A semen analysis helps doctors assess a patient’s sperm count, motility and morphology
Semen analysis is a type of male fertility testing that helps the doctors at our Indianapolis fertility clinic make a diagnosis. The doctors use the information this test reveals to create a customized treatment plan for each patient. Because infertility relates to issues with sperm about 40% of the time, this analysis is an incredibly important aspect of fertility care.
What can you expect from a semen analysis at our clinic?
When a doctor at our Indianapolis fertility clinic recommends a semen analysis, the first step is scheduling the appointment. Having an appointment helps ensure a fertility specialist can analyze the specimen as quickly as possible after collection.
After the patient schedules the appointment, there are several steps to follow to help ensure the male fertility testing provides accurate results.
Abstain from ejaculating. There is a better chance of the test leading to accurate results if the patient does not ejaculate for two to five days before providing the sample.
Collection at our clinic. Ideally, the patient collects their sperm sample in a private room at our clinic. We provide a sterile container for collection.
Collection at home. If the patient prefers to collect the sample at home, we provide a sterile container and require them to bring the specimen to our clinic within an hour of collection. Patients wanting to procure the sample through intercourse will require a special, non-toxic collection condom, which our clinic provides. Oral sex is not an option for collection.
Analysis. After collection, an andrologist performs the semen analysis in our lab. The andrologist analyzes the sample’s volume, concentration, motility (movement) and morphology (shape).
After the doctor reviews the results, they will discuss the next steps with the patient. In some situations, the patient will need additional testing, such as bloodwork to assess their hormones or an evaluation by a reproductive urologist.
Treatments for sperm-related fertility challenges
If the male fertility testing reveals an element of the patient’s sperm is causing fertility challenges, various treatments are available.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI). This treatment involves the doctor inserting the patient’s semen directly into their partner’s uterus when they’re ovulating.
In vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF consists of an embryologist using the patient’s sperm to fertilize eggs from the patient’s partner or an egg donor. After fertilization, the doctor transfers one of the resulting embryos into the uterus of the patient’s partner or a gestational surrogate. IVF is beneficial for patients with abnormal sperm count or function.
IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This is an effective treatment for patients with severe fertility challenges, especially male factor infertility. It involves an embryologist injecting a single healthy sperm into the center of each mature egg.
IVF with a sperm extraction procedure. Patients who can produce sperm but cannot ejaculate it can benefit from a sperm extraction procedure. Depending on the diagnosis and recommendation by the reproductive urologist, different procedures can be performed.
These procedures include testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), testicular sperm extraction (TESE), microepididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) and microdissection TESE. The sperm can be obtained to be used fresh at the time of egg retrieval or the sperm can be frozen for future use. An embryologist then uses the sperm to fertilize eggs from the patient’s partner or donor.
Patients at our Indianapolis fertility clinic receive comprehensive support from our doctors during each stage of fertility testing and treatment. Contact us to learn more about male fertility testing, including semen analysis.
