Comprehensive Semen Analysis is used to investigate male infertility. It consists of several sub-analyses, which help determine the causes of infertility.
Comprehensive Semen Analysis is also used in the monitoring of varicose veins and the control of successful ligation of the seminal vesicles (vasectomy) as a method of male contraception.
More information
Semen comprises spermatozoa found in the seminal fluid (plasma). The function of seminal fluid is to provide nutrition and material for transporting spermatozoa to the endocervical mucosa. Male fertility can be affected by a variety of causes. The main reason for this is the decrease in viable spermatozoa. Other causes may include abnormal sperm morphology as well as seminal plasma abnormalities.
Because difficulty conceiving is a male-related issue, a thorough semen analysis is a practical, non-invasive first step in evaluating a couple having difficulty having a child. At Diagnostiki Athinon, we commit to completing the semen analysis quickly, accurately, and reliably so that you can make an informed decision about the best course of action.
Early semen analysis and detailed spermogram can significantly simplify and speed up the search for the most effective treatment for the couple. Because it takes about 3 months to produce mature spermatozoa, there is often a delay of 4 to 6 months between treatment and changes as recorded in the spermogram. Thus, in addition to increasing the options, detailed semen analysis and the improvement of its quality in various ways can reduce the need for more complex treatments for the woman.
When should the Semen Analysis be done?
85% of couples will have children within a year when there is regular intercourse without the use of contraceptives. This means ejaculation inside the vagina and preferably on the fertile days of the partner.
A couple is considered infertile if conception is not achieved after 12 months (not necessarily consecutive) of effort. However, when the woman is over 35 years old and fertility rates begin to decline, it is considered wise to start the investigation after 6 months of effort. Thus, if a couple in whom the woman is under 35 has not conceived in one year or when the woman is over 35 and has not conceived in 6 months, a semen analysis (spermogram) should be performed, and the investigation of fertility should begin - both male and female.
What if problems are found in the Semen Analysis?
Semen analysis has significant variability even within the same individual. Therefore, it is always advisable to perform at least two semen analyses to make any diagnosis. Some men have so much variation in sperm count values that more than two semen analyses must be performed to determine any abnormal condition. However, the most critical first step in assessing male fertility potential is sperm analysis with the spermogram.
In 75% of cases, the causes of infertility can be found, and many of the pathological findings in the spermogram can be reversed. But in a third of cases, the causes are not reversible. But in these cases, too, there may be alternatives to childbearing.
Unfortunately, there is no specific magic number in the semen analysis of men whose partners will become pregnant that differentiates them from those who will not. Some men's wives have inferior results in semen analysis, even analysis results from wives of men, while excellent semen analysis results may have difficulties. However, men with good semen analysis results as a group will conceive at significantly higher rates than those with moderate or poor semen analysis results.
The Sperm Analysis will help determine if a male factor is involved in the couple's infertility. Some findings from sperm analysis indicate specific problems. For example, an increased white blood cell count may indicate inflammation. Of course, other abnormalities in the semen analysis are not so exact. For example, there are several causes of decreased sperm count (oligozoospermia) or decreased sperm motility (asthenozoospermia).
Terms used in the Semen Analysis, Comprehensive
During the examination of the sperm, various characteristics concern the four essential quality characteristics of the semen, i.e., the volume of the semen, the concentration of the spermatozoa, their motility, and their morphology.
Thus, it is possible to refer in the conclusions of semen analysis to one or more of the following medical terms:
Oligozoospermia
Oligozoospermia (or oligospermia) is a condition in which the spermatozoa count is less than 15 million per ml or when the whole ejaculate has less than 39 million spermatozoa. There are different degrees of oligozoospermia (mild - moderate - severe). It may be due to damage during spermatogenesis (the formation of spermatozoa in the testes, testicular factors) or the presence of obstructions along the path of the spermatozoa (post-testicular factors), or it may be due to other factors (pre-testicular) such as hypogonadism. Oligozoospermia may be permanent or transient. A complete examination of the patient (except the spermogram) with additional laboratory tests can reveal the causes. Oligospermia is quite often associated with the presence of obesity or overweight.
Athenozoospermia
Asthenozoospermia (or asthenospermia) is a condition in which there is a decrease in spermatozoa motility. It is the most common of the pathological conditions observed in semen analysis and can be due to several causes. It is one of the most common infertility factors. Complete immobilization of spermatozoa (100%) is, of course, very rare - it occurs in 1 in every 5.000 men. It may be due to genetic (inherited) metabolic disorders, hyper-microscopic structural abnormalities of the motor mechanism of the tail (primary ciliary dyskinesia), and necrosopermia.
The level of DNA fragmentation of sperm is higher in men with asthenozoospermia than in men with oligozoospermia or teratozoospermia. As has been shown, high levels of DNA fragmentation are a strong indicator of male infertility.
Oligo-asthenozoospermia
Oligo-asthenozoospermia refers to the condition in which there is a simultaneous decrease in sperm motility, and concentration or total spermatozoa count.
Teratozoospermia
Teratozoospermia (or teratospermia) refers to the condition in which there is an increased percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa. Teratozoospermia affects fertility. The causes are often unknown, but on many occasions, it can be due to the presence of other pathological conditions such as Hodgkin's disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lifestyle (obesity, smoking, etc.), and varicocele. Spherozoospermia is a unique condition of teratozoospermia in which an increased percentage (> 85%) of spermatozoa have a spherical head without an acrosome. This condition is rare and is accompanied by increased rates of infertility or the inability to have children. Diagnosing all conditions of teratozoospermia requires excellent experience and specialization of the doctor in performing the semen analysis.
