Sperm Test
The basic male fertility investigation is a sperm test.
The test is done after an abstinence period (no ejaculation) of about 3 -5 days.
In a well equipped andrology laboratory, there are 4 basic parameters that are of concern. Other parameters measured are rarely abnormal. These parameters are reported according to WHO standards (World Health Organisation)
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Sperm concentration
The lower range of normality is when at least 15 millions sperms for every millilitre (ml) of semen is found. Sperm concentration above this value is considered “normal”.
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Vitality
This means what is the percentage of life sperms in the sample. It should be at least 58% ( at least 58 out 100 sperms are alive).
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Motility
This parameter looks at the movement of the sperm. At least 40% of the sperms should be moving. The movements are further graded according to how fast it moves and direction of the sperm movements.
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Morphology
This parameter looks at how normal a physical shape of a sperm looks like. This is done under high powered microscope. At least 4% ( you read it correctly!) of the sperms should be normal-looking to be considered “ normal ”.
Based on the sperm test , male fertility can be classified as:
- Normospermia : Normal test results
- Oligozoospermia : Low sperm concentration
- Azoospermia : Absence of sperm
- Hypospermia : low semen volume
- Hyperspermia : high semen volume
- Asthenozoospermia : Low motility
- Teratozoospermia : Low in normal morphology
- Necrozoospermia : all sperms in the ejaculate are dead
Hormone tests
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) , Luteinising Hormone (LH) , Testosterone
Imaging test
Scrotal ultrasound ( in specific cases only)
Diagnostic surgical procedure
Sperm mapping or diagnostic TESA
