Silvia Azaña, embryologist at inviTRA, tells us about the parameters that are evaluated during the semionogram:
The World Health Organization indicates the parameters that should be evaluated in the seminogram. Moreover, it establishes a set of reference values, which are now referred to as decision limits, and these can suggest the possible need for diagnosis or treatment. Although the World Health Organization has published an update of the Laboratory Manual for Semen Examination and Processing in 2021, constituting what is known as the sixth edition of the manual, the fact is that it is most common to stick to the criteria of the fifth edition, corresponding to 2010. The tests performed on the seminal sample during the seminogram can be classified into macroscopic and microscopic. The macroscopic analysis of semen involves examining certain characteristics of the ejaculate with the naked eye, without having to resort to a microscope. Here are some of the most significant points.
Seminal volume. Is expressed in milliliters. It would be considered appropriate when the semen sample has a volume greater than 1.5 milliliters. Semen liquefaction. The ejaculate should be left to liquefy naturally for approximately 30 minutes so the study can be performed. That is, it must be completely liquid. If it hasn't been blended in 30 minutes, it should be noted in the report. Semen color. The color of the semen is yellowish-gray. A different opacity or shade may indicate certain conditions. For example, a sample that presents a reddish-brown hue may be an indication of the presence of red blood cells. Viscosity. A drop is released with a pipet and it is observed whether threads form due to increased viscosity. PH value. Normally semen has a pH between 7.2 and 8.
Regarding microscopic analysis, the focus is on examining various aspects of sperm with the aid of a microscope. Concentration of the spermatzoa. A count of the sperm cells is carried out. The sperm count must exceed 15 million per milliliter, or reach a total of at least 39 million in total per ejaculate. Motility or mobility of the spermatzoa. The percentage of modal sperm present in the sample is analyzed, as well as their movement pattern whether progressive or non-progressive. A sample demonstrates adequate sperm motility when over 40% of its spermatzoa are active and more than 32% are moving progressively forward. The vitality of the sperm. There are several tests to distinguish between live and dead sperm in the ejaculate. Urine staining, hyposmotic test...
For a semen sample to be considered completely normal in terms of sperm vitality, more than 58% of the sperm must be alive. Morphology of spermatzoa. The shape of the sperm is evaluated and analyzed to see if they have any abnormalities. At least 4% of the spermatzoa must exhibit a normal shape in order for the sample to be considered normal in accordance of sperm morphology. Presence of leukocytes in the sample. A count of round cells is made and they appear in quantity under the microscope. There should be a maximum of one million leukocytes per milliliter. A higher amount would be indicative of infection.
Considering all of the above will greatly help in interpreting the results of the semen analysis. In this manner, one could form a rough idea of whether the semen sample could exhibit any alterations. Nevertheless, the interpretation of the semen analysis results should be carried out by a specialist.
