Patient's question:
Semen analysis is checked in which department and is collected in the hospital?Doctor's answer:
Guidance: The main contents of semen analysis in urology include: generally including semen color, semen volume, semen liquefaction time, sperm density, sperm 1-hour survival rate, sperm motility, percentage of abnormal sperm, and the number of white blood cells in semen, etc.Semen color: Normal semen is transparent and grayish-white. If the abstinence period is long, it may appear pale yellow. During reproductive tract inflammation, it may turn yellow, or even blood may be present in the semen.
Semen volume: The volume of semen per ejaculation is 2-6 ml, but it is influenced by ejaculation frequency and number. A volume of less than 1 ml per ejaculation is called oligozoospermia, while a volume of more than 6 ml per ejaculation is called hyperzoospermia, both of which are abnormal conditions.
Semen liquefaction time: Immediately after ejaculation, semen is in a gel-like state and becomes liquid within 5-30 minutes. This process is called liquefaction. The liquefaction of semen requires the participation of a series of proteolytic enzymes. Thicker, non-liquefying semen is commonly seen in patients with prostatic or seminal vesicle diseases.
Semen pH: Semen is weakly alkaline, with a pH value between 7.2-7.8. A pH of 8 is alkaline, and both acidity and alkalinity can limit sperm function.
Sperm density: Sperm density refers to the number of sperm per milliliter of semen. A normal sperm count is more than 20 million per milliliter. If it is less than 20 million/ml, it is called oligozoospermia, which can affect fertility.
Sperm 1-hour survival rate: The percentage of motile sperm within 1 hour after ejaculation should be no less than 60%.
Sperm motility: Sperm motility is divided into four grades:
- Grade A: Rapid linear forward movement;
- Grade B: Slow forward movement;
- Grade C: Localized oscillation;
- Grade D: Non-motile.
Normal sperm motility requires at least 25% Grade A sperm or 50% Grade A and B sperm. If it is below normal, it is considered low sperm motility. It should be noted that non-motile sperm does not necessarily mean dead sperm; they may still be alive but have lost their motility. Erythrosin staining is commonly used to determine if sperm are dead.
Percentage of abnormal sperm: Abnormal sperm refers to sperm with abnormal morphology, and its percentage should be less than 30%. If the abnormal rate exceeds 30%, it is considered abnormal and may affect fertility.
Number of white blood cells in semen: Under a high-power field of vision, the normal number of white blood cells per milliliter should be less than 5. If it exceeds 5, there may be reproductive tract inflammation.
Doctor's inquiries: