Patient's question:
I have been married to my partner for over three years. Initially, we prioritized our careers and didn't have children, always using contraception. Now that our careers are more stable, both of us want to have a child. However, we've been trying for over a year, and there has been no success. Recently, we went to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor said it's very likely my issue, recommending a semen analysis. I would like to know what tests are included in a routine semen analysis?Doctor's answer:
1. Semen color check: Normal semen is transparent and grayish-white. If the abstinence period is long, it may appear light yellow. During reproductive tract inflammation, it may turn yellow or even present with hematospermia.2. Sperm count: Normal semen volume for men is 2ml to 6ml per ejaculation. If affected by ejaculation frequency and volume, the semen volume may be less than 1ml per time, which indicates abnormal sperm.
3. Sperm motility check: Sperm motility is classified into four levels.
4. Semen liquefaction time: Immediately after ejaculation, semen is in a gel-like state and becomes liquid within 5 to 30 minutes.
5. Sperm density check: Sperm density refers to the number of sperm per milliliter of semen in men. Normal sperm density is above 20 million per milliliter. If it is less than 20 million/ml, it is considered oligospermia, which can affect male fertility health.