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Sperm Analysis
• What a Sperm Analysis Measures
• Sperm Motility and Sperm Morphology
• Fertell Assesses Count and Sperm Motility
As men contribute to up to half of all fertility issues, it is crucial to screen both men and women. A sperm analysis provides valuable data to couples concerned about their ability to conceive.
What a Sperm Analysis Measures
Traditionally, men were required to go to a lab and provide a semen sample for a sperm analysis. With Fertell, men can now collect their own sample and conduct accurate at-home sperm testing for the first time.
A sperm analysis measures three components essential to men’s fertility: sperm count, sperm motility and sperm morphology.
Sperm count or sperm concentration measures sperm density within a semen sample, or the total number of sperm per milliliter of semen. According to the World Health Organization, a concentration of at least 20 million sperm per milliliter defines the minimum sperm count desired.
However, a low sperm count does not necessarily indicate infertility. Two other factors also contribute to men’s fertility issues: sperm motility and sperm morphology.
Sperm Motility and Sperm Morphology
Sperm motility measures the percentage of sperm that swim forward in a semen sample. The World Health Organization guideline is a minimum of 10 million motile sperm per milliliter of semen, or at least 50% of the total sperm count.
Sperm motility shows the percentage of sperm that can actually swim to fertilize an egg. This figure matters more than simply sperm count, which includes sperm that are swimming or not swimming, and sperm that may be dead or alive. Simply measuring a sperm count is of limited value and measuring sperm motility is crucial to a thorough sperm analysis.
Sperm morphology shows the percentage of normally shaped sperm in a semen sample viewed under a microscope. The typical shape of a sperm is an oval body with a long tail. Sperm whose shape deviates from this typical pattern may have a harder time reaching and fertilizing an egg. There is often a correlation between motility and morphology, as very abnormally shaped sperm often have difficulty swimming well.
Fertell Assesses Sperm Count and Sperm Motility
Fertell measures two out of three of these crucial reproductive factors, motile sperm count and sperm motility. Fertell enables men to conduct their own at-home sperm testing, which allows for privacy, discretion and convenience.
Sperm analysis should be performed under three conditions to maximize accuracy. The semen sample must be collected following a 2-3 day period of abstention from ejaculation. The sample should be kept at body temperature. Also, men should not use lubricant when obtaining a sperm analysis, as it can kill sperm.
If a sperm analysis finds sperm count, motility or morphology below expected ranges, it is suggested that an additional analysis be conducted because these factors can fluctuate.
