The spermiogram it is a laboratory test that evaluates the quantity, quality and motility of spermatozoa present in the seminal fluid. This test is used to evaluate male fertility and to diagnose any infertility problems linked to problems such as teratospermia, i.e. the alteration of the shape of sperm. In this article we want to explain it to you well how to read the spermiogram and what solutions can be adopted to improve values.
When the spermiogram is done
For perform a spermiogram, the patient must provide a sample of seminal fluid, which is analyzed in the laboratory to determine the concentration of sperm, their morphology and motility. Additionally, the test can detect the presence of any infections or other problems that can affect male fertility.
The test may be requested by your doctor in case of difficulty conceiving a child or to monitor the quality of sperm after surgery or fertility therapy and should therefore always be submitted to a specialist before taking any medications or resorting to other solutions, however it may be interesting to understand how to read the spermiogram and know some remedies to improve it.
What is a spermiogram and how is it done?
The spermiogram it is nothing other than the analysis of male sperm, a test that allows you to evaluate whether the spermatozoa have normal values in terms of quantity, quality and vitality. This is a very common test in all those cases where it is necessary understand if there are fertility problems and sperm alterations, in order to intervene according to the specific needs of the patient.
The spermiogram is a relatively simple and non-invasive test, which requires only one collection of seminal fluid and its analysis by specialized personnel. To do this, just follow a few instructions and deliver the sample to the laboratory, which will take care of extracting the individual values. Here is more specifically how the spermiogram is done.
- Preparation: Before carrying out the spermiogram, the patient must refrain from ejaculation for at least 2-5 days. During this period it is also very important to avoid taking alcohol and drugs which can affect the quality of sperm.
- Sample collection: The semen sample comes collected through masturbation in a sterile container provided by the laboratory. It is necessary to collect the entire ejaculation and deliver the sample to the laboratory within an hour of collection, as any longer time risks altering the final values.
- Sample analysis: The sample then comes analyzed in the laboratory to evaluate sperm concentration, their motility and morphology. Additionally, it may be examined for infections or other problems that may affect male fertility.
- The result of the spermiogram it is usually delivered to the patient within a few days. Based on the results, the treating doctor will evaluate the fertility conditions and can decide whether to carry out further tests or specific treatments to improve the values.
How to read the spermiogram
As mentioned, i spermiogram results they must be evaluated by a specialist in andrology or urology, who, based on the parameters provided by the laboratory, will be able to understand if the patient has problems from a fertility point of view and beyond. However, it is interesting to understand what the spermiogram tells us and know the parameters being analyzed: here are the main items in the report and what they mean:
- Volume: indicates the quantity of seminal fluid produced from the body during ejaculation. The normal volume is at least 1.5 ml.
- Concentration of spermatozoa: i.e. the number of spermatozoa present in each ml of liquid seminal. A normal concentration is at least 15 million sperm per ml.
- Motility: refers to percentage of sperm that move progressively. Normal motility is at least 40% motile sperm.
- Morphology: that is, the percentage of spermatozoa with a normal shape. A normal morphology is at least 4% sperm with normal shape.
- Vitality: indicates instead the percentage of live spermatozoa present in the sample. Normal viability is at least 58% live sperm.
- PH: The acidity or alkalinity level of the seminal fluid. The normal value is between 7.2 and 7.8.
- Presence of white blood cells: i.e. the presence of white blood cells in the semen sample. The presence of white blood cells may indicate the presence of an infection.
In general, a value above or below the reference values can indicate a possible dysfunction of the male reproductive system. The doctor will evaluate all the parameters of the spermiogram to diagnose any fertility problems and decide on the most appropriate treatment path.
How to improve your sperm count
Six values reported in the spermiogram are not satisfactory, it may be necessary to resort to specific treatments according to the indications of the specialist who follows the patient. There are, however, some behavioral measures that can be taken to significantly improve the quality of the sperm and therefore the result of the spermiogram, at least in the absence of particular pathologies. Once you understand how to read the spermiogram, here are some suggestions that you can follow to improve it:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle can help improve your sperm count. For example, smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided, while good results can be achieved by adopting a balanced diet and doing regular physical activity.
- Avoid excessive heat: Exposure to excessive heat sources, such as hot baths, saunas, and tight clothing, can negatively affect sperm quality. It is therefore important to avoid these situations, especially if repeated, to improve fertility.
- Avoid stress:Lo stress can negatively affect sperm quality as well as overall health. To adopt stress management techniqueslike yoga or meditation, can help reduce stress levels and improve fertility.
- Supplement your diet with important nutrients: Some nutrients, such as C vitamin, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, are important for the production of healthy sperm. Supplementing your diet with foods rich in these nutrients can help improve sperm quality.
- Avoid taking harmful substances: The assumption of drugs, medications or toxic substances can negatively affect sperm quality. Avoiding these substances can help improve male fertility.
- Take phytotherapeutic supplements: some substances used in phytotherapy can be very effective for improving seminal fluid. Maca, for example, can promote sperm production, increase sperm volume seminal fluid and improve sperm cell motility.
All these solutions can be very useful for help the reproductive system work betterIn any case, if you have difficulty conceiving a child, it is always recommended to consult a doctor specialized in andrology or urology for a more in-depth evaluation and to receive appropriate treatment based on the type of specific problem encountered.
