Typical Procedure Protocol
Pre-procedure
- male is asked to abstain from ejacultion for 48 to 72 hours prior to testing
- standing appointment scheduled for male
- sample obtained via masturbation using sterile receptacle, at either patient's home or clinic, depending on length of travel time from home to lab
- other collection methods are available in cases of ejaculation dysfunction
- sample turned in to lab for analysis
- some patients may also be asked to do a urinalysis immediately following ejaculation, to check for retrograde ejaculation
During procedure
In addition to the above-stated parameters, semen and sperm may be examined in the following manners:
- pyospermia analysis, for distinguishing of white blood cells
- screen for infectious agents
- semen fructose levels
- Immunobead Test or Antisperm Antibody Profile
- sperm penetration assay
Post-procedure
In cases of below-normal parameters found through SA, it is recommended that at least one additional analysis be run (on a different sample, collected on a different day), using the same lab. This is particularly important when results are found to be borderline normal. The reason for this is that sperm quality is easily affected by a number of variables, such as overall health, stress, heat, etc.
What may be found through a semen analysis
- bacterial infection
- antisperm antibodies
- congenital absence of vas deferens
- other causes of sperm blockage or dysfunctional sperm production
- chlamydia or other infection
- abnormal semen resulting from male sperm antibodies
- ejaculation disorders
Average Costs
- US $75. to $400., depending on which specific tests are run, where procedure is performed, and the going rate for geographical area
© Tracy Morris
