Semen examination at Invimed

Semen testing is a basic diagnostic test to assess male fertility by analysing ejaculate parameters. The seminogram provides key information about sperm quality. It requires 3-5 days of sexual abstinence before the test. Semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and morphology are analysed in the laboratory. The results are compared with the 2021 WHO standards. Abnormal parameters do not rule out the chances of pregnancy, but indicate the direction of further diagnosis. The process of spermatogenesis takes 2-3 months, so it takes time for the parameters to improve. Learn about the details of the preparation, conduct of the test and interpretation of the results.

Highlights:

• In vitro fertilisation is a medical procedure involving the fertilisation of an egg by a sperm in a laboratory setting, outside the female reproductive system.

• At Invimed clinics, 54% of all IVF cycles have resulted in babies, and 65% of patients under 35 become mothers after their first cycle.

• The IVF procedure consists of five stages: hormonal stimulation, egg retrieval, laboratory fertilisation, embryo culture and transfer to the uterus.

• In 2010, Robert G. Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize for the development of in vitro fertilisation, which has resulted in more than 8 million babies being born worldwide.

A semen test (a.k.a. seminogram or spermiogram) is a fundamental test in the diagnosis of male infertility. With this quick and painless test, a possible fertility problem can be diagnosed.

Infertility affects both women and men. It has long been a myth debunked that the female factor is mostly responsible for the difficulty of getting pregnant. That is why, during the first visit, the specialist usually orders an extended semen test for men. The results obtained will allow the appropriate treatment path to be determined for the couple.

Make an appointment for a semen test at the Invimed clinic of your choice. Our experienced embryology team guarantees objective results.

A semen test, also known as a seminogram or spermiogram, provides key information about a man's fertility. The results of this test allow the specialist to assess a man's reproductive capacity and, if abnormalities are found, to indicate a further diagnostic pathway or suggest appropriate treatment.

At the Invimed clinic, semen testing is carried out routinely, using state-of-the-art diagnostic methods. The many years of experience of our specialists enables objective results to be obtained quickly, which are then interpreted in detail by an andrologist or urologist.

Seminogram - what is it?

Semen examination is the basic test for male fertility. During the examination, general semen parameters such as ejaculate volume and viscosity, liquefaction time, pH, semen appearance, total sperm count in the semen, number of sperm in 1 ml of ejaculate, percentage of live and moving sperm, as well as possible agglutination (clustering) of sperm and its severity are analysed. In an extended semen examination, the structure of the spermatozoa is additionally assessed and the proportion of structurally normal spermatozoa and those with structural defects is determined. Structural defects of the spermatozoon include damage to the vita, insertion and head.

The results of the semen examination provide information on possible deviations from the norm, which enables effective and precise therapy to be planned. Semen parameters are set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and apply globally, irrespective of region.

Semen examination (Seminogram or Spermiogram)

How to prepare for a semen test?

No special preparation is needed for the semen test. All you need to do is follow a few rules that will ensure the most reliable result.

• Sexual abstinence. A period of sexual abstinence (abstaining from ejaculation) of 3-5 days (to be precise - no more no less) is required before the semen test. Too short a period of abstinence can falsify the result, which may result in lower sperm concentration. A longer period of abstinence from ejaculation can reduce sperm viability.

• Avoid alcohol, stimulants. If you are preparing for a semen test, abstain from alcohol 3 to 5 days before the test. Alcohol can interfere with spermatogenesis.

Important!  Remember, in order for your doctor to interpret the test result correctly, inform him/her of any illnesses and medications you have taken in the 3 months prior to the test.

How does the sperm test work? 

The first step in the process of diagnosing male fertility is to make an appointment and then give an ejaculate for analysis.

How does the semen examination work? At Invimed clinics, semen testing is performed in a comfortable environment. Each facility provides patients with a specially prepared room where the man can feel safe and at ease. The room is lockable, equipped with a bathroom and amenities such as a TV with erotic films and magazines for men. In addition, the patient can be accompanied by a female partner in the room.

