Sperm agglutination - what does it mean, the probability of conception

It so happens that a young married couple cannot conceive a baby for a long time. The examination shows that the cause of infertility lies in the man and its name is sperm agglutination. What does this pathology mean? Is it treated and, if so, how? There are many questions about this, you need to figure it out.

Sperm agglutination - what does it mean?

Sex cells of a man, being in a normal state, are located at some distance. This ensures their free movement and collision avoidance. To comply with the distance condition, sperm cells have one feature: they are endowed with a negative charge, and at the moment of approach they repel.

But in some situations there is a "sticking" of seed particles to each other. This pathological condition is called agglutination.

This term is sometimes confused with aggregation. In both cases, sperm adhesion is observed. In the first situation, their connection is noted due to the interweaving of parts, for example, tails. Aggregation, on the other hand, implies adhesion after initial crossing with epithelial particles, fragments of dead cells, mucus.

Reasons

Urologists note that there are a lot of factors that provoke agglutination, displayed in the spermogram. The main reasons are:

• bacterial and viral infections, including venereal infections;
• trauma and compression of the testicles;
• hormonal imbalance;
• the consequences of surgical interventions on the genitals;
• failure of the immune system;
• some diseases - varicocele, orchitis, prostatitis, cystic fibrosis;
• birth defects in the structure of the reproductive organs, for example, underdevelopment of the testicles;
• taking strong medications.

Symptoms and signs

Sperm agglutination is not reflected in the physical well-being of a man. The person is not even aware of the ongoing changes in the sperm. The only sign is the impossibility of conception.

Of course, some symptoms may be present:

• pulling pain in the groin;
• weak erection;
• Difficulty ejaculating and urinating.

But these are all signs of diseases provoking the deviation and possible previously received injuries of the scrotum.

Diagnostics: features, what degree?

Due to the absence of symptoms, agglutination can only be diagnosed with the help of tests and laboratory tests. To do this, you need to pass a spermogram, as well as, if possible, a MAP test, urine. In rare cases, an ultrasound scan of the reproductive organs is prescribed, the epididymis and prostate are carefully examined.

In order to get the most accurate result of sperm examination, certain conditions must be met before donating biological material:

• Change the intensity of sexual activity (refrain from sexual intercourse for a week);
• 3-4 days before the analysis, exclude from the diet foods containing caffeine, alcohol, as well as potent drugs, especially antibiotics;
• A few days before going to the clinic, refuse to visit the steam room, do not sunbathe in summer.

Material for spermogram is collected in a sterile container or flask issued by a doctor. Sterility is important. It is better to do this in a medical institution, where a special place is reserved for the procedure. You can collect semen at home, but the test will have to be taken within half an hour until it cools down, and the accuracy of the spermogram is not guaranteed.

The laboratory determines the morphological composition of the ejaculate, the presence of impurities, infections and the number of stuck together sperm. The last indicator is used to judge the severity of the pathology, for this there are special designations:

If, after examination, no changes were found in the samples, then the conclusion is written - "norm", indicated by a special icon - "ABS", "abs" or "-".

Treatment

A urologist or andrologist is engaged in the choice of a treatment technique. Therapy will depend on the reasons that influenced the development of agglutination. Until the provocative diseases are eliminated, there can be no talk about the success of the treatment.

In most cases, consultation with other specialists is required:

• immunologist;
• venereologist;
• surgeon.

When infection and inflammation are detected, a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics is prescribed. They successfully destroy several different groups of viruses and bacteria at once. After that, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs that reduce tissue tone and eliminate inflammation.

If the provoking factors are a malfunction of the hormonal, immune system, appropriate treatment is prescribed.It should be remembered that taking hormonal drugs must be carried out with strict adherence to dosages. Otherwise, it can further worsen the condition of the sperm.

In the case of severe injuries of the intimate organs, varicose veins of the scrotum, twisting of the testicular cord, surgical intervention is required. Also, the operation is performed for prostate adenoma in the last stage.

With a slight degree of agglutination, medical attention is not required. In a severe stage, most often, treatment is useless.

Probability of conception in men

The weak stage of adhesion ("+") for the most part does not affect the probability of conception (unless there are other abnormalities in the spermogram). When there is a sufficient number of freely moving sex cells in the sperm, fertilization of the egg does not cause problems.

Difficulties arise when a significant or severe pathological form is detected. Most gametes lose their ability to move. In this situation, only IVF is possible. In this case, donor ejaculate is not required. Under laboratory conditions, the adhesion of the seed particles is eliminated and they are planted to the egg.

Prevention

To avoid problems with conception, a man, especially a young man, needs to be more careful about his health:

• Regularly undergo medical examinations, take tests. This is the only way to detect at an early stage the presence of diseases that will subsequently lead to a deterioration in the quality of sperm;
• Be careful in choosing partners for sexual contacts, avoid casual sex, do not neglect barrier contraception;
• Do not squeeze the testicles with tight jeans and underwear and other foreign objects, including during sexual activities and games;
• Protect the intimate area from bruises and injuries, treat promptly if the situation requires it.

Experts do not call agglutination an independent disease, but it can cause male infertility. In this case, the rule: "It is easier to prevent than to cure!" very welcome.