Lab Service:
SPERMIOGRAM
A Spermiogram, also known as a semen analysis, is the process of accurately measuring factors of sperm health such as sperm concentration (number of the sperm), motility (movement of the sperm) and formation (shape of the sperm). A semen analysis is crucial in detecting a man's capability of reproducing (getting a woman pregnant) as well as verifying the success of a vasectomy.
Testing is performed in concordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen (2010) Fifth Edition, and with additional parameters outlined in: Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.
FAQ'S
What is a Spermiogram?
A Spermiogram is a laboratory method for testing male fertility. It utilizes a microscope and other tools to study and evaluate both the seminal fluid and sperm produced in the male ejaculate.
What is measured in a Spermiogram?
The concentration, motility, morphology, vitality, volume, viscosity, and pH of the sperm. This information is compared to an existing set of reference data. Dr. Bennett also performs additional testing in his Spermiogram.
What is sperm concentration?
The concentration is the number of sperm in one milliliter of semen.
What is sperm motility?
Motility is measured by the percentage of sperm which are able to move quickly in a straight line right after ejaculation. This movement is rated on a scale of 0 (immobile) to 4, where 3 and 4 indicate good motility.
Sperm morphology is the size and shape of sperm. It is reported as the percentage of sperm which have a normal appearance when viewed under a microscope. A normal sperm will have an oval shaped head with a long tail. An abnormally shaped sperm will have defects of the head and tail such as a misshapen head or a double tail. These defects can impact the sperms ability to reach, penetrate and/or fertilize the egg. Abnormalities in sperm are not uncommon and do not necessarily indicate a problem with fertility.
What is sperm vitality?
Vitality is liveliness. If the sperm motility is less than 50%, the vitality test is completed to determine if the sperm which are not moving are alive or not.
What is sperm volume?
A normal volume of ejaculate collected is approximately 2-6 milliliters. If the volume is less than 2 mL it can indicate a scarcity in the number of sperm which impacts fertility. If the volume is higher than 6 mL it can indicate a the amount of liquid is too great and thus reduces the concentration of sperm. This too will impact fertility.
What is semen viscosity?
Viscosity is the property of resistance to flow in a fluid, or in this case a semifluid. Semen should be viscous when first collected then becomes more fluid like after time has passed. If it does not it can reduce the motility of the sperm and restricts it's ability to make it to an egg to fertilize it.
What is semen pH?
pH is how acidic or alkaline the semen. Secretions from the prostate and seminal vesicles make up the male ejaculate. While pH has not been shown to have any major impact over fertility, a more acidic or alkaline pH could indicate that there may be a dysfunction in the prostate or seminal vesicles.
What should I do to prepare for a Spermiogram?
In order to obtain the most accurate results and optimum sperm count, refrain from ejaculation for 2 to 5 days prior to the collection day.
What is the cost of a Spermiogram?
The full analysis takes considerable time, skill, expertise, and tenacity. The cost with a Report is $485, and payment is required up front.
CERTIFICATION
Dr. Bennett has been certified in Semen Analysis since 2007.