After the ejaculate is donated, the material is placed in a sterile container and then transferred to the diagnostic laboratory. It is also possible to deliver the semen sample to the clinic yourself, but this must be done within one hour of the sperm donation. Due to the risk of temperature changes or improper storage of the sample, it is recommended that semen quality testing is carried out directly at the clinic.

Once the material is accepted, the sample goes to the laboratory, where the sperm is analysed in detail.

Semen testing is carried out in a diagnostic laboratory, using advanced CASA (Computer Assisted Semen Analysis) technology. With this method, the microscopic image recorded with the camera is processed and subjected to digital computer analysis. Computer-assisted semen analysis guarantees the objectivity, reliability and exceptional precision of the results, which significantly improves the quality of diagnosis.

Semen testing - how to read the results?

Semen test results are usually ready within 4-6 working days. The patient can check them online, on their patient panel, or collected in person at the clinic. Semen parameters are assessed according to the latest standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Each semen test result is also enriched with a comment from the specialist who analysed the sample.

After receiving the results, it is advisable to make an appointment with the andrologist, interpret the parameters in an individual context and indicate possible further diagnostic and therapeutic steps.

Make an appointment to see an andrologist or urologist who will accurately interpret the test result. The doctor may order additional tests in order to choose the right treatment. Find out what an andrologist does >>

Bad semen test results what next? It is important to remember that semen test results that fall outside the accepted norms do not rule out the chances of pregnancy. In the case of bad semigoram results, the specialist will refer the man for further diagnostics, which may include tests such as sperm DNA fragmentation, HBA test, oxidation-reduction potential testing or MSOME semen examination.

Many cases of semen test abnormalities can be corrected by appropriate pharmacotherapy, dietary or lifestyle changes. It is worth remembering that the process of spermatogenesis, i.e. the production and maturation of sperm, takes an average of 2-3 months. In some cases, the parameters can return to normal after following medical advice and repeating the semen test.

The test result is ready within 4-6 working days.

Interpretation of semen test result - norms.

Semen testing standards are established on the basis of reference values set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The parameters currently in force are those adopted from the standards set from 2021.

What semen parameters are tested?

• ejaculate volume ≥ 1.4 ml

• Total number of sperm in the ejaculate ≥ 39 million

   

• Sperm concentration (number of sperm in 1 ml of semen) ≥ 16 million

• Overall percentage of motile sperm (progressive and non-progressive movement) ≥ 42%

• Percentage of sperm with progressive movement ≥ 30%

• Sperm viability (percentage of viable sperm) ≥ 58%

• pH of ejaculate ≥ 7,2

• Sperm morphology (percentage of completely normal sperm) ≥ 4%

The semen examination allows the assessment of key parameters that are necessary to determine a man's ability to procreate. These parameters form the basis for further diagnosis and planning of possible treatment, including through assisted reproduction methods.

How much does a semen test cost? Prices at Invimed clinics

A semen test is the basic and simplest diagnostic test for a man. It is freely available to the public, and making an appointment and having the test done is very quick. How much does a semen test cost? The price of a spermiogram may vary from facility to facility, but the procedure itself and the scope of the test remain identical.

The cost of a semen test is therefore largely dependent on the location and type of facility, but the price does not affect the quality of the test itself. Regardless of where it is performed, the results of the test will be in line with current standards and the semen parameters themselves will be identical at each clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ:

1. World Health Organization. (2021). WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen (6th ed.). Geneva: World Health Organization.
2. Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tarification. (2023). Semen examination (seminogram) - AOTMiT report (WS.420.12.2022). Warsaw.
3. The Nobel Committee. (2010). The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2010 [press release]. Nobel Prize Outreach. Downloaded from: https://www.nobelprize.org
4. Physiology of human reproduction. Spermatogenesis - cycle time: 72-74 days. Sources: Physiotherapist Portal, ABC Health, HelloHealth (2021-2025).