Boston Vasectomy Reversal

All About Semen Analysis

Aside from successful conception and subsequent normal pregnancy, semen analysis values are the best determiner of vasectomy reversal success. If, after having undergone vasectomy reversal a man's partner fails to conceive, semen analysis values provided by Boston Vasectomy Reversal can indicate whether the problem is with the man or due to some other problem.

Collecting Samples for Semen Analysis

There are various methods for collecting the sample needed in order to perform a semen analysis. It is important for this to be done correctly, since the accuracy of the semen analysis depends on it. Ideally, the specimen is collected by the doctor at Boston Vasectomy Reversal, where the patient ejaculates into a sterile container by engaging in auto-sexual stimulation.

Alternatively, the specimen may be collected at home during coitus, using a special condom or by withdrawing from the partner just before ejaculation and depositing the specimen into a sterile container during orgasm. Some home sperm analysis kits available on the World Wide Web or via mail order typically include such containers.

Prior to collecting the sample, your Boston Vasectomy Reversal doctor may instruct the patient to abstain from all sexual activity for three to four days.

Semen Analysis Values

Semen analysis measures specific qualities. What follows is a description of these characteristics as well as what is normal range for a sperm analysis.

1. Volume. This refers to how much seminal fluid is ejaculated at one time; more is better. Normally, this is between 1 and 6.5 milliliters per ejaculation.
2. Liquefaction time. When first ejaculated, semen has the consistency of a gel or thick glue. Normally, semen liquefies within 1 hour; longer than this indicates that an infection is present.
3. Sperm count. The normal semen analysis will show between 20 and 150 million sperm present in a health sample; less than 20 million is considered low and may impede a man's ability to father offspring.
4. Sperm Morphology. Here, the doctor examines the shape of the sperm. A certain percentage of all sperm is abnormal in some way, but if these number more than 70%, it may compromise fertility, since these 'abnormal' sperm are less likely to reach or penetrate the egg.
5. Sperm Motility. This is the direction in which the sperm swim; at least 60% exhibiting forward motion is considered normal.

In addition, Boston Vasectomy Reversal doctors perform an interpretation of sperm analysis results include measuring pH levels or acidity; presence of white blood cells (a large number of which may indicate infection); and fructose levels (an indicator of energy).

For More Information

Boston Vasectomy Reversal is one of the foremost male fertility clinics in Massachusetts. You can learn more about interpretation of semen analysis results by visiting Boston Vasectomy Reversal on the Web at http://www.BostonVasectomyReversal.com.