Spermogram morphology is an analysis that determines the exact and numerical indicators of sperm in the ejaculate, which have a natural structure and are capable of fertility (fertilization).
Why are such tests done?
According to the results of spermograms, you can find out about the health status of a man, detect prostatitis and infectious diseases. If conception has long been planned, but there are no results yet, the study of the ejaculate on the number of spermatozoa will help you find out the reasons. If there is infertility, then the results of the spermogram will help the specialist prescribe effective therapy. Indications for the examination:
- childlessness of a couple; sperm delivery for analysis is used to confirm or exclude infertility in spouses due to the lack of fertilization in men;
- vasectomy (ligation of the vas deferens) - after such an operation, its effectiveness is monitored; there should be no sperm in the ejaculate;
- sperm donation is allowed only by the results of such a test;
- cryopreservation of ejaculate (low temperature preservation).
How to take sperm for analysis
According to the instructions of the World Health Organization, the process of sperm delivery should be carried out using masturbation, and not by stopped intercourse or by any other method. The test (spermogram) is taken in a specially designated room for this in the laboratory. The door in the room is closed from the inside by the patient himself. To let the ejaculate pass without difficulty, you can use erotic magazines in your office. There are some requirements:
- It takes 3-4 days to prepare for the analysis;
- need to reduce physical activity 7-14 days before the study of ejaculate;
- refrain from sexual intercourse 3–7 days before sperm delivery;
- a week not to take hot baths, and also not to go to the sauna;
- do not drink alcohol, drugs or smoke;
- 2-3 weeks before the examination, stop taking medications, dietary supplements, if necessary, consult a doctor who prescribed a spermogram.
Secondary test of the ejaculate implies following the same rules. To correctly evaluate the results, it is required to take the material repeatedly. If, as a result of the first test, the specialist said that it was unsuccessful, then you should not be upset. The morphology of a repeated spermogram may differ in completely different characteristics. Their change can affect the interpretation of the transcript of the study.
The method of obtaining material
The entire ejaculate of a man is passed for examination. There are laboratories that take a condom containing a male seed for analysis. No more than 3 hours should pass from the beginning of receipt of the material to the period of testing, otherwise the long-awaited result will be unreliable. The sample itself should ideally be obtained directly in the laboratory. The seed is immediately sent for sperm analysis.
What indicators are normal
How is the analysis of ejaculate? The laboratory performs micro- and macroscopic examination of semen, as well as special tests that make it possible to talk about the presence of inflammatory processes in the male reproductive system or the causes of infertility. What are the macroscopic indicators of ejaculate?
- The correct spermogram is when the normal volume of the material is from 2 to 5 ml, if less, then there may be oligospermia. The cause of the reduced amount may be an inflammatory malaise of the prostate, because 2/3 of the ejaculate volume in this case is mucus.
- Sperm acidity is determined using an additional test strip, where the saturation of hydrogen ions is manifested. At normal rates, it should be 7.6–8. An acid reaction may occur if there is inflammation of the testicles or prostate.
- The period of dissolution of sperm. Usually, after ejaculation, the ejaculate has a viscous consistency, and then it liquefies for 15 minutes. An increase in this period indicates a reduced ability of the sperm to fertilize the egg.
- Color. A correct spermogram assumes that the material is white. Golden green and yellow staining of the ejaculate indicates inflammation of the genitourinary system. Colorless seed indicates a decrease in sperm count.
Violations of the structure of sperm
When assessing the morphology of sperm, specialists may observe such sperm defects as:
- abnormal shape of the head;
- lack of chromosome;
- irregular tail shape;
- the presence of vacuole red blood cells in the head;
- bending and thickening of the tail.
It is important to know that a small number of unhealthy sperm in evaluating the result is not considered a violation. However, only the attending physician can make the correct diagnosis.
