Sperm morphology is an analysis that determines the exact and numerical indicators of the content of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, which have a natural structure and are capable of fertility (fertilization).
Why are these tests done
According to the results of the spermogram, you can find out about the state of he alth of a man, detect prostatitis and infectious diseases. If conception has been planned for a long time, but so far there are no results, the reasons will help to find out the study of the ejaculate for the number of spermatozoa. If there is infertility, then the results of the spermogram will help the specialist prescribe an effective therapy. Indications for examination:
- childless couple; donation of sperm for analysis is used to confirm or exclude infertility in spouses due to the lack of fertilization in a man;
- vasectomy (ligation of the vas deferens) - after such an operation, its effectiveness is monitored; ejaculate should be free of sperm;
- sperm donation is only allowed based on the results of this test;
- ejaculate cryopreservation (low temperature preservation).
How to takesperm for analysis
As directed by the World He alth Organization, sperm donation must be done through masturbation and not through stopped intercourse or any other method. The test (spermogram) is taken in a specially designated room in the laboratory. The door in the room is closed from the inside by the patient himself. In order for the delivery of the ejaculate to be carried out without difficulties, erotic magazines can be used in the office. There are some requirements:
- it takes 3-4 days to prepare for the analysis;
- need to reduce physical activity 7-14 days before ejaculate examination;
- refrain from sexual intercourse 3-7 days before donating sperm;
- do not take hot baths for a week, and also do not go to the sauna;
- do not drink alcohol, drugs or smoke;
- 2-3 weeks before the examination, stop taking medications, dietary supplements, if necessary, consult with the doctor who prescribed the spermogram.
Secondary ejaculate testing involves following the same rules. In order to correctly evaluate the results, it is required to hand over the material repeatedly. If, as a result of the first analysis, the specialist said that it was unsuccessful, then you should not be upset. The morphology of a repeated spermogram may differ in completely different characteristics. Changing them can affect the interpretation of the study transcript.
Method of obtaining material
The entire male ejaculate is sent for examination. There are laboratorieswho accept for analysis a condom containing male semen. No more than 3 hours should pass from the beginning of receiving the material to the time of its testing, otherwise the long-awaited result will be unreliable. The sample itself should ideally be obtained directly from the laboratory. The semen is immediately sent for semen analysis.
What indicators are normal
How is ejaculate analyzed? The laboratory performs micro- and macroscopic examination of sperm, as well as special tests that make it possible to talk about the presence of inflammatory processes in the male reproductive system or the causes of infertility. What are macroscopic indicators of ejaculate?
- The correct spermogram is when the normal volume of the material is from 2 to 5 ml, if less, then there may be oligospermia. The reason for the reduced amount may be an inflammatory ailment of the prostate, because 2/3 of the volume of the ejaculate in this case is mucus.
- Sperm acidity is determined using an additional test strip, which shows the saturation of hydrogen ions. With normal performance, it should be 7, 6–8. An acidic reaction may occur if there is inflammation of the testicles or prostate.
- Sperm dissolution period. Usually, after ejaculation, the ejaculate has a viscous consistency, and then it liquefies for 15 minutes. An increase in this period indicates a reduced ability of spermatozoa to fertilize an egg.
- Colour. A correct spermogram assumes that the material is white. golden green and yellowstaining of the ejaculate indicates inflammation of the organs of the genitourinary system. A colorless seed indicates a decrease in the number of sperm.
Disturbances in the structure of spermatozoa
When evaluating the morphology of spermatozoa, specialists may observe such defects in spermatozoa as:
- abnormal head shape;
- no chromosome;
- wrong tail shape;
- presence of vacuolar erythrocytes in the head;
- bend and thicken the tail.
It is important to know that a small number of unhe althy sperm is not considered a violation when evaluating the result. However, only the attending physician can make a correct diagnosis.
