Semen Analysis and Sperm Preparation.ppt

Semen Analysis and Sperm Preparation Feebee Ong, Ph.D Reproductive Medicine Centre (Tsim Sha Tsui) Union Hospital Semen Analysis SA are mainly carried out to determine whether:- A man has a reproductive problem that is causing infertility. A vasectomy or vasectomy reversal has been successful SA is the singular test for fertility in male that can provide information on sperm production. patency of the male ducts. the function of the accessory glands. and ejaculative function. Since semen samples may vary from day to day, 2 or 3 samples may be evaluated within a 3-6 month period for accurate testing. A semen analysis to test the effectiveness of a vasectomy is usually done 6 weeks after the vasectomy Semen Analysis Semen analysis is a relatively inexpensive test to perform in Hong Kong. But because it is inexpensive and simple, many doctors and patients believe it is an easy test to perform. In reality, it is a test that requires skill and expertise. It is easy to perform the test badly as it is subjective. Besides containing sperms, normal semen also contains water, simple sugars such as fructose for nourishment of sperms and alkaline substances that buffer sperms against acidic environment in the vagina. Semen also contains prostaglandin which can cause contractions in the uterine muscles, vitamin C, zinc, cholesterol and a few additional compounds which may also be tested Human Semen Semen can be divided into 4 fractions: Pre-ejaculatory –secretion from urethral and bulbourethral gland (no sperms) Dilute fluid from prostate gland (no sperms) Major portion of sperms from vas deferens and distal epididymis (volume 5%) Seminal vesicle secretion (few sperms) Fraction 1, 2, 3 made up of the first portion of the ejaculate (30% of total volume). Therefore important to ensure the first portion is collected. IMPORTANT – Mix semen well before analysis Ways to Collect Semen Masturbation, directing the semen into a clean sample cup. Do not use a lubricant which can k