How to test sperm count and quality, and how to prepare for it to conceive a child?

Infertility problems may not always come from the female side, but it has been found that the male partner is also responsible for about 25% of infertility cases. To determine whether the issue is from the male partner, a sperm analysis can be performed. So, how is sperm testing done, and what preparations are needed?

Semen analysis is the process of checking for abnormalities and normalities in sperm by specialized scientists in order to assess the male's fertility or analyze reproductive issues. Typically, a semen analysis checks the sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm integrity, sperm strength, and looks for abnormalities in sperm to identify the cause of male infertility. Based on the results, doctors will help plan the next steps for achieving pregnancy.

Before we understand sperm analysis or sperm testing, let's first understand what sperm is. Sperm is the fluid released when a man reaches climax. This fluid contains the most important component for male reproduction: sperm cells. In addition to sperm, the fluid also contains lubricants, nutrients for the sperm, and water. The fluid is typically opaque and white in appearance. However, it is impossible to determine by just looking at the appearance of the fluid how many sperm are present or whether the man has reproductive ability. To determine these aspects, a sperm analysis or sperm test is required.

When there are concerns about sperm quality and the need to assess any abnormalities in sperm or the reproductive system, such as after trying to conceive for more than a year without success, the male partner can begin by having a sperm analysis. This is because the preparation is relatively simple and does not require blood tests or any painful procedures.

Additionally, men who have undergone a vasectomy and want to check if the procedure was successful can also use sperm analysis to confirm the effectiveness of the vasectomy.

Semen analysis is a test to check the quantity, number, movement, and abnormalities of sperm. There are two methods:

1. Macroscopic Examination (Visual Inspection):

   • Abnormalities in the color of the semen released.

   • The transparency of the semen.

   • Semen liquefaction (semen should liquefy within 1 hour).

   • Volume of semen (normally, the semen volume per ejaculation should be at least 1.5 milliliters).

   • Viscosity and pH of the semen.

2. Microscopic Examination:

   • Sperm count and motility rate (at least 40% of sperm should be moving).

   • Sperm survival rate (normally, sperm should survive at least 58%).

   • Percentage of sperm with a normal shape (at least 4% should have a normal shape).

   • White blood cells (there should be no more than 1 million white blood cells per milliliter; higher amounts may indicate infection).

   • Red blood cells (there should be fewer than 1 million red blood cells per milliliter; higher levels may indicate infection)

Semen analysis or sperm testing is not done with the naked eye, but rather through the use of microscopes and various staining technologies. This procedure must be performed by specialized scientists in this field. The technologies help provide a deeper and more detailed examination, such as checking the sperm count, assessing survival ability, examining movement characteristics, and detecting contamination by red and white blood cells, among others.

Abstain from sexual intercourse or ejaculation for at least 5-7 days before seeing the doctor.

Get enough rest.

Make sure to clean your hands and genital area thoroughly before collecting the sperm sample.

Do not use lubricants or condoms while collecting the sperm.

The criteria for evaluating sperm test results are as follows:

1. Semen volume: Should be greater than or equal to 1.5 milliliters (> 1.5 ml).

2. Sperm concentration: Should be greater than or equal to 15 million sperm per milliliter (> 15 M/ml).

3. Sperm motility: Should be greater than or equal to 40% (> 40%).

4. Sperm morphology: Should be greater than or equal to 4% (> 4% normal sperm).

5. Sperm viability: Should be greater than 58%.

6. White blood cells (WBC): White blood cells in semen should be less than 1 million cells per milliliter.

7. Red blood cells (RBC): Red blood cells should be fewer than 1 million cells per milliliter.

When testing sperm quality, it is important to be careful when collecting the sperm sample, as even a small mistake can affect the test results. For example, before the test, you should refrain from ejaculating for 5-7 days, neither more nor less. During the collection, it should be done through masturbation only; intercourse or using condoms is not allowed. The sample should be placed in the container provided by the medical facility.

Limitations in Sperm Collection

When discussing limitations in sperm collection, some men may not be able to provide a sperm sample, such as those with disabilities or those who cannot achieve arousal, resulting in no sperm sample available for quality testing.

Another limitation is related to the collection facility. Men must travel to a medical facility to provide the sperm sample. It is not possible to collect at home or any other location and bring it in because the sperm may be damaged or die during transportation. Therefore, men need to be properly prepared to collect the sample at the designated medical facility.

The cost of sperm analysis, also known as sperm quality testing, at Beyond IVF is 1,500 Baht. This fee covers the testing of sperm volume, sperm concentration, motility, sperm morphology, sperm viability, and the count of white blood cells and red blood cells in the semen. The results are typically available within 1-2 hours, and they are communicated by a specialized scientist for each case.

If you're wondering where to get a sperm test, it's important to choose a reputable place and specialists who will conduct the test properly. At Beyond IVF, not only do we have expert scientists who perform sperm quality testing in the laboratory, but we also have medical professionals available to provide consultations, analyze sperm results in detail, and recommend solutions if the results are abnormal. The sperm collection rooms are disinfected after every case, ensuring cleanliness and safety from any infections. Our team of scientists and nurses are highly experienced and well-trained.

How long does it take to get sperm test results?
After the male partner provides the sperm sample, the results will be available within 2 hours. At Beyond IVF, the results will be communicated to the patient in the evening by a specialized scientist.

How many days should be spaced between sperm tests?
Doctors recommend waiting at least one week between sperm tests and avoiding ejaculation before the next test.