatozoa or sperm with pathologies (no tail, enlarged or too small), then this may be a signal that the man is sick, has inflammation in the reproductive system, or even cannot have children.

The number of rounded cells in the sample should be no more than 5 million, and the number of leukocytes should be up to 3-5. Also, as a result of the tests, there should be no spermagglutination. With normal results, male semen and mucus should be free of impurities, particles of blood bodies, erythrocytes, leukocytes (no more than 10), epithelial cells (more than 2-3).

If any of the above is still present in the analysis results, treatment is necessary, because it may be a symptom of a urological disease or infection. In addition, the spermogram should take into account such indicators as sperm viscosity (0-5 mm), fatigue (the percentage of motile forms decreases by 10% after 1 hour, by 40% after 5 hours), the speed of sperm movement (3 mm / min) and many others.

How to improve the quality of semen analysis?

In order to improve sperm quality and test performance, you need to follow just a few fairly simple rules. To begin with, a man needs to regulate his daily routine - go to bed and get enough sleep on time, alternate between rest and work. It is better to start leading a more active lifestyle, walking more in the fresh air, playing sports and getting positive emotions. You also need to change your diet - improve nutrition, monitor your diet.

You need to eat more pumpkin seeds, dried apricots, prunes, raisins, herbs and natural honey. Increase the amount of vegetables and fruits you eat, as well as cereals.

In addition, it will be better for the duration of treatment or even permanently give up bad habits - alcohol, smoking, drugs. Sit at the computer less to reduce the level of harmful radiation on the body

Avoid stress and irritation, wear underwear made from natural fabrics, such that it does not restrict movement, does not float or squeeze. Refuse frequent visits to the bathhouse, sauna, steam room.

However, it is important to remember that only a specialist doctor can accurately decipher the result of a spermogram. He will prompt or help you choose the right treatment to restore men's health.

Remember that correct and competent preparation for a spermogram can significantly affect the analysis results. The further prescription of treatment and the selection of medications, if necessary, depends on how you follow all the recommendations for collecting semen for research.

Yes, a spermogram by itself cannot tell whether a man is capable of conceiving a child or not. If a couple is trying to get pregnant, a comprehensive examination of the organisms of both partners is necessary. And if such an analysis was carried out for a different purpose, then it must be repeated after passing the treatment cycle, again in compliance with all the recommendations and rules for collecting the sample.