Male Infertility A child of my own - Andrology Australia

SEMENANALYSISA semen analysisis a vital part ofdiagnosing maleinfertilityWhat is semen analysis?Semen analysis is the laboratory testing of freshlyejaculated semen. Under a microscope, the number,shape and movement of sperm are measured.Where should men go for semen analysis?Special equipment and expertise are needed toaccurately do a semen analysis. Therefore testingshould take place at specialised laboratories thatuse methods approved by the World HealthOrganisation (WHO).How is semen collected for testing?Semen testing should be done on a freshlyejaculated semen sample (within two hours ofbeing produced). For the test, a semen sampleis best produced into a jar by masturbating in aprivate room at the laboratory. It is important thatnone of the semen sample is lost. As sperm aremostly in the first part of the ejaculate, losing thefirst part of the ejaculate can give a false readingof a lower sperm count. It is also important thatthe man does not have sexual intercourse ormasturbate for about two (but up to five) daysbefore the test, as frequent ejaculations could alsolower the sperm count. Too long a period betweenejaculations may also lower the sperm quality.An individual’s semen quality can vary greatlybetween samples, even in fertile men. Sperm countscan be affected by illness. Fevers and infections canMALE INFERTILITY 28