If you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, your doctor may recommend a semen analysis to check for possible male fertility problems.
A semen analysis looks at the sperm in your semen, including how many sperm are present, how well they move, and their shape. The results can give your urologist important information about sperm production and other factors that may affect your fertility.
If you’re searching for a semen analysis near me in the Eugene or Springfield area, knowing what the test measures and what your results can mean can help you know what to expect.
What Does a Semen Analysis Measure?
A semen analysis looks at several parts of your semen and sperm:
- Semen volume measures how much fluid is in the sample. A low amount can sometimes be related to a problem with ejaculation, a blockage, or the glands that make semen.
- Sperm concentration, often called sperm count, measures how many sperm are in each milliliter of semen. The lab can also calculate the total number of sperm in the sample.
- Sperm motility looks at how well your sperm move. Sperm need to move through the female reproductive tract to reach an egg.
- Sperm morphology looks at the size and shape of your sperm. The lab examines sperm under a microscope to see how many have a typical shape.
The lab may also check other parts of the semen, such as its pH and how long it takes to become more liquid after ejaculation.
When Do Men Need a Semen Analysis?
A semen analysis is often part of a fertility evaluation when a couple has been trying to conceive without success. Your doctor may also recommend one if you’ve had a health problem or treatment that could affect sperm production.
These risk factors can include:
- An undescended testicle
- A testicular injury
- Previous surgery involving the reproductive system
- A varicocele
- Certain cancer treatments
- Testosterone therapy or anabolic steroid use
Testosterone can lower sperm production because it affects the hormones your body uses to make sperm. If you’re concerned about your fertility, tell your urologist about any testosterone, hormones, supplements, or medications you take.
What Should You Expect During a Semen Analysis?
For a semen analysis, you’ll provide a semen sample that is sent to a lab for testing. Your healthcare team will give you instructions about how to prepare and collect the sample.
Following those instructions is important because the way the sample is collected can affect the results. Be sure to ask if you’re unsure about any part of the process.
Once the sample reaches the lab, it is examined to measure sperm count, movement, shape, semen volume, and other factors. Your urologist can then review the results with you and explain what they may mean for your fertility.
What Happens If Your Semen Analysis Is Abnormal?
Semen test results can vary, so one abnormal result doesn’t always mean there’s a fertility problem. Your urologist may recommend repeating the test to get a clearer picture.
If your sperm count is low, the next step is to look for a possible cause. This may include checking your hormone levels, reviewing your medications, and looking at how well your testicles are working.
If no sperm are found in the sample, your doctor will try to find out why. Your body may not be making enough sperm, or a blockage may be keeping sperm from reaching the semen.
Your evaluation may also include an exam to check your testicles and look for a varicocele. Your doctor will ask about past surgeries, infections, medications, hormone use, and cancer treatment. Blood tests or genetic testing may also be needed if your sperm count is very low or no sperm are found.
Looking for a Semen Analysis Near Me in Eugene or Springfield?
If you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, a semen analysis can give you important information about your sperm and fertility. It may also be useful if you have a condition that could affect your fertility.
The urologists at Oregon Urology Institute can evaluate your results and look for possible causes if something isn’t within the expected range. Depending on what they find, they can discuss whether you need more testing, treatment, or other fertility care.
If you’re looking for a semen analysis in the Eugene or Springfield area, call Oregon Urology Institute at 541.334.3350 to schedule an appointment.