The answer is “yes”. The semen analysis is a simple and easy way to determine whether there is an underlying male problem that could be contributing to infertility, and it should always be part of the initial infertility evaluation. The semen analysis is a quick test that enables us to determine whether sperm is being produced and whether it is exiting the body.
The best time to do a semen analysis is after abstaining for 2 days but no more than 5 days. A semen sample can be provided after masturbating into a sterile container or after intercourse into a collection condom. The ejaculate should be examined an hour after collection, and it should be kept at body or room temperature if collecting at home.
The ejaculate is then washed and spun down to examine sperm count, motility, and morphology (i.e. percentage of normal appearing sperm). If any of these parameters are abnormal, this could indicate an underlying male disorder but each parameter must be considered in the context of the whole. If the initial semen analysis is abnormal, you should do another one at least 4 weeks later.
The likelihood of male factor infertility increases with the number of abnormal semen parameters, and may warrant additional evaluation by a urologist. An abnormal semen analysis could be the first sign that a couple may need to pursue fertility treatment in order to help them conceive. Treatment can range from artificial insemination for mild male factor to in vitro fertilization for severe male factor.
Loading ...
Intrauterine insemination (or IUI) is an in-office procedure that attempts to increase the likelihood of pregnancy by bringing the sperm closer to the egg in order for fertilization to occur. It has to be done at the right time in order to be effective, and as a result intrauterine inseminations should be timed to spontaneous … Read more
Loading ...
Hyacinth Nicole Browne, MD
Unexplained infertility effects 15% of infertile couples and treatment is empiric since the underlying cause of infertility is unknown. The goal of treatment is to increase the likelihood of pregnancy by bringing together more than the usual number of oocytes and sperm. This is often achieved with intrauterine insemination (IUI), superovulation with clomiphene or gonadotropins … Read more
Loading ...
Hyacinth Nicole Browne, MD
About 15 to 20% of all couples who try to conceive each month will get pregnant. There are numerous factors that play a role in whether a couple conceives, but some basic things that you can do to try and enhance natural conception include: Timing Sexual position Dietary modifications and exercise Lifestyle changes Use of … Read more
Loading ...
Hyacinth Nicole Browne, MD
Most of us can’t start our day without a cup of coffee or tea … sometimes even needing two cups to help us make it through the day. But does drinking too much caffeine impact fertility? Maybe. Although the mechanism by which caffeine consumption may be linked to infertility is unclear, some studies have shown … Read more
Loading ...
Hyacinth Nicole Browne, MD
It has been suggested that the upper limit of normal for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in infertile women who are trying to conceive should be 2.5 mIU/L instead of 4.5 mIU/L as is used by most laboratories. A TSH level greater than 2.5 mIU/L, in the setting of a normal serum free thyroxine (T4) concentration, … Read more
Loading ...
Hyacinth Nicole Browne, MD
Ask Our Doctors
