When couples are having difficulty conceiving, they may have an array of fertility tests run to determine the cause. One test that is often part of this evaluation is a semen analysis. This test looks at the quality and quantity of a man’s sperm, which is a critical first step to diagnosing fertility issues. The Men’s Clinic at UCLA Health is a premier destination for men to get discrete, in house semen analysis near me that is both cost-effective and fast. This helps reduce the stress of waiting for results while a couple considers their options for treatment.
Men who are having trouble conceiving should have their semen tested to see if a sperm-related issue is causing their problems. A semen analysis examines the quality, motility, and morphology of a man’s sperm. The test is typically conducted by a healthcare professional in a laboratory setting with a sample provided by the man. The process is usually quick and simple, though some men may feel uncomfortable about the method of obtaining the sample. This could be due to fears of their manhood being judged, religious objections to ejaculating in front of a doctor, or embarrassment about the collection process.
To ensure a valid sample is obtained, a patient should abstain from sexual activity for several days before the test. This allows a man’s sperm count to reach its highest before the sample is collected. Additionally, a man should only use a special semen collection device during sexual activity to ensure the sperm is not contaminated by lubricants or other chemicals that may affect the quality of the specimen.
A patient will provide a semen sample to the lab by masturbating into a sterile specimen container. For patients who are unable or unwilling to masturbate, doctors can also supply a special condom that is used like a regular condom during sexual intercourse. Patients should tell their doctor if they were unable to produce enough sperm to fill the sample container. In some cases, a second specimen can be collected if the first attempt was unsuccessful.
Once a semen analysis is performed, the sperm will be evaluated under a microscope for any abnormalities. The sperm’s size, shape, and movement are examined to determine how well they can travel to and fertilize an egg. In addition, a sperm concentration test is conducted to measure the number of sperm in each milliliter of semen. Healthy sperm are generally a normal shape and size with long tails, while abnormal sperm can have shorter tails, double heads, or other defects that may make it difficult for them to penetrate an egg.
If the sperm analysis is abnormal, a physician will conduct a variety of additional tests to determine what is causing the problem. This may include a blood work panel to check hormone levels and identify any potential nutritional or genetic factors that could be contributing to the problem. Depending on the results, a healthcare provider can then recommend a treatment plan that can help the couple conceive. This may include prescription medications or a surgical procedure.