Content
The spermogram exam aims to assess the quantity and quality of man's sperm, being mainly asked to investigate the cause of the couple's infertility, for example. In addition, the spermogram is also usually requested after vasectomy surgery and to assess the functioning of the testicles.
The spermogram is a simple exam that is done from the analysis of a semen sample that must be collected by the man in the laboratory after masturbation. In order for the test result to not be interfered with, it is recommended that the man does not have sexual intercourse 2 to 5 days before the exam, and in some cases, it may be recommended that the collection be done on an empty stomach.
How is done
To perform the examination, a semen sample is required, which should be collected, preferably, in the laboratory itself through masturbation, and, in some cases, fasting, whose time should be determined by the doctor, may be recommended. The ejaculated material is deposited in a proper container provided by the laboratory and then sent for analysis.
It is important that the man does not engage in sexual intercourse or any other action that causes ejaculation 2 to 5 days before performing the test, as it can influence the total amount of sperm present in the semen. In addition, masturbation for collection should not be done with the help of lubricants, as they may interfere with the test result.
Normally, laboratories do not accept sperm that has not been collected in the clinic itself and it is not recommended that sperm be collected after withdrawal or through condoms, as it can also interfere with the test result.
What is analyzed
Semen analysis occurs in two stages, the first being a macroscopic analysis and the second a microscopic analysis. Both steps are fundamental for evaluating the quality and quantity of sperm capable of fertilizing an egg, thus indicating man's reproductive capacity.
Macroscopic analysis, that is, with the naked eye, takes into account the evaluation of criteria such as viscosity, color, pH, volume and time that the semen takes to become completely liquid, called liquefaction. Microscopic analysis involves the analysis of criteria that can only be viewed with the aid of a microscope, such as sperm concentration per mL and total ejaculated volume, motility, vitality and morphology.
From the analyzes performed in the laboratory, a report is released containing all parameters related to the examination in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Understand how to interpret the result of the spermogram.
What is it for
Normally, the spermogram is indicated by the urologist when the couple has difficulties to get pregnant, thus investigating whether the man is capable of producing viable sperm in sufficient quantities. In addition, it can be indicated when the man has some genetic, physical or immunological signal that may interfere with male fertility.
Thus, the spermogram is made to evaluate the functioning of the testicles and the integrity of the epididymis, thus analyzing the quality and quantity of man-made sperm.
Complementary exams
Depending on the result of the spermogram and the man's clinical condition, the urologist may recommend the performance of additional tests, such as:
- Magnification spermogram, which allows a more accurate analysis of sperm morphology;
- DNA fragmentation, which checks the amount of DNA that is released from sperm and remains in the seminal fluid, which can indicate infertility depending on the concentration of DNA;
- FISH, which is a molecular test performed with the aim of verifying the amount of deficient sperm;
- Viral load test, which is usually requested for men who have diseases caused by viruses, such as HIV, for example.
In addition to these complementary exams, seminal freezing can be recommended by the doctor if the man will undergo or is undergoing chemotherapy.