What is a spermiogram?
A spermiogram is a clinical test, that requires the collection and sampling of the patients semen, in order to analysis and evaluate the fluid and the content ejaculated from the penis, for volume and quality. This test analysis both the fluid portion (which is called semen) and the moving cells (which are called sperm), and can only be evaluated in a laboratory under a microscope. This is done to help evaluate male fertility and is for those patients whom are seeking pregnancy or verifying the success of a vasectomy procedure.
Sperm or spermatozoon is a motile sperm cell, or moving form of the haploid cell that is the male gamete. A spermatozoon joins an ovum to from a zygote. A zygote is a single cell that has a complete set of chromosomes, which normally develops into an embryo. The human sperm cell is the reproductive cell in males and will only survive in warm environments, once it leaves the male body the sperm's survival likelihood is reduced and it may die, thereby decreasing the total sperm quality. Sperm cells come in two types, "female" and "male". Sperm cells that give rise to female (XX) offspring after fertilization differ in that they carry an X-chromosome, while sperm cells that give rise to male (XY) offspring carry a Y-chromosome.
Why measure the level of sperm?
Sperm count (sperm concentration) measures the amount of sperm a man ejaculates, this is not to be confused with total sperm count. Total sperm count distinguishes itself from sperm count, because it is that of which the sperm count is multiplied with volume. A lower sperm count is considered oligozoospermia. A vasectomy is considered successful if the sample is azoospermic. The most common reasons for laboratory semen analysis in humans are as part of a couple's infertility investigation and after a vasectomy to verify that the procedure was successful. It is also commonly used for testing human donors for sperm donation.
The semen analysis (semen sample collection) is a diagnostic test performed by the operative unit of the Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine facility (Fertility Center). To carry out an examination reservation is required.
Standard of preparation
The patient is asked strictly to follow the rules below;
The patient must have sexual abstinence for a period no less than 3 days and no greater than 6 days. (I.e. the last ejaculation prior to the exam must take place 4 to 5 days before the exam).
The sample should be collected fully in a container (avoiding losing the first drops of semen and also collect the last, by gently squeezing on the urethra of a flaccid penis. Start with the finger behind the scrotum and follow the lining of the urethra until you reach the meatus.)
The sample must be delivered within 30 minutes of ejaculation.
The collection should be carried out preferably after a period of substantial physical well-being of a period of 60 days. Viral infections or other natural infections can temporarily change the quality of the semen, as well as episodes of fever, and consuming antibiotics. For more information about this, please direct your questions to the Laboratory of Pathology of Reproduction.
