Are you due for a male fertility test and want to know what it all entails? The first and essential step at the beginning of any infertility treatment is a spermogram.
What is a spermogram?
A spermogram is a basic way of measuring the level of male fertility. Here, the ejaculate is examined under a microscope, and doctors mainly observe the number, shape, and motility of sperm.
How does the examination work?
The ejaculate is collected in the clinic's collection room ideally after 2 to 5 days of sexual abstinence. In exceptional cases, a sample can be brought from home. Patients need not worry about anything, the collection rooms at Unica clinics are completely discreet and comfortably furnished.
When is it appropriate to have the test?
There is never a bad time to get tested and make an appointment for a preventive check-up. However, we particularly recommend the examination if you have been trying to conceive for 1 year without success. Infertility in couples is attributed to men in approximately 50% of cases. It is therefore important to examine both the woman and the man in such cases.
You can also have a spermogram after a vasectomy if you want to prevent conception and thus determine the success of the operation.
According to the WHO, what are the ideal values?
pH ≥ 7.2
volume ≥ 1.5 ml
concentration ≥15 mil/ml
motility (progressive) ≥32%
mobility (total) ≥40%
morphology (sperm shape) ≥ 4%
If your values are lower, it does not necessarily mean you are not fertile. In fact, even men with a poor spermogram can conceive a child. Our experts will be happy to recommend an appropriate course of treatment based on your results.
What are the other treatment options?
If the spermogram values are pathological, we resort to the following extended diagnostic methods.
Hormonal testing
Genetic testing
Urological examination
Immunological examination
For an even more accurate diagnosis, a special Sperm Flow Test, a flow cytometry test, can be performed at Unica clinics. This test evaluates the number of sperm, their vitality, the number of leukocytes, the integrity of the sperm acrosome, and the presence of intra-acrosomal protein in the sperm.
Couples are also advised to have a joint preconception screening test, CGT PLUS. CGT or Carrier Genetic Testing is an advanced genetic test. It determines if the parents-to-be are carriers of certain genetic mutations that could cause serious disease in their children.
Do you want to find out how your sperm is doing? Book an appointment for a fertility test now with the simple online form here.