Poor spermogram morphology: causes
Main factors that can worsen the quality of ejaculate:
- constant drinking and smoking;
- bad food;
- great physical activity;
- drug use;
- tight underwear;
- varicocele;
- frequent contact with various chemical toxic agents;
- experiences and stresses;
- diseases of the genitourinary system (urethritis, prostatitis);
- sedentary lifestyle;
- regular sauna trips;
- existing sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, ureaplasmosis).
What examinations should be done
Before starting any activity aimed at changing the morphology of spermatozoa,you should undergo a complete andrological analysis, which includes the following steps:
- blood test for hormones;
- Ultrasound of the prostate, as well as the organs of the scrotum (Doppler);
- bacterioscopic ejaculate test.
In addition, the expanded mobility of the spermogram is being studied. When all these examinations are completed and the results are in the hands of the patient, the specialist will be able to identify the causes of the formation of existing anomalies and draw up a course of therapy. Treatment will be directed primarily to the elimination of factors leading to the course of pathological processes.
How to improve spermogram morphology
To improve the quality and quantity of sperm, you need to lead a he althy and active lifestyle. At the same time, the impact of the causes listed above should also be eliminated.
Must eat more sperm-improving foods. This is:
- pumpkin seeds;
- raisins, prunes, dried apricots;
- wheat bran;
- natural honey;
- red meat (beef, veal);
- seafood;
- greens (cilantro, parsley, celery);
- wholemeal baked goods;
- legumes.
Moreover, doctors advise men to eat foods containing ascorbic acid (fruits, vegetables) and folic acid.
Vitamins
Significantly increase the vital activity and vigor of sperm zinc (it helps to increase sexual activity and potency, as well asaccelerates the generation of testosterone) and vitamin C (improves blood flow). As for zinc, it is found in large doses in pumpkin seed oil, oatmeal, legumes, buckwheat, and liver. Vitamin C itself can be found in rose hips, citrus fruits, and black currants. How to improve spermogram morphology is now clear to everyone.
You should know that in no case should you self-medicate, and also take ascorbic acid for both partners without consulting a doctor. After all, only he can choose the required dose, taking into account the existing diseases and contraindications in the patient.
Positively affects the quality of the ejaculate and folic acid, which improves the formation of spermatozoa. Specialists prescribe this medication somewhere 3-4 months before the planned conception. The use of vitamin A can also improve the test (the spermogram is meant) - it takes part in the production of sex hormones and accelerates the production of sperm.
If we are talking about vitamins belonging to group B, they contribute to the production of testosterone and make it possible to increase the activity of sperm. And vitamin E, while maintaining the appropriate degree of production of sex hormones, increases the ability to fertilize, reducing the number of abnormal spermatozoa. As for trace elements, selenium affects the male reproductive system. So, its absence can lead to the formation of infertility. In addition, arginine and magnesium play an important role.
Varieties of drug groups
In order for the morphology of the spermogram to be with good results, you can take some medications:
- homeopathic solutions;
- dietary supplements;
- pharmaceuticals based on natural substances.
Medicines
Today you can hear a lot of good reviews about drugs such as:
- vitamins "Gerimaks";
- "Tribestan";
- Wobenzym;
- Viardot;
- "Speman";
- candles "Vitaprost";
- "Tentex forte";
- different types of biostimulants (based on eleutherococci, ginseng and magnolia vine);
- helev's medicines ("Ubiquinone compositum", "Testis compoitum", "Coenzyme");
- Profertil;
- "Spermaplant".
All these drugs are taken only in consultation with the doctor.
Probability of natural fertilization
Deteriorated spermogram morphology is not always an indicator of infertility in men, but any pathology can have an adverse effect on the ability to conceive. The higher the number of sperm with a disturbed structure in the ejaculate, the less the possibility of fertilization and the development of a full-fledged pregnancy. For example, in violation of the structure of the tail of the male germ cell, sperm motility is significantly reduced. This makes it difficult for him to access the egg. If there is a pathology of the head, then the results are the same - inability to conceive. Such spermatozoa do not have the opportunity to get into the egg. If it still happens,then usually the formation of the fetus is accompanied by anomalies, and a pregnant woman may experience a miscarriage at first.
