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WIN Fertility Center July 23, 2022

What is Semen Analysis?

by dr. Pande Made Doddy Haryadi, S.Ked.

 

Semen (also known as sperm fluid) is produced from a man’s reproductive organs, consisting of approximately 10% sperm and 90% fluid from the prostate and other reproductive organs. So for every unit of semen that comes out after ejaculation, only 10% of the fluid is actual sperm, and the other 90% of the fluid is “supplies” for the actual sperm on its way to find the egg cells. In sperm analysis, the 10% of fluid that is actual sperm is assessed for its vitality, movement, and shape, and the composition of the other 90% of fluid is assessed for its composition.[1,2]

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

When you are having problems achieving pregnancy, having difficulty having children again, or want to undergo pre-marital screening, your doctor will often suggest a sperm analysis test from the man’s side. It will help determine if the man or woman is healthy, or is afflicted with infertility.

Infertility itself is a fertility disorder characterized by the failure to conceive in more than 12 months even though the couple have had regular unprotected intercourse.[3]

PROCEDURE

In conducting sperm analysis, of course, it will go through preparation and several processes for the man. The man is usually asked to abstain from sexual activity for 2 – 7 days, and then will be directed to a special room to ejaculate his semen. The processes that will follow include:[1-2]

1. During the First 5 Minutes

After the father successfully ejaculates and releases sperm fluid, the sperm fluid is usually placed in a special container provided and stored for the liquefaction process. The ejected semen is called the Sperm Fluid Sample.

2. For the Next 30 Minutes

The Sperm Fluid Sample will be assessed for its appearance and liquefaction process and measured for the volume. If needed, its pH can also be examined. Afterwards, the examiner will proceed with making special preparations to assess the actual sperm cells. The sperm will be assessed for its vitality, quantity, concentration, and other tests if any other medical conditions are found.

3. During the First 3 Hours

Sperm fluid samples will be sent to a specialized laboratory if needed.

4. After 3 Hours

The Sperm Fluid Sample will be examined for the sperm cell form.

After the sperm sample has been processed and assessed, the doctor will inform the results.

If you are planning to do a screening before marriage or check for a long childless condition, Mom and Dad can make a reservation in advance on the Sobat Bunda application. By downloading the application and making a reservation at Sobat Bunda, you can find out the estimated queue time or turn to enter the examination, so that you do not have to wait long at the hospital.

REFERENCES

  1. WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen Sixth Edition. 2022.
  2. Björndahl L, Kirkman Brown J. The sixth edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen: ensuring quality and standardization in basic examination of human ejaculates. Fertility and Sterility. 2022;117(2):246-251.
  3. Infertility [Internet]. Who.int. 2022 [cited 22 June 2022]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility.
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