Spermogram is the most informative analysis that is used to determine the fertility of a man and the presence of inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system. In addition to a qualitative and quantitative study of the ejaculate, the presence and quantity of lipoid bodies in the spermogram is of great diagnostic value. What is it and what effect do they have on the reproductive function of men, we will consider in this article.
Spermogram
This analysis is of great importance for identifying pathologies of the urogenital system of men. Bad indicators are not a sentence to absolute infertility. Currently, there are many methods that allow a couple to conceive a child. Consider the main indicators that are relevant when decoding the analysis:
- Volume. A scarce amount of sperm can indicate the presence of a pathological process that reduces the chances of conception. But it is worth noting that a small amount of ejaculate is due to the frequent intimate life before passing the analysis. That is why sexual abstinence is strongly recommended for four days before the delivery of material for research.
- Consistency. This parameter assumes the determination of sperm viscosity. This is an important indicator, because excessive density of the material can complicate the process of conception.
- Liquefaction time. Normally, the ejaculate liquefies in the range from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
- Acidity. Normal values are considered pH values above 7.2.
- The concentration of sperm. For successful conception, an amount of more than 20 million per milliliter is needed.
- The total number of sperm. The more they are in the seminal fluid, the better.
- Mobility. In this indicator, category A and category B sperm are secreted. The latter move much more slowly. Normally, it is necessary to have at least 25% of category A spermatozoa. Also, to confirm normal male fertility, the sum of category A and B spermatozoa should be 50%. Two other categories are not considered in this case.
- Kruger morphology. This indicator allows you to identify defective sperm.
- Cell viability. Normally, at least half of the living sperm should be in the seminal fluid.
- Macrophages. An increase in sperm count may indicate the presence of infection.
- White blood cells. Normally, in 1 milliliter of ejaculate, the presence of no more than a million leukocytes is possible.
- Agglutination (bonding). Normally, there should not be glued sperm, as they are considered defective and are not able to participate in conception.
- Amyloid bodies that should not be detected in the material taken.
- Lipoid bodies, which are a mandatory component of sperm. We will tell you more about them.
Sperm Viability
To answer the question of how long sperm are alive, you need to have an understanding of how they are produced. Their production begins in the testicles, after which they are transferred to the appendages, where ripening occurs. Then full sperm are located at the entrance to the spermatic canal. Old inactive male cells are removed by spermatophages (special white blood cells). Sperm is updated every three months.
On average, it takes about 2 months for the sperm to grow, grow stronger and be able to fertilize the egg. Then, within a month, he waits for ejaculation, after which he dies. If ejaculation has occurred, the viability of the sperm will depend on where it enters - in the external environment (remains alive for several minutes) or in the vagina (can be viable for several days). It is worth noting that when spermatozoa that carry Y chromosomes enter the female body, they live on average during the day.
Also, external factors influence sperm viability. How long the sperm lives, also depends on the ambient temperature, the use of lubricants, medications.
Rules for preparing for spermogram
To identify the most accurate test result, it is necessary to adhere to a number of rules, since the components of sperm are very sensitive to external factors. Consider the recommended rules before taking the analysis:
- Sexual abstinence for 3-4 days.
- The need to quit smoking, alcohol, fatty, spicy foods and caffeine 4 days before the analysis.
- For several days you can not use drugs. If this is not possible, it is necessary to notify the laboratory assistant.
- Before analysis, it is forbidden to visit saunas, baths, solariums and take a hot bath.
Re-examination of sperm is recommended to be carried out in the same laboratory as the previous one, in compliance with all of the above rules. This is due to the fact that in different laboratories the method of analysis and the equipment used may differ. The question of how much a spermogram costs is decided directly in the clinic, since the analysis depends on a number of factors. On average, the service will cost 2-2.5 thousand rubles.
Deteriorating Factors
There are certain situations in which sperm quality is significantly impaired:
- Elevated ambient temperature.
- Wearing tight underwear.
- Overheating of the male genital organs.
- Injuries.
