Two measurement methods are available – a test for home use and an analysis in the laboratory – a spermiogram. The home test only measures a few traits and can be difficult to interpret. The results can serve as a starting point, but cannot replace a full, professional laboratory analysis performed by an infertility specialist. 

A semen sample can be obtained by extraction from the scrotum, by masturbation, with a condom, or during sex act, collecting ejaculate. Of all the methods, masturbation is by far the most commonly used. The method of obtaining the sample and the accuracy of the measurement methods can significantly affect the results. 

For examination, fresh ejaculate must be provided. The examined semen for analysis should not be older than half an hour. To ensure a fresh sample, the man usually masturbates in a specially designated area in the clinic or in the reproductive department of the hospital. Recently, couples are allowed to collect sperm at home, in case they do not need more than 1 hour to arrive at the clinic, waiting time included.

A classic spermiogram shows most or all of the following parameters:

• amount of ejaculate (in ml)
• pH and color of seminal fluid
• liquefaction of ejaculate or degree of viscosity
• the total number of sperm in the ejaculate
• sperm concentration (count per ml)
• sperm vitality (percentage of live and non-live or colored and non-colored)
• sperm motility (percentages of progressively motile, fast and slow moving, non-motile)
• morphology or sperm shape (percentages of normal and abnormal sperm, percentages of sperm with an irregular head, irregular neck, etc.)
• presence of leukocytes, erythrocytes, bacteria
• presence of antibodies on sperm (MAR test)

The assessment is carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). The limit values ​​are: 

• volume of at least 1.5 ml
• more than 15 million sperm per milliliter of seminal fluid
• more than 32% of the spermatozoa should be rapidly progressive (in the direction) and
• at least 4% of the spermatozoa should be of normal shape. 

If these criteria are met, a man is considered fertile. The ejaculate should not contain more than one million leukocytes per milliliter. For a reliable result, it is necessary to analyze the ejaculate twice.

If the results of the spermiogram show pathological changes (abnormal values), that is, if at least one of the parameters is outside the range specified in the WHO criteria, treatment is required.

A classic spermiogram does not show DNA fragmentation or DNA damage inside the sperm. This is an extremely important factor, since DNA fragmentation can be one of the reasons for unsuccessful fertilization of the ovum (unsuccessful conception) or it can also cause spontaneous abortion.

DNA fragmentation can be present in a large percentage even in those men who apparently have very good parameters of the classic spermiogram. To confirm the diagnosis of fragmented DNA, it is necessary to undergo ti. functional test of semen, which is done in our laboratory, too.

Ejaculation analysis provides the infertility specialist with information about a man’s fertility potential exclusively at the time of analysis. It is necessary to take into account that the result of the analysis shows only the current situation. We do not obtain information about whether the quality of the ejaculate is permanently optimal or reduced due to a possible environmental factor. 

The number and quality of sperm produced by the male body depends on various factors such as: 

• genes
• the environment
• health or 
• frequency of intercourse.

Therefore, sperm count varies from person to person. A sexually mature man has an average of between two and three billion sperm at any time. Since spermatozoa are constantly being formed in the seminiferous tubules, the semen always includes spermatozoa in various stages of maturity. 

Many factors such as diet, damage to the testicles, exposure to high temperatures and radiation can significantly affect the results of the semen analysis. Results for an individual man can have a lot of natural variation over time. The result of the analysis showing subfertility or reduced fertility is necessary to confirm with further analyzes at an interval of 2-3 months.

A spermiogram can provide important insight into a man’s fertility, but it cannot identify the cause of male infertility. A trained professional can only draw conclusions about a possible disorder from the obtained results before diagnosing and treating it.

How to improve male fertility naturally?

The process of sperm formation is extremely sensitive to external factors. These factors include injury (heat, physical force), energy and nutrient supply to the developing sperm, as well as oxidative stress.

Research has shown that oxidative stress is most likely the biggest factor in reduced fertility and DNA damage in men. The good news is that oxidative stress can be managed quite easily.

Hundreds of scientific studies have convincingly proven that the quality of semen of men with reduced fertility can be remarkably improved by consuming certain antioxidants and micronutrients such as L-carnitine, L-arginine, glutathione, selenium, zinc, Q10 and folic acid.

These male fertility nutrients are an essential therapy for any couple looking to increase their chances of conceiving a baby faster and protect a man’s DNA from oxidative stress. 

When Should Men Consider Taking Fertility Micronutrients?

In the past, fertility specialists recommended the consumption of nutritional supplements for several months as a standard part of the preparation only for men and women in IVF procedures or other infertility treatment procedures. Today, nutritional supplements are increasingly recommended to all men who are planning a family, especially those over 35, due to their proven effectiveness and affordability.