Spermogram – sperm analysis id the first step to diagnose male infertility. Furthermore disorders shown at the spermogram may also be an evidence of various infections or prostatitis. Spermogram analysis is quite simple and everyday research method nowadays.

The correct way of providing spermogram

Sperm analysis should be given in 3-4 days of continence. The alcohol intake is also not advised within these days. The alcohol contributes to decrease of the sperm quality. And the number of continence days has its own reason. The less period of continence causes the reduced sperm volume and bigger period leads to decreased spermatozoa mobility and the growth of the number of irregular spermatozoon.

The only one admissible way of getting sperm for analysis is masturbation. The getting sperm into condom is not a way out as the sperm quality may be affected by the condom lubricant. Sperm taken while coitus interruptus is also not acceptable for research as it may contain cells of vaginal origin and partner microflora.

The ejaculate gather should be made in special hospital room which interior has to differ from the hospital one. Sometimes it is allowed to gather sperm at home. However in this case it should be carried to the laboratory within one hour in special container. At least, in case the patient experiences spermatoschesis the research material may be taken with the help of surgery. Anyway the advantage of gathering sperm in the hospital is the ability to check it straight after its dilution.

Dilution period – the first explored feature. The matter is that initially ejaculate is sticky one and then it dilutes due to enzymes affection. Normal dilution period is from 10 to 40 minutes. In case the dilution process prolongs or doesn’t appear at all it may be a reason of prostate disorders.

Physical sperm characteristics

These are the color, volume tenacity, pH. The sperm color may be described as white-gray, yellowish, clear. Nowadays it is considered that the color has no matter at all; the only requirement is sperm shouldn’t be pinkish one that shows the increased red blood cells number.

The volume of the sperm – is quite important factor. Normally the amount of sperm shouldn’t be less than 2 ml. The lesser amount – oligospermia may be considered as the reason of male infertility. The less sperm amount – the lesser number of spermatozoa and this is the real threat for normal conception. However the sperm amount shouldn’t increase 5 ml as the excess of the sperm will anyway leak out of the vagina and not take part in fertilization.

PH. Normally ejaculate should be weakly alkaline. Small deviation to one or another side cannot reflect anything on their own. But in case they are combined with another deviations this may reflect certain disorders.

Microscopical sperm characteristics

These are amount and mobility of spermatozoa as well as the presence of the other cells. This is investigated under the microscope.

The spermatozoa amount – is quite important factor. It is emphasized in millions of spermatozoa per one ml. Normally there should be mot less than 20 millions of spermatozoa in 1 ml or 40 millions in the whole sperm amount.

Mobility of spermatozoa – is also quite important factor. There are following categories according the spermatozoa mobility:

• Category A – sperm with quick and rectilineal movements.
• Category B – sperm with slow but rectilineal movements.
• Category C – sperm with nonlineal movements (circular movements).
• Category D – motionless spermatozoa.

Sperm always contain spermatozoa of all movement categories. Normal and fertile sperm should contain about 50% of spermatozoa of A and B categories or not less than 25% of category A spermatozoa. These are young and healthy spermatozoa. There are also lots (40–60%) of motionless spermatozoa (category D) in ejaculate. And the amount of category C spermatozoa is the minimal one (10-15%).

There are many factors affecting spermatozoa mobility. Furthermore there are so called rounded cells in the sperm, including leucocytes and immature spermateliosis cells. The total amount of the rounded cells should not increase 1 million per 1 ml. The increased white blood cells may be a feature of male urogenital system inflammations.

We also should consider that spermogram and its figures are quite variable. It is advised to get spermogram analysis twice with 2 weeks interval. The correct spermogram analysis may be provided only by the expert.