Definition
Lipoid bodies, which can also be called lecithin grains, are non-cellular formations of a round or angular shape. They have the ability to refract light under microscopic examination. Moderate amounts of lipoid bodies must be constantly present in the ejaculate. Their absence or a significant decrease indicates the development of a pathological process in the male body. This is due to the fact that lecithin grains enter the semen with the juice of the prostate gland, which explains their mandatory presence in the ejaculate.
Composition
Lipoid bodies consist of the following components:
- Phospholipids. They are found in all cells of the body and are composed of acids and alcohols. Participate in the restoration of cells after any damage, maintain their structure and provide flexibility to cell membranes.
- Higher fatty acids, divided into unsaturated and saturated.
- Vitamin B4 (Choline). He is involved in protecting cells from various injuries. This substance is able to be synthesized in the body on its own, but people involved in physical labor and sports should additionally consume foods and vitamin complexes containing choline. It is important to note that vitamin B4 increases the activity of male germ cells, and in old age is able to prevent prostate dysfunction.
The functions of lipoid bodies
Currently, experts distinguish the following functions that perform lecithin grains:
- They are a breeding ground for sperm.
- Promote vigorous activity of male germ cells.
- They have an effect on the contractile function of the prostate gland.
- Reduce the risk of developing prostate fibrosis.
Norms
The exact number of lecithin grains in a normal spermogram has not been determined. When deciphering the results, it is necessary to evaluate a set of indicators. At present, it is considered normal to have a value of 5-10 million per 1 ml of sperm.
But it is worth noting that there is still debate among experts regarding the effect of the number of these inclusions on the normal spermogram. Cases were observed when, with a reduced number of lecithin grains, but normal values of other indicators of ejaculate, the male fertile function was normal.
The reasons for the lack of lecithin grains
The absence or insufficient number of lipoid bodies can be caused by the following factors:
- Wrong sampling of material for research.
- Inflammatory processes in the prostate gland.
- Incorrect gland stimulation before sampling.
- Stagnation of sperm.
- The presence of stones in the prostate.
- Obstruction of the tubules.
- Abscess.
Violations
It happens that with prolonged abstinence there is a large number of lipoid bodies. An increase in the body's choline can lead to the release of toxic substances that can cause dangerous pathologies and the destruction of sperm.
It is important to note that the negative effect that lipoid bodies can have is compensated by other components contained in semen. For example, spermine prevents the destructive effects of choline on germ cells.
Common diseases
Of the large number of diseases that may indicate a decrease in the number of lipoid bodies in the spermogram, the following are the most common:
- Prostatitis in acute or chronic form. Often, this pathology is the result of colds or infections. An acute form of the disease is indicated by a decrease in lipoid bodies and an increase in white blood cells. Frequent urination and pain in the groin area may bother. If lecithin grains are completely absent, then we can talk about the development of chronic prostatitis, in which infertility or impotence can form.
- Prostate adenoma. Hormonal disorders can lead to the development of this disease. Pathology develops slowly. In the early stages, it has practically no tangible symptoms. With this disease, timely diagnosis and treatment started on time is very important.
- Oncological processes occurring in the prostate gland. The reasons for their development are still not fully identified. It is assumed that advanced pathologies of the prostate gland (for example, adenoma), the age of the man, as well as hormonal disorders can contribute to this.
Prostate Disease Prevention
It is very important for a man of any age to take care of his health.
- Once a year, it is recommended to visit a doctor and take a spermogram, because many diseases in the early stages of development do not have obvious manifestations, which can lead to the development of complications, which will be difficult to cure.
- It is necessary to engage in moderate physical activity.
- Fiber should be present in the diet.
- It is necessary to monitor your weight, preventing obesity.
- In time to treat diseases of the genitourinary system.
This applies not only to men of reproductive age, but also to elderly patients. Timely detection of abnormalities in the spermogram, as well as timely treatment, give a positive prognosis in most cases.
Conclusion
If the analysis revealed a pathological change in the number of lipoid bodies in the ejaculate, the doctor sends the patient for additional tests to identify the causes of this condition. After that, treatment is effective in each case. It is not recommended to try to decipher the spermogram values yourself and self-medicate, since you can only aggravate the situation. If re-submission of material for research is required, it is recommended to use the services of the same laboratory as the previous time. About how much spermogram costs in a particular laboratory should be checked with the administrator.