The spermogram is the analysis and measurement of the volume, density, number (concentration), mobility and morphology of the spermatozoa. The spermogram also indicates:
• the level of leukocytes (the presence of an increased number indicates a possible infection);
• the agglutination level indicating the presence of anti-sperm antibodies associated with male infertility (For confirmation, if agglutination is present, the MAR test is recommended.)
The analysis is carried out in the laboratory using a special reading chamber under a high-resolution optical microscope. Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and complies with EU standards.
Reading and interpretation of the analysis is done in accordance with the World Health Organization (Lab. Manual 2010):
| PARAMETERS | NORMAL VALUES |
| VOLUME | >1,5 ML |
| LIQUEFACTION TIME | <60 MINUTES |
| DESCRIPTION | OPALESCENT |
| VISCOSITY | NORMAL |
| pH | >/=7,2 |
| CONCENTRATION | >15 DE MILIOANE |
| TOTAL NUMBER OF SPERMATOZOA IN THE SAMPLE | >40 DE MILIOANE |
| TOTAL MOBILITY (A+B+C) | 40% |
| PROGRESSIVE MOBILITY (A+B) | 32% |
| NON-PROGRESSIVE MOBILITY (C) | |
| IMMOTILE SPERMATOZOA | |
| AGGLUTINATION | ABSENT |
| LEUKOCYTE | <1 MILION/ML |
| MORPHOLOGY | >4% |
According to the World Health Organization laboratory manual fifth edition 2010/WHO laboratory manual fifth edition 2010.
Type: A=25µm/s rapidly progressive; B=5-25 µm/s moderately progressive; C=<5 µm/s non-progressive with flagellar activity; D-immotile.
A period of abstinence between 3-5 days before harvesting is recommended.
In Fertilia Clinic, the sperm is collected in a specially designed room. It can also be collected at home, but following the instructions of the medical staff, providing for storage and transport conditions.
The sample is collected by masturbation or following sexual intercourse with a partner. In this case, a special medical condom must be used (sterile and without spermicides or lubricants, provided free of charge in the clinic). The collection container must be sterile.
The result is released within a maximum of 2 hours after receiving the sample.
The interpretation is done free of charge, in the clinic, by a specialized medical staff!
Spermogram gives us an overview of sperm number, mobility and morphology. It does not give information about the quality of the genetic material.
Even if the patient has normozoospermia (when the number, mobility and morphology are normal), the sperm DNA may be fragmented.
In this case, the Halosperm test is an effective method of assessing sperm DNA quality. It helps in choosing the optimal method of assisted human reproduction (IUI, IVF, ICSI, PICSI). Numerous studies have shown a close link between the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation and oocyte fertilization rate, embryo quality and implantation, and miscarriage rate.
The Halosperm test is recommended in the following cases:
• male infertility of unknown causes;
• repeated miscarriages;
• the man’s age over 40;
• unhealthy lifestyle;
• repeated exposure to chemical or toxic substances, radiation, high temperatures;
• infectious diseases;
• cancer testicular.
Interpreting the results:
| DEGREE OF FRAGMENTATION | RECOMMENDATIONS: |
| <15% VERY LOW DEGREE OF FRAGMENTATION | The percentage of spermatozoa with DNA integrity is high, which allows for natural fertilization (in the absence of other problems associated with infertility). |
| >15% – <25% MODERATE FRAGMENTATION DEGREE | The degree of fragmentation is moderate. The indication, in this case, is artificial insemination (in the absence of other problems associated with infertility). |
| >25 – <50% DEGREE OF INCREASED FRAGMENTATION | The degree of fragmentation is significant, the recommendation being towards IVF, ICSI or even PICSI. |
| > 50% SEVERE FRAGMENTATION DEGREE | The degree of fragmentation is very high, with the majority of sperm showing altered genetic material. In this case, the recommendation is IVF with PICSI. |
Are multiple clumps observed during sperm analysis? Then, the presence of anti-sperm antibodies (immunoglobulins of IgG and IgA type) is suspected. Their occurrence is associated with obstructions, infections or traumas, when the blood-testicular barrier is affected.
Anti-sperm antibodies bind specifically to the surface of spermatozoa using head, midpiece or tail antigens. In general, the detection of anti-sperm antibodies is associated with male infertility because it affects both sperm motility and their ability to fertilize the oocyte.
Following the test, the degree of IgG reactivity can be assessed. If more than 20% of the sperm are reactive, male infertility is suspected and IgA immunoglobulin is also tested for diagnosis.
In case of a positive result of immunological male infertility, the indication is towards one of the assisted human reproduction methods (IUI, IVF, ICSI, PICSI), depending on the clinical picture of the couple.
