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Semen analysis, also known as sperm count test, is a test in which your healthcare providers check the health and viability of your sperm. If you are unable to reproduce, you might need to undergo it. Semen is a protein and sugar-containing fluid that is released during ejaculation. Semen analysis is not a painful procedure.
Your healthcare provider may ask to get a semen analysis done when there is a problem in conception. After a year of unprotected sex, when you can not get the woman pregnant, your healthcare providers will check your semen to have an insight into sperm analysis.
In the semen analysis, the healthcare providers will check the following parameters:
Number and shape of sperms
Sperm motility- the movement of sperm
The healthcare provider will check the sperm motility because your semen is ejaculated in the vagina. From there, the sperms travel to your uterus. If they do not travel well or fail to do so, they can not reach the egg. Therefore fertilization may not occur. And due to that, it becomes difficult to conceive. To know about it, your healthcare providers will perform a semen analysis to know about its motility.
If you are unable to conceive, you must consult a healthcare provider about it. For men’s reproductive issues, you can visit the Best andrologist in Lahore.
Your healthcare providers may ask you to undergo more than one semen analysis. It can happen at an interval of 7 days, over the period of two to three months. Sperm counts can vary over a period of time. Therefore your healthcare providers will check various samples and give a conclusive result.
Why Undergo Semen Analysis?
A common question that arises when undergoing semen analysis is why it is needed. You may need to get it done for any of the following reasons.
Test For Male Infertility
You may need to undergo a semen analysis if you are unable to conceive after a year of unprotected sex. You may need to undergo it when your healthcare providers want to know if you are fertile. The semen analysis helps healthcare providers know if low sperm count or sperm dysfunction is an issue for infertility.
Test For Vasectomy Success
Vasectomy is a birth control method in which the healthcare provider cuts or blocks a tube called vas deferens. It prevents the sperm from being released during ejaculation. Men who undergo vasectomy need to undergo semen analysis to make sure that their procedure has gone well and that there are no sperms in their semen.
According to the healthcare providers, you should take a semen test three months once a month after getting a vasectomy. It can help you know if there are sperms or not.
How To Prepare For Semen Analysis?
To have accurate results of the test, it is essential to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider. They will ask you to follow some instructions. Make sure to do that.
To get the best sample:
- Do not ejaculate 24 to 72 hours before the test. Therefore avoid having sex or masturbation.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, or drugs such as cocaine and marijuana three to five days before undergoing the test.
- Stop taking any herbal medication two to five days before the test.
- Avoid taking any herbal medication.
What Do Abnormal Test Results Mean?
If your sperm count is not in the normal range, there can be various reasons for it. Or abnormal-shaped sperms will have difficulty reaching the egg, which makes conception difficult.
Abnormal test results may occur due to the following reasons.
- Infection
- Infertility
- Hormonal imbalance
- Gene defects
- Having conditions such as diabetes
- Exposure to radiation
If your sperm count does not come back normal, the healthcare providers may ask you to get other tests done, such as:
- Hormone testing
- Genetic testing
- Taking a tissue sample from your testicles
- Urinalysis after ejaculation
- Anti-sperm immune cells testing
The Bottom Line
Sperm analysis is an essential test that your healthcare providers know about your sperm health. If you can not get your partner pregnant, make sure to get your sperm analysis done.
If you have any issues with reproduction, both the partners should visit the healthcare provider. They will help solve your problem. Therefore you should consult them without any delay. To get an expert opinion, you can visit an andrologist in Karachi.
