SEMEN ANALYSIS

MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYTEM, SEMEN COLLECTION, MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS

site of spermatogenesis;

Testis (seminiferous tubules):

produces 5% of semen volume (sperm cells)

Testis (seminiferous tubules):

site of sperm maturation and storage

Epididymis:

produces 60% of the semen volume

Seminal Vesicles:

High in fructose that serves as the major nutrient for sperm motility

Seminal Vesicles:

Seminal Vesicles Produces a viscid, neutral or slightly alkaline fluid often with a yellow color due to the presence of

flavin

Seminal Vesicles produces semen that contains

potassium,

citric acid,

ascorbic acid,

ergothionine and

phosphorylcholine

Provides substrate responsible for the coagulation of semen following ejaculation

Seminal Vesicles:

produces 20% of the semen volume

Prostate Glands:

Prostate Glands produces semen that Produces a milky, slightly acidic fluid (pH 6.5) containing

citric acid,

proteolytic enzyme (fibrinolysis),

acid phosphatase (distinguishes semen),

zinc and

antibacterial agents (choline and spermine)

produces less than 10 to 15% of the semen volume

Cowper’s Glands:

Produces a thick, alkaline mucus that serves to neutralize prostatic and vaginal acidity

Cowper’s Glands:

Abstinence period:

3 to 5 days or not more than 7 days

Time of collection:

preferably early in the morning with an empty bladder before ejaculation

Transport and testing:

brought and tested in the lab within 30 minutes to 1 hour

Specimens for fructose level analysis should be tested within

2 hours

requires 2 to 3 samples at two weeks interval

Fertility testing:

relatively small amount composed of a clear viscid fluid that originate largely or perhaps exclusively from the urethral and Cowper’s glands

First fraction:

prostatic secretion along with most of the spermatozoa with relatively small secretions from the epididymis and vas deferens

Second fraction:

consists almost entirely of a mucoid secretion resulting from emptying of the seminal vesicles

Third fraction:

o Falsely decreased sperm count

o Falsely increased pH

o Specimen will not liquefy

First portion not collected (1st and 2nd fractions)

o Falsely decreased semen volume

o Falsely increased sperm count

o Falsely decreased pH

o Specimen will not clot

Last portion not collected (3rd fraction)

best method collection because it prevents contamination

Self-Production or Masturbation:

requires the use of condoms that are non-lubricant-containing and made from rubber or polyurethane

Condom Collection:

contains spermicidal agents

Ordinary condoms:

aspiration of seminal fluid from the vaginal vault after coitus

Vaginal Vault Aspiration:

not reliable method of collection because the first portion of the ejaculate may be lost

Coitus Interruptus:

preserved in frozen state at -85oC and stored for one year

Artificial insemination:

should be frozen if delay in testing is unavoidable

Fructose level testing:

Odor:

normally musty, acrid, fishy, distinct, bleach-like

Color:

normally pearly white or gray white and translucent to slightly turbid

may indicate bleeding

Rust to red-brown:

may indicate urine contamination, antibiotics, prolonged abstinence or pyospermia

Yellowish:

may indicated infection and presence of WBCs

Increased white turbidity:

infertility

Clear:

reported as 0 (watery) to 4 (gel-like)

Viscosity: viscid to highly viscid

increased viscosity impedes

sperm motility

Assessed by pouring semen into a graduated glass (normal: drop by drop)

Liquefaction

Prolonged liquefaction indicates a possible

deficiency in prostatic enzymes

Normal pH

7.2-8.0

possible infection within the reproductive tract

↑pH (alkaline):

seminal vesicle obstruction, absence of seminal vesicle or increased in prostatic fluid

↓pH (acidic):

Specific gravity:

1.027 to 1.032

Volume:

2 to 5 mL

Main factor which affects the penetrating ability of the sperm cells through the cervical mucus barrier

Sperm Motility

Factors Affecting Motility:

(1) complete liquefaction

(2) temperature: at 37oC, 50% are motile for up to the 3rd hour

(3) revitalization using Ringer’s solution

Sperm motility Microscopic method

Hanging drop

Routine Grading motility

Computer-assisted semen analysis

≥ 50% with a Grade of 2 (a and b) after 1 hour

Normal:

Provides objective testing sperm motility based on sperm velocity and trajectory (direction of motion)

Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis

Also determines sperm concentration and morphology

Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis