Spermiogram is the examination of male sperm with the aim of finding out whether they are capable of fertilizing a female egg without outside assistance. Spermiograms are often the beginning of a man’s examination in couples’ problems getting pregnant.
What is the spermiogram?
Spermiogram is the examination of male sperm with the aim of finding out whether they are capable of fertilizing a female egg without outside assistance. Spermiograms are often the first physical examination of the man when a couple wants to get pregnant and it has not worked so far. It is used to examine sperm quality and quantity. The sperm are examined under a microscope and it can be determined if the couple’s fertility problems are due to the man. Spermiograms thus diagnose one of the most common causes of difficulty getting pregnant. In a spermiogram, the man gives a semen sample, which is then analyzed in the laboratory under a microscope. Among other things, this determines whether the amount of sperm is sufficient and the composition of the sperm. A percentage value is determined as to how many sperm are capable of movement and whether this percentage would be sufficient to fertilize an egg. In addition, microscopic examination of the sperm can determine whether there may be any deformities of the sperm that make them unable to move, so that fertilization could not occur in the normal way. The spermiogram is instrumental in making a decision about artificial insemination.
Function, effect, and goals
Spermiograms are a non-invasive examination method and at the same time a safe way to detect some of the most common fertility problems in men within a short time. That is why they are one of the first examinations when a couple with problems getting pregnant consults the doctor. At the same time as the spermiogram in the man, the woman must also be examined, since fertility problems can be on either side. During the spermiogram, the man is first asked to give a semen sample, which is obtained directly in the doctor’s office by masturbation. The first step is to examine the amount of sperm in the seminal fluid, as the problem may already be due to not enough sperm reaching the woman’s uterus and fallopian tubes. Then the shape of the sperm cells is checked. Deformities of the individual sperm cells are also a common reason for fertility problems. The spermiogram shows whether and how many sperm are immobilized as a result and thus unable to fertilize the egg. Other important characteristics regarding the shape and texture of the sperm are also examined and evaluated to determine whether or not fertility is assured. Furthermore, the spermiogram makes a statement about how many sperm live in the ejaculate and are thus capable of fertilization and whether antibodies against sperm could be found. Antibodies against the body’s own cells kill them and ensure that the man can have a normal sex life, but has only limited fertility. Since antibodies against spermatozoa do not show up in any other way, a spermiogram is the only way to detect them. Another field of application of the spermiogram is the follow-up examination after a vasectomy, which has the intended sterilization of the man as a background. After a successful vasectomy, there should be no sperm left in the ejaculate. Only then is sexual intercourse really safe without further protection against conception. In the case of male vasectomies, it is quite possible that limited fertility is still present, even after the procedure – a spermiogram can rule out this risk and provide assurance that the desired result of the procedure has occurred.
Risks, side effects and dangers
The creation of a spermiogram is not an invasive examination and is therefore completely harmless for the man. There are also no risks or side effects. Only the delivery of a sperm sample can be unpleasant, as this is done by masturbation on site in the doctor’s office and many men do not feel comfortable with this. It can be helpful to be aware that doctors and medical assistants in fertility centers are confronted with this every day and that they know how to deal with it accordingly.However, taking a spermiogram may reveal that a couple’s infertility is due to the man. This causes psychological problems for many affected men, as they also define themselves by their ability to fulfill their partner’s desire to have a child. In good fertility centers, when the spermiogram is taken, it is pointed out as a precaution that the result can also be negative, so that the men are prepared for this. If the result of the spermiogram is unpleasant and the mood is really gloomy, it is not a bad idea to seek psychological counseling. This can identify possible depressive moods caused by an unpleasant result of the spermiogram in time and prevent them before they develop into an actual psychological problem. Spermiograms can also positively provide the reason for artificial insemination. They are necessary for the health insurance to cover the costs or for the couple’s own confirmation that pregnancy is not possible in any other way. If the couple knows that pregnancy is unlikely due to the sperm quality of the man, they can opt for artificial insemination. This method is now very mature and has helped many couples with similar problems to achieve the desired child. The findings of the spermiogram provide information on how best to carry it out, as it reveals exactly what the problem is.
