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In this article we explain the main guidelines and recommendations for semen sample collection.
The most common fertility study in men is the spermogram or semen analysis. It is an analysis of the semen obtained by masturbation, which allows us to assess, mainly, the concentration, motility, vitality and morphology of the spermatozoa. It is preferably carried out in the laboratory of a fertility clinic, as they have more specific experience than a general analysis laboratory.
To ensure that semen sample collection is reliable, we must follow a series of steps that help make the result of the analysis truly representative of the quality of the ejaculate.
What to do before a semen analysis?
Before semen sample collection, you should follow several recommendations that help obtain accurate and useful results, as these may influence semen quality.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. These substances can negatively affect semen quality, so they should be avoided.
- Medication. Some drugs can influence the quality of your semen, so you should inform your doctor about any medication you are taking so that they can advise you on whether to temporarily discontinue it before the examination.
- Exposure to heat. Heat can negatively affect semen quality, so you should avoid extreme heat exposure such as saunas, hot baths, tight clothing and activities that generate heat in the genital area before the test.
Key steps for semen sample collection
First, a period of sexual abstinence of 3 to 5 days is recommended. A condom should NEVER be used for semen sample collection, as they contain spermicides that “kill” the spermatozoa. Semen should also not be mixed with saliva, as this also has a detrimental effect. No ointments or lubricating creams should be applied to the genitals during the 8 hours prior to ejaculate collection. It is advisable to wash the penis with water and soap and rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
The semen sample is collected by masturbation, never by coitus interruptus, directly into a wide-mouthed sterile container, like those used for urine analysis. It is important that the entire ejaculate is deposited in the container. If the sample is not collected at the clinic, it should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible, always within less than one hour, as spermatozoa begin to deteriorate once they have been ejaculated. Likewise, during transport to the clinic, the sample should be protected from cold and extreme heat. A good idea is to carry the container in the trouser pocket.
When handing the semen sample over to the laboratory staff, it is important to indicate the time of collection and to inform them if any part of the sample has been lost during the process, as in that case the analysis should be repeated. You should also report whether you have had any illness and/or fever in the last 3 months, if you have undergone any surgery (especially testicular), whether you are taking any medication, and how many days have passed since your last ejaculation. Finally, if you have any questions about how to perform the test, always seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
What are the optimal semen analysis results?
It is difficult to define “optimal” values, as a couple’s fertility depends on more than just semen quality. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO), in the latest edition of its manual for the examination of human semen, instead of defining normal values, presents the lowest reference levels of seminal parameters in 4,500 men from 14 countries who had had at least one child within 12 months prior to the study, in order to define “fertile” semen. These values are:
- Volume: 1.5 millilitres (ml).
- Total number of spermatozoa: 39 million per ejaculate.
- Sperm concentration: 15 million per ml.
- Vitality: 58% live spermatozoa.
- Progressive motility: 32%.
- Total motility (progressive and non-progressive): 40%.
- Forms with normal morphology: 4%.
This means that if the result of your semen sample analysis falls within these values, you are in the average range of fertile men, although this does not guarantee fertility.
