Semen Analysis
A semen analysis is a test whereby amounts of sperm produced by a man is measured and examined. The number of sperm and the quality of the sperm is determined.
This procedure is typically done in order to see whether or not a man is infertile or can father a child. For more than a third of couple with an infertility problem, the cause of the problem is a man’s semen or sperm count. Other reasons for having a sperm analysis include to determine whether or not a vasectomy was successful, or to see if a reverse vasectomy was successful.
There are various tests that are completed during a sperm analysis. These are:
Sperm count
This test determines the number of sperm that are present in each millimeter of semen in an ejaculation.
Volume
This measures how much semen is produced in a single ejaculation.
Liquefaction time
Sperm are a thick, gel like consistency when ejaculated. However, it becomes liquid in about twenty minutes. This test determines how long it takes semen to liquidize.
Sperm motility
This test measures the number of sperm that move forward in a normal way. The number of sperm found in semen with normal motility is also measured, which is called motile density.
Sperm morphology
This examination determines what percentage of the sperm has a normal shape.
Ph levels
PH levels of the semen are measured to see how acidic or alkaline it is.
White blood cell count
Semen usually does not contain white blood cells, but this test is done to see if there is a possible infection.
Fructose level
Fructose is found in semen, and provides the energy the sperm need to move forward. This test measures the amount of fructose in the semen.
If you are going to have semen analysis performed there are a few things you need to do beforehand. First, there can be no sexual activity that will end in ejaculation for two to five days prior to the semen analysis. Doing this will ensure that the sperm count will be as high as humanly possible. This will affect the test’s reliability. You should not avoid sexual activity for more than one to two weeks before the test, because a long period of abstinence can lead to having inactive sperm. You should also avoid alcohol within a few days of the test, and you should tell your doctor about medications you are taking that may affect sperm count.
The first step in a semen analysis is to ejaculate into a small cup to provide the sample. This can be done in the privacy of your own home or in the bathroom at the place where you are having the test. The most common way of collecting the sample is to masturbate into a cup. However, you can also get a sample via sexual intercourse by ejaculating into the cup or collecting it from a condom.
There Is Help Out There
If you think that you may suffer from low semen volume and quality, there are many helps available for you. One of these is Performer5. This is a specially formulated supplement that actually increases semen production. It is completely natural in its ingredients, which include pomegranate and L-arginine. Both of these ingredients are proven to work quickly to increase semen levels and quality of sperm. However, it will also increase circulation to the penis, which will make your erections harder and longer lasting.
