General Information

Sperm analysis is the basic diagnostic test of male fertility. Apart from male fertility, semen analysis can provide information about other disorders of the reproductive system in the man. In most of the cases semen analysis should be repeated 2 or 3 times to be sure for the quality of a the semen sample, because there can be great variation in the quality of different semen samples produced by the same men.

When we look at a semen sample, at 400 times magnification at the microscope, we can get an idea about the number of spermatozoa and their motility. As shown in the video below, a semen sample can have a large number of spermatozoa with a good motility. Although, at first glance, such a sample seems capable to fertilize the oocyte, a number of laboratory procedures can be used to prove the fertilizing ability of such a sample.

The video below shows a sample that has a moderate sperm count and moderate motility. Although such a sample can fertilize the oocyte, the physician might suggest treatment in order to improve the sperm parameters. In these cases it is very important to accurately assess the parameters of the semen e.g. morphology. Other tests will also be needed, in addition to semen analysis, in order for the doctor to decide on the correct treatment.

There are samples, as shown in the video below, that have a very low sperm count, with little or no motility. The laboratory investigation of these samples is thorough and the treating physician will need extra information, such as hormone levels, the presence of micro-organisms or the quality of the genetic material (DNA) in order to choose the appropriate therapeutic approach.

Accurate measurement of sperm parameters requires precise and detailed work.

Semen analysis is a subjective test without standards for comparison so it is important to choose a specialized laboratory – the Andrology laboratory. The Andrology laboratory has the appropriate equipment, trained staff and uses the methods that are proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2010). The Andrology laboratory must also:

i)    participate in quality control and quality assurance systems for the reliability of the result and
ii)   certify its operation and organization by international standards of quality management systems.