Semen Analysis
A semen analysis is the first line of investigation. This provides a clear picture of a man’s fertility. A semen analysis can be conducted at IVFAustralia following a referral from your GP or specialist medical practitioner.
Q. What does a semen analysis involve?
A semen sample is produced via masturbation, following 3 days of abstinence, into a clean, dry container. This can be done at home and delivered within an hour to one of IVFAustralia's six andrology laboratories across Sydney. Alternatively, there is the option to use a discreet room at one of the IVFAustralia clinics. It is important to make an appointment for all semen analysis procedures to ensure the andrologists are on site to analyse the sample within the hour. Contact your local IVFAustralia clinic to make this appointment.
Q. How is the semen analysed?
The sample is analysed by an experienced andrologist under a microscope to check the number (density), ability to swim (motility) and shape (morphology) of the sperm. A normal result for a semen analysis will show a sperm count of at least 20 million sperm per mL, with at least 50% of the sperm showing forward progressive movement. A minimum of 30% of the sperm should be normally formed and anti-sperm antibodies should affect less than 10% of the sperm.
Q. What if the semen analysis result is not within a normal range?
A repeat test will be undertaken if the initial results are poor. This is because sperm have a life cycle of 72 days. Therefore, life experiences such as illness or stress can temporarily affect sperm production quality.
Q. What are the options for men who have had vasectomy?
For men who have had a vasectomy, a reversal of vasectomy procedure can be performed to allow for natural conception. Alternatively, a procedure called Surgical Sperm Collection can be performed which involves extraction of sperm from the testes with a fine needle. This procedure is performed under a general anesthetic.
Causes of infertility - Overview
It is often not appreciated that one in twenty men in Australia experience some form of infertility. The most common problem encountered is reduced quantity or quality of sperm in the seminal fluid. Sperm need to be present in sufficient numbers and they need to be actively motile to penetrate the zona pellucida of the egg. Normal sperm anatomy is also important, as abnormal sperm usually fail in the fertilisation process.
BLOCKED / ABSENT VAS DEFERENS:
The vas deferens is the tube that carries the sperm from the testes to the prostate gland. It is the tube that is tied off in a vasectomy procedure. Surgery may be needed to clear any blockages. In men who have had a vasectomy, a reversal procedure can be performed, or a simpler procedure called surgical sperm collection may be used to retrieve the sperm.
LOW SPERM NUMBERS AND/OR POOR SPERM MOVEMENT:
Diagnosed through a simple semen analysis. Overcome through Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) technique>
HIGH NUMBERS OF ABNORMALLY SHAPED SPERM:
Diagnosed through a simple semen analysis. Overcome through Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
ANTISPERM ANTIBODIES:
Antibodies are the body’s natural defence against foreign objects. However, men can develop antibodies against their own sperm. This is most common in men who have had a vasectomy reversal. Diagnosed through more sophisticated techniques conducted as part of a semen analysis. Overcome through Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
FAILURE OF SPERM PRODUCTION:
Diagnosed through semen analysis and hormonal tests. These also determine the cause. which is sometimes related to illness or severe trauma earlier in life. If sperm is not being produced, donor sperm may be the only option.
Dedicated male infertility clinic
IVFAustralia has recently incorporated a dedicated male infertility clinic as part of our service. This provides additional diagnostic, investigatory and surgical services, including microsurgery. IVFAustralia Fertility Specialists now have the additional support and expertise of Urologist Dr David Golovsky, who specialises in male infertility and consults within the IVFAustralia City clinic.