AUBF Semenalysis

Seminiferous Tubules

spermatogenesis

not yet motile sperm

epididymis

sperm maturation

motile sperm

ductus deferens (vans deferens)

propel sperm to ejaculatory ducts

seminal vesicles

provide nutrients (fructose)

prostate gland

provide enzyme and proteins

liquefaction and coagulation

acidic components to seminal fluid

bulbourethral glands

pre-cum

alkali mucus to sperm

lubrication and neutralization of vagina

composition of semen

5% spermatozoa

60-70% seminal fluid

20-30% prostatic fluid

5% bulbourethral gland (cowper’s gland)

sertoli cells

nurse cells for developing sperm cells

Specimen collection

2-3 days abstinence (not more than 5 days)

collect entire ejaculate

method of collection

masturbation

coitus interruptus

condom method

vaginal vault aspirate

missed 1st part of ejaculate

decrease sperm count

increase pH (alkaline)

coagulated semen

missed last part of ejaculate

decreased specimen volume

increased sperm count

specimen liquefy

induce liquefaction (>60mins)

Dulbecco’s phosphate buffered saline

proteolytic enzyme: bromelain or alpha chymotrypsin

normal color

gray-white translucent

pearly white, colorless to creamy white

odor

musty or bleach/chlorox odor

increased white turbidity

infection

red discoloration

presence of blood

brown discoloration

oxidized blood

yellow coloration

drugs

longer abstinence

flavin (normal pigment in body)

normal volume

2 to 5 mL

increased volume

increased abstinence

decreased volume

infertility or incomplete collection

increased viscosity

decreased sperm motility (string test)

0 = watery

4 = gel-like 

check before liquefaction

increased pH

during infection

decreased pH

increased prostatic fluid

specific gravity

1.033

diluents (to immobilize sperm) in improved neubauer counting chamber

cold tap water 

1% formalin

5% NaHCO3 in 1% phenol

1% formalin in trisodium citrate

5% sodium bicarbonate

0.5% chlorobenzene

Makler Counting Chamber

for undiluted specimens

use heat to immobilize sperm

sperm count normal value

>40 million/ejaculate

sperm concentration normal value

4.0 and a grade motility

rapid, straight-line

3.0 and b motility

slower speed, some lateral movement

2.0 and b motility

slow forward progression

noticeable lateral movement

1.0 and c motility

no forward progression

continuous circling in place

0 and d motility

no movement