Everything about Semen Quality totally explained
Semen quality is a measure of the ability of
semen to accomplish
fertilisation. Thus, it's a measure of
fertility in a
man. It is the sperm in the semen that are of importance, and therefore semen quality involves both sperm
quantity and sperm
quality.
Tests
Semen analysis
A semen analysis typically measures the number of sperm per
milliliter of ejaculate, and analyzes the
morphology (shape) and
motility (ability to swim forward) of the sperm. Also usually measured are the concentration of
white blood cells, the level of
fructose in the semen, and the
volume,
pH, and
liquefaction time of the ejaculate.
A number of factors may influence the accuracy of semen analysis results, and results for a single man may have a large amount of natural variation over time. For this reason, a subfertile result must be confirmed with at least two further analysis.
Hamster zona-free ovum test
A man's sperm are mixed with
hamster eggs that have had the
zona pellucida (outer membranes) removed, and the number of sperm penetrations per egg is measured. The human sperm doesn't fertilize the hamster eggs. A negative result on the hamster test correlates with a lower probability of the man's partner becoming pregnant.
Sperm chromatin assay
Chromatin is the complex of DNA and protein that make up
chromosomes. If a large percentage of a man's sperm (greater than 30%) have damaged chromatin, his chances of impregnating a partner are significantly reduced, and if he does impregnate his partner, she faces an increased risk of
miscarriage. The portion of a man's sperm with damaged chromatin may be determined with a Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA).
Cryopreservation
When performing
cryopreservation of semen, it's the sperm quality after reviving the sample that's of importance, because many sperm cells die in the process.
To be of use in
assisted reproductive technology, the sample should after thawing have more than 5 million motile sperm cells per ml with a good grade of motility. If the grade of motility is poor, 10 million motile cells per ml is required.
Bad freezers
In 10-20% of all men, the semen doesn't endure cryopreservation.) has been associated with reduced sperm production. Misuse of
anabolic steroids can cause
testicular atrophy and reduced fertility.
Depo-Provera,
Adjudin, and gossypol are examples of substances used as
male contraceptives or in
chemical castration. Recent studies have found that
THC present in
marijuana can confuse the movements of intact sperm, reducing their ability to achieve fertilization.
Hormones
Changes in hormone
homeostasis affects the
spermatogenesis. Therefore, abuse of for example
anabolic steroid can reduce sperm quality.
The body also has natural variations in hormone concentrations, giving sperm quality natural fluctuations as well.
Longer periods of abstinence correlate with poorer results - one study found that men with repeated normal results from semen analysis produced abnormal samples if they abstained for more than 10 days. Another study found that couples where the man had abstained for more than 10 days before an intrauterine insemination (IUI) had only a 3% pregnancy rate.
Environment
For semen that has been ejaculated, the quality deteriorates with time. However, this lifetime can be shortened or prolonged, depending on the environment.
Outside body
Sperm outside of the body generally has a life expectancy which is considered to depend on pH, temperature, presence of air and other factors, and is unpredictable but smaller than the life expectancy inside the human body. For instance, sperm donors who collect the sample outside the clinic are advised to have handed in the sample before one hour from collection, and to keep them in, if not at body temperature, then at least at room temperature.
In female
The environment in the uterus and fallopian tubes are advantageous. A pregnancy resulting from sperm life of eight days has been documented.
Home or in clinic
The sperm quality is better if the sample is collected at home than in the booths in the clinics . Collecting the sperm at home gives a higher sperm concentration, sperm count and motility.
Lack of exercise, as well as excessive exercise, are minor factors.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Semen Quality'.
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