Oligo-Astheno-Teratozoospermia
Oligo-Astheno-teratozoospermia refers to the condition in which there is a simultaneous decrease in spermatozoa motility, concentration, and/or total spermatozoa count as well as the presence of a large percentage (> 95%) of abnormal forms.
Azoospermia
Azoospermia is a condition of a complete lack of spermatozoa in the semen. About 1-2% of the total male population is affected by this condition and is responsible for 20% of male infertility cases. It can be due either to a lack of testicular stimulation for spermatozoa production (pre-testicular causes), testicular damage (testicular causes), or obstruction of the ducts that prevent spermatozoa transport (post-testicular causes). The diagnosis of azoospermia requires unique and careful observation in the semen analysis. To determine the possible causes, other laboratory tests are needed (apart from the spermogram), all available from the Diagnostiki Athinon. Azoospermia (as well as oligozoospermia) has been associated with obesity.
Polyzoospermia
Polyzoospermia is when there are more than 250 million spermatozoa per ml in the semen analysis. It can be a cause of infertility, as such a high concentration can make it difficult for spermatozoa to move. Polyzoospermia is usually associated with a decrease in sperm volume.
Hypospermia
Hypospermia is a pathological condition in which the volume of semen is less than 1.5 ml. Sperm volume, as measured in the spermogram, depends on many factors (technical - -sampling procedure, psychological mood, etc.) and can vary considerably. Hypospermia can be a cause of infertility only if combined with some other pathological condition, e.g., oligozoospermia.
Hyperspermia
Hypospermia occurs when the sperm volume is more than 6.0 ml. Hyperspermia can sometimes result from inflammation. Inflammation may cause more white blood cells to appear on the semen analysis.
Aspermia
Aspermia is a pathological condition in which ejaculation is completely absent. One of the most common causes of aspermia is retrograde ejaculation due to medication or various surgeries.
Why choose us for your Semen Analysis?
Examining the sperm, or Semen Analysis, is a complex medical analysis. At Diagnostiki Athinon, we do much more spermograms than the typical microbiological laboratories. Therefore, all the staff has excellent experience in all phases of semen analysis (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical). Unlike other "spermatology" laboratories or in vitro fertilization clinics, in our laboratory, we perform all sperm analyses immediately after the sample is taken and perform all the necessary secondary and additional tests that may be needed either in the same semen sample or in other biological materials (blood, urine, etc.). This maximizes the information that can be obtained to make a definitive diagnosis and reduces the number of sperm tests one may need.
Experience: Semen analyses are complex and technically demanding. Inadequate or insufficient semen analysis can lead to a significant loss of medical information, which can significantly delay the patient's treatment. Unlike many other laboratory tests, a semen analysis is based solely on the experience of those who perform it. At Diagnostiki Athinon, we have advanced laboratory analysis protocols, and all the tests are performed and supervised by the very experienced laboratory medical doctor (bio-pathologist), who is scientifically responsible for the laboratory.
Time: The sample must be examined within one hour of collection to obtain accurate results in semen analysis. Otherwise, measuring sperm motility and specific characteristics can be highly inaccurate. At Diagnostiki Athinon, the test is performed at the laboratory by appointment, and no other sample is analyzed simultaneously. Ideally, the sample should be collected in the laboratory. However, following the Semen Collection Instructions can allow you to bring the sample from home.
Location: At Diagnostiki Athinon, we have a unique discreet space for taking the sample, equipped with a TV & WiFi for the patient's convenience during sampling.
Laboratory Completeness: Some findings during semen analysis may indicate the need for additional tests. At Diagnostiki Athinon, a medical clinical laboratory, we can perform all the tests that may be required, either in the sperm, urine, or blood, to investigate the causes of male infertility thoroughly.
Medical opinion: The final results are not just numbers and measurements. They represent a medical reality. The laboratory doctor discusses and analyzes the results with the patient, clarifying possible questions. In addition, the results are discussed with your doctor, who helps and participates in creating the appropriate treatment plan on time.
We have up-to-date laboratory equipment that is suitably adapted to the needs of semen analysis.
All sperm testing procedures follow the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
We work closely with research and university institutions in Greece and abroad to provide patients and health scientists who trust us with many specialized and innovative laboratory analyses on investigating male infertility.
Quality assurance throughout the whole process. Diagnostiki Athinon has been operating for many years and is certified with the ISO 9001:2008 quality management standard (now ISO 9001:2015). In addition to participating in standard external quality controls, we join in specialized quality controls related to spermogram and sperm analyses.
It's easy to make an appointment. Appointments are available on weekdays from 7.30 to 19.30 and on Saturdays from 8.00 to 11.30.
Speedy response times and the ability to publish the results on the same day. Semen analysis reports (and for all tests) can be sent by e-mail, fax, and post or received in the laboratory, always ensuring medical confidentiality.
The results of the spermogram can also be published in English at no extra charge.
Access to Diagnostiki Athinon is effortless by public transport and car, whether for the sample delivery or your appointment.
Our prices for the Basic Semen Analysis and the other laboratory tests are the most competitive.