Poor sperm morphology: causes
The main factors that can worsen the quality of the ejaculate:
- constant drinking and smoking;
- poor nutrition;
- large physical exertion;
- taking drugs;
- tight underwear;
- varicocele;
- frequent contact with various chemical poisonous agents;
- experiences and stresses;
- diseases of the genitourinary system (urethritis, prostatitis);
- passive lifestyle;
- regular trips to the sauna;
- existing sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, ureaplasmosis).
What examinations should be taken
Before starting any event aimed at changing the morphology of spermatozoa, a complete andrological analysis should be completed, which includes the following actions:
- blood test for hormones;
- Ultrasound of the prostate, as well as the organs of the scrotum (dopplerography);
- bacterioscopic test of ejaculate.
In addition, the detailed mobility of spermograms is studied. When all these examinations are completed and the results are in the hands of the patient, the specialist will be able to identify the causes of the formation of existing abnormalities and draw up a course of therapy. Treatment will be aimed primarily at eliminating factors leading to the occurrence of pathological processes.
How to improve spermogram morphology
To improve the quality and number of sperm, you need to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. At the same time, the effects of the factors listed above should also be eliminated.
You need to eat more foods that improve sperm quality. It:
- pumpkin seeds;
- raisins, prunes, dried apricots;
- wheat bran;
- natural honey;
- red meat (beef, veal);
- seafood;
- greens (cilantro, parsley, celery);
- coarse flour bakery products;
- legumes.
Moreover, doctors advise men to eat foods containing ascorbic acid (fruits, vegetables) and folic acid.
Vitamins
Significantly increase the vital activity and energy of sperm zinc (it helps increase sexual activity and potency, and also accelerates the generation of testosterone) and vitamin C (improves blood flow). As for zinc, it is contained in considerable doses in pumpkin seed oil, oatmeal, legumes, buckwheat, and liver. Vitamin C itself can be found in rose hips, citrus fruits and black currants. How to improve spermogram morphology is now clear to everyone.
You should be aware that you should never self-medicate, as well as take ascorbic acid to both partners without consulting a doctor. After all, only he can choose the required dose, given the existing diseases and contraindications for the patient.
Positive effect on the quality of the ejaculate and folic acid, which improves the formation of sperm. Specialists prescribe this medication somewhere 3-4 months before the planned conception. The use of vitamin A can also improve the test (spermogram is meant) - it takes part in the production of sex hormones and accelerates the production of sperm.
If we are talking about vitamins belonging to group B, they contribute to the production of testosterone and make it possible to increase sperm activity. And vitamin E, while maintaining an appropriate degree of production of sex hormones, increases the ability to fertilize, reducing the number of abnormal sperm. As for trace elements, selenium acts on a man’s reproductive system . So, its absence can cause the formation of infertility. In addition, arginine and magnesium play an important role.
Varieties of drug groups
In order for the spermogram morphology to be with good results, you can take some medications:
- homeopathic solutions;
- biologically active additives;
- medications based on natural substances.
Medication
Today you can hear a lot of good reviews about such drugs as:
- Herimax vitamins;
- Tribestan
- Wobenzym
- Viardo
- "Speman";
- candles "Vitaprost";
- Tentex Forte;
- different types of biostimulants (based on eleutherococcus, ginseng and lemongrass);
- heleva medicines (“Ubiquinone Compositum”, “Testis Compositum”, “Coenzyme”);
- "Profertil";
- "Spermaplant."
All these drugs are taken only by agreement with your doctor.
The probability of natural fertilization
Not always deteriorated spermogram morphology is an indicator of infertility in men, however, any pathology can have an adverse effect on the ability to conceive. The higher the number of sperm with a disturbed structure in the ejaculate, the less the possibility of fertilization and the development of a full pregnancy. For example, in violation of the tail structure of the male reproductive cell, sperm motility is significantly reduced. This makes his access to the egg difficult. If there is a pathology of the head, then the results are the same - inability to conceive. Such sperm cells do not have the ability to enter the egg. If this does happen, then usually the formation of the fetus is accompanied by abnormalities, and a pregnant woman may have a miscarriage at first.