Preparation for spermogram nuances and secrets

Male spermogram is a special semen analysis that determines the factors of male infertility and the activity of his sperm. A spermogram is usually taken after preparation in a specialized clinic, and a spermogram is analyzed by a urologist. To get tested correctly, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the basic requirements of the clinics and know exactly why such a procedure is needed.

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 able to impregnate a woman or not.

But in order to draw such conclusions, you need to know how to take a spermogram correctly, consult a doctor and undergo treatment. In addition, a spermogram can be sent before an operation (varicocele or cancer treatment).

Causes of male infertility

The causes of male infertility are hidden in fairly obvious things, and in most cases they 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.

In any of these cases, it is worth not delaying the analysis, because many men take a spermogram almost at the last moment.

How to properly prepare for a spermogram?

To know how to pass a spermogram correctly, you need to take into account several main rules. A spermogram can be performed only if the man has a regular sex life for six months. But a few weeks before the tests, you need to properly prepare.

• 3-5 days before the immediate delivery of the semen analysis, 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 alcohol and quit smoking.
• also give up taking medications a few weeks before the test, and if this is not possible, discuss it with the doctor and notify the laboratory assistant at the clinic where you will be taking 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.

Before you go for the spermogram, consider the biological processes that occur in the male body. It is important to remember that the full cycle of development of spermatogenesis - from the birth of a sperm in the testicle to its entry into the sperm, lasts on average 72 days. It is during this period that any factor can affect the quality of the ejaculate, as a result, changing the quality of the sperm and the test results. Therefore, if during 3 months something happened to a man's health, he was very nervous or worked a lot, then it is better not to take the test for a while.

Main indicators of semen analysis

A spermogram is a multicomponent mixture of male spermatozoa, which is assessed according to several indicators.

The main indicators of the analysis are:

• semen volume.
• sperm count in 1 ml of ejaculate and total value.
• sperm motility.
• semen viscosity.
• sperm morphology (correct structure).

In order to pass a spermogram and achieve the most accurate indicators, it is necessary to take an analysis at the clinic after instructing the medical staff, a laboratory assistant or nurse must explain as accurately as possible how to correctly pass a spermogram. But today, many clinics allow to collect a spermogram at home in a sterile container, and collect the sample by masturbation and deliver the sample to the clinic within an hour or two. You can take a spermogram at home only if you follow 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 get into the semen.

How to take a spermogram correctly, you can read on many sources and be prepared in any clinic for a quick passage of the procedure.

Things to do just before collecting semen for analysis

• 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. Some even refuse to undergo such a procedure and do not want to donate sperm under any pretext. 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 a simple experience can spoil your result.

Many people carry out the analysis at home using the Internet. But it is best to visit a urologist and hear his opinion. 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 the quality of sperm 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.

Eat plenty of 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. You know how the analysis is given.But 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.