If your semen analysis reports have just come and you are trying to interpret it before your scheduled appointment with your doctor, you may want to know about semen parameters in a healthy male.
1. Semen Volume
Semen volume is one of the physical parameters of routine semen analysis. Normal volume of semen ejaculated during an orgasm is around 1.5 ml to 5 ml.
2. Semen Quality
Semen is initially thick in consistency. Within 5-25 minutes of ejaculation it normally becomes thin and flowy in consistency. The liquefaction of semen takes place due to action of enzymes added by the prostate. The change in consistency of the semen is tested by attempting to pour the semen drop by drop.
3. Semen Density
Sperm density refers to the number of sperms present per unit of semen sample and is synonymous to sperm count. Normal sperm count is anything above 15 million/ml.
4. Semen Motility
The sperm moves with the help of a flagellum popularly known as the tail of the sperm. The sperm normally moves at a speed of 1mm/min to 4mm/min.
Grade 0 refers to no movement
Grade 1 is sluggish movement
Grade 2 is slow but not straight movement
Grade 3 is movement in a straight line
Grade 4 is terrific speed
It is considered to be normal, if more than 60% of the sperms in a semen sample tested show normal motility.
5. Semen Morphology
Sperm morphology refers to the anatomical aspects of sperm such as its size and shape. The different parts of the sperm such as head, acrosome, mid-piece, tail etc are examined in detail under phase contrast microscope after staining with special papanicolaou stain.
6. Semen Biochemical Analysis
Biochemical analysis of semen involves testing for levels of zinc, citric acid, acid phosphatase, alpha glucosidase etc.
Each ejaculation should normally contain about 2.4micro moles of zinc in it.
Fructose levels in each ejaculation should be 13micro moles.
Glucosidase levels should normally reach levels of >20milli units per ejaculation.
7. Semen Cell Counts
The semen is examined for the various cell types present in it. Normally semen sample is devoid of any type of blood cells. A large number of white blood cells may be present in the semen if there is an infection or inflammatory process going on in the genital tract.
8. Test for Antisperm Antibody
Sperm contains various unique antigens which are not recognized as self by the body’s immune system. This is so because of an intact blood testis barrier. Under normal circumstances antisperm antibodies are not present. If the blood testis barrier is breached due to infection, testicular trauma, vasectomy, torsion of testis etc, antisperm antibodies may form.
This article is a minification of Source article from Metromale Clinic's Sexual Health Blog article - Semen Parameters in a Healthy Male. Elaborate information can be found in the source blog article for interested readers.
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