What is a spermiogram?
A spermiogram provides information about the number, shape and mobility of the sperm in the ejaculate (semen). The pH value, sugar value, viscosity and bacterial colonization of the semen are also part of the spermiogram evaluation.
A possible reason for a sperm examination is an unfulfilled desire to have a child. If a couple has been trying unsuccessfully to have children for a long time, this may be due to a deficient sperm count and/or sperm quality, among other factors. Both factors can be assessed by means of a spermiogram.
Another reason for a sperm examination is to check whether a vasectomy (sterilization of the man) has been successful.
Spermiogram: Procedure
If a man wants to have a spermiogram done, he visits a urologist, andrologist (the male equivalent of a gynecologist) or a fertility clinic. There, the sperm examination is performed in the patient’s own laboratory or delegated to an appropriate laboratory.
Usually, the sperm is collected by masturbation at the site of the examination. Usually, a quiet room is available to the man for this purpose. For some men, it is helpful if the partner assists in the collection of semen.
What is a spermiogram?
A spermiogram provides information about the number, shape and mobility of the sperm in the ejaculate (semen). The pH value, sugar value, viscosity and bacterial colonization of the semen are also part of the spermiogram evaluation.
A possible reason for a sperm examination is an unfulfilled desire to have a child. If a couple has been trying unsuccessfully to have children for a long time, this may be due to a deficient sperm count and/or sperm quality, among other factors. Both factors can be assessed by means of a spermiogram.
Another reason for a sperm examination is to check whether a vasectomy (sterilization of the man) has been successful.
Spermiogram: Procedure
If a man wants to have a spermiogram done, he visits a urologist, andrologist (the male equivalent of a gynecologist) or a fertility clinic. There, the sperm examination is performed in the patient’s own laboratory or delegated to an appropriate laboratory.
Usually, the sperm is collected by masturbation at the site of the examination. Usually, a quiet room is available to the man for this purpose. For some men, it is helpful if the partner assists in the collection of semen.
Other spermiogram standard values that serve as reference values are:
- 58 percent of sperm vital (alive)
- Ejaculate volume at least 1.5 milliliters
- pH value between 7 and 8
- total sperm count in ejaculate at least 39 million
- maximum 1 million white blood cells per milliliter
- at least 13 µmol fructose in the ejaculate (important energy supplier for the sperm)
Spermiogram: morphology and motility
In addition to the number of sperm cells, their quality is also decisive for a man’s fertility. This is because the sperm must be able to reach the egg by swimming. This is not possible if their function is impaired, for example because they are deformed or poorly mobile. This would result in a poor spermiogram.
In sperm morphology, three different areas are examined: the head, the midpiece and the tail. Variations can occur in all three areas. For example, multiple tails may be created or the head, which contains the genetic information, may be too small or too large. In fact, most sperm are not normally shaped, so that according to the WHO, the normal value is already reached with four percent of healthy shaped cells.
In addition, the sperm motility is evaluated in the spermiogram. A basic distinction is made here:
- fast forward movement (fast progressive)
- swimming in circles or only locally (non-progressive)
- no movement (immotile)
The reference values here are that a total of 40 percent of the sperm should move at all (total motility) and of these again a third (32 percent) should move progressively, i.e. purposefully.
MAR test
A further criterion for the quality of the sperm is the so-called MAR test (mixed anti-globulin reaction test). For this, the ejaculate is examined for sperm autoantibodies. These antibodies are produced, for example, when the spermatic duct is injured internally. They stick to the sperm and make it harder for them to swim through the uterine mucus. Therefore, as a guideline, only less than 50 percent of sperm cells may carry such particles.
Bad spermiogram – what now?
The reasons for a poor spermiogram can be many and varied. For example, previous or active infections (such as mumps, chlamydia), undescended testicles, hormonal disorders or even genetic predispositions play a role. Sometimes the causes remain unclear. In the same way, however, incorrect determinations may have occurred as a result of handling errors (such as sperm collection at home).
Improve spermiogram
There are some ways that can improve the spermiogram. One important starting point is lifestyle. For example, affected men should stop smoking, lose weight if they are overweight, or consume alcohol only in moderation. In some cases, hormone treatment or surgery can help. If all these attempts fail, it does not mean that the desire to have children must be buried. Medicine has several methods of artificial insemination at its disposal.
Ultimately, the spermiogram evaluation represents a snapshot and will not in every case unequivocally state whether a man is fertile or not. Nevertheless, the spermiogram is an important element of diagnostics in cases of unfulfilled desire to have children.
