What Does a Sperm Test Show?
If you and your partner are experiencing difficulties getting pregnant, one of the first checks you should undergo is a male fertility test – also known as a sperm test, semen analysis, or spermogram. It is a fast, simple, and non-invasive method of determining any issues with your sperm that might be preventing you from getting your partner pregnant.
But what does a sperm test actually tell us? In this article we will explain what an experienced sperm analysis expert (or andrologist, as we’re known) can discover from your male fertility test. These are some of the most common ones:
Volume
The easiest thing to measure is the size or volume of semen in your sample. If you are unable to produce a sufficiently large volume of semen, this can impact your chances of impregnating your partner.
Sperm Count/Concentration
Your sample comprises semen (the fluid in which your sperm is produced) and sperms themselves. Your sperm count is the number of sperm present in the sample. As with volume, the lower the number of sperm in the sample, the harder it is to get your partner pregnant.
Sperm Movement
Also known as sperm motility, this shows us the percentage of sperm that are moving forwards. A surprising number of sperm are either still or spin in circles. Since sperm needs to move forward to have a chance at fertilising an egg, low motility can be an issue.
Sperm Shape
Also known as sperm morphology, this tells us the number of your sperm that have a regular shape. Malformed sperm may not have the ability to fertilise an egg, even if they manage to reach it.
pH levels
Your sperm swim in a liquid known as semen, which has its own pH level. This indicates the acidity of your semen. The normal pH level for seminal fluid is 7.2 to 8.2. On the pH scale, anything lower than a 7 is acidic. Abnormal levels of acidity in your semen can affect sperm motility or even kill the sperm.
White Blood Cells
The presence of white blood cells (or leukocytes) in in your sperm sample is usually an indication that you have some kind of infection. White blood cells attack bacteria in any part of the body, including your reproductive system. This infection could be affecting your fertility and would likely require the proper treatment if you wish to get your partner pregnant.
If you’re in need of a sperm test in London, you can book an appointment with the Male Fertility Clinic online today. If you have any concerns or queries, please contact us.