Semen Analysis

What is azoospermia?

Absence of spermatozoa in semen.

What does aspermia refer to?

No semen.

Define spermatid.

An immature sperm cell.

What is necrospermia?

The presence of dead sperm cells.

What does oligospermia signify?

Decreased number of sperm.

What is asthenozoospermia?

A low percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa.

What does teratozoospermia mean?

A low percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa.

What is seminal fluid?

The composite solution formed by the testes and other male reproductive organs.

What is the primary role of the testes?

To produce sperm cells and secrete testosterone.

What is the function of the epididymis?

Storage and maturation of sperm cells.

How is sperm transported from the epididymis?

Through the vas deferens.

What does the seminal vesicle provide for sperm?

Fructose and other components to nourish sperm.

What is the role of the prostate gland in semen?

Adds slightly acidic fluid containing enzymes for sperm motility and viability.

What does the bulbourethral gland produce?

Alkaline fluid to protect sperm and lubricate the urethra.

What happens during ejaculation?

Semen is expelled from the body through the urethra.

What is varicocele?

The most common cause of male infertility due to the swelling of veins along the spermatic cord.

What is the purpose of spermatic fluid evaluation after a vasectomy?

To indicate successful vasectomy by showing no spermatozoa in two consecutive monthly specimens.

What is spermatogenesis?

The formation and development of sperm in the seminiferous tubules.

What is spermiogenesis?

Maturation of spermatids into sperm cells.

What is required for an accurate semen analysis?

Evaluation should occur after a period of sexual abstinence (2-7 days).

What are the required conditions for transporting semen samples?

Samples must be kept at room or body temperature and delivered within 1 hour.

What indicates abnormal sperm count in ejaculation?

Missing the first portion of the ejaculate, which typically contains a higher concentration of sperm.

What is the normal pH range for semen?

7.2 to 8.0.

What factors can indicate sperm motility?

Percentage of motile sperm cells observed in samples.

What is the significance of sperm morphology analysis?

To assess the structure of sperm which affects its ability to fertilize an ovum.

How is sperm vitality assessed?

Bloom's Test or Eosin/Nigrosin Test evaluating living sperm against dead sperm.

What is retrograde ejaculation?

When semen travels backward into the bladder instead of being expelled.

What does the presence of leukocytes in semen indicate?

An inflammatory condition associated with infection that may impair sperm quality.

What is the role of anti-sperm antibodies?

They can cause clumping of sperm, indicating autoimmune response against sperm.

What is the mixed agglutination reaction (MAR) test used for?

To detect the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in semen.

What does a high percentage of immobile sperm cells suggest?

Possible presence of sperm antibodies or other issues affecting motility.

What is assessed in a post-coital test?

The quality of cervical mucus and the ability of sperm cells to penetrate it.

What does a fructose test measure in semen?

The capacity of seminal vesicles to provide fructose, indicating nourishment to sperm.