| |
 Semen Analysis and FertilAid for Men
Fertility experts estimate that male factor infertility is to blame in up to 50% of couples experiencing fertility issues. As a result, many couples find it extremely helpful for the male partner to undergo a comprehensive semen analysis at the earliest sign of trying to conceive difficulties. Compared to many of the female fertility tests and exams, semen analysis is non-invasive, relatively inexpensive, and produces results quickly, making it a valuable tool for couples as they begin their TTC journey.
Most fertility clinics perform semen analyses. A semen analysis measures both the amount and quality of semen and the amount and quality of sperm. Semen is the fluid that a man ejaculates during an orgasm. The sperm within the semen are the cells that actually fertilize the egg. In preparation for a semen analysis, a man is required to abstain from any sexual activity for 2-4 days before the analysis. At the appointment, he is asked to masturbate into a clean, wide mouthed bottle. This bottle is then delivered to the laboratory for testing. Almost all laboratories performing semen analyses will evaluate the following semen and sperm health parameters:
- Sperm Concentration (or "sperm count"):
Sperm count is determined by looking at the semen sample under a microscope, and is a measurement of how many million sperm there are in each milliliter of fluid. The accepted standard for a "normal" sperm count is 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen. A sperm count below 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen is considered a "low" sperm count, a medical condition referred to as oligospermia. A sperm count less than 5 million sperm per milliliter of semen is referred to as severe oligospermia. When no sperm are present in a given semen sample, this is called azoospermia.
- Sperm Motility
Sperm motility is defined as the forward, swimming motion of sperm. In order for a sperm to fertilize the egg, it must travel quickly through the female reproductive system, which requires strong swimming action. The World Health Organization defines normal sperm motility as 50% of observed sperm, or at least 8 million sperm per milliliter of semen, showing good forward movement. Motility is also graded from A to D;
A – sperm swim forward fast in a straight line
B – sperm swim forward, but in a curved or crooked line, or slowly
C – sperm move their tails, but do not move forward
D – sperm do not move at all
Grade C and D are of concern when testing for fertility.
- Sperm Morphology:
Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of the sperm cells.
Abnormal sperm may be unable to move normally or to penetrate an egg.
As a result, too many sperm of abnormal size and shape can pose a
significant fertility issue. Most laboratories will evaluate the sperm
based on criteria provided by the World Health Organization. To
determine if the sperm have normal morphology, the sperm are examined
under a microscope. For a sample to be considered normal, at least 30%
of the sperm must have an oval head, with a connecting mid-piece and a
long straight tail.
Some laboratories use a more "strict" definition to determine if sperm
are of normal size and shape. These "strict" criteria, also called the
"Kruger" criteria after the scientist who originally outlined them,
very specifically define what normal sperm cells should look like.
According to the Kruger criteria, a normal sperm must have an oval
shape with a smooth contour. The head of the sperm must be 5-6 µm in
length and 2.5-3.5 µm in width, with a width/length ratio of 1/2 to 3/5.
The acrosome (a cap-like structure on the head of the sperm) must be
well-defined, comprising 40-70% of the distal part of the head. To be
considered normal, the sperm must not have any abnormalities of the
neck, mid-piece or tail and no cytoplasmic droplets of more than half
of the size of the sperm head are accepted. In using these criteria,
technicians will consider any "borderline" forms to be abnormal. If
14% or more of the sperm in a given sample meet the definition of
normal using these strict criteria, a man will be said to have normal
morphology.
- Semen Volume:
Semen volume measures the total quantity of fluid that is ejaculated. A normal amount is 2 milliliters or greater. The presence of hormonal abnormalities or ductal blockages may result in low semen volume.
- Total Motile Count:
The total motile count refers to the number of moving sperm in the entire ejaculate. It is calculated by multiplying the volume (cc) by the concentration (million sperm/cc) by the motility (% moving). There should be more than 40 million motile sperm in the ejaculate.
- Standard Semen Fluid Tests:
An evaluation of the color and viscosity (how thick the semen is) of the seminal fluid, and the time until the semen sample liquefies are often included in a comprehensive semen analysis.It is normal for the semen to liquefy in about 30 minutes. If the semen is very thick or clumps (call agglutination), motility will be impacted, making it difficult for the sperm to swim through the woman’s reproductive tract. If the sample does not liquefy within about 30 minutes, it may indicate the presence of an infection of the seminal vesicles and/or prostate.
- Semen pH:
Typically, semen is a very alkaline substance, with a normal pH of 7.2-8.0. An abnormally high or low semen pH can cause sperm death, and impact the ability of the sperm to swim quickly and or effectively penetrate the egg.
- Presence of fructose:
Fructose is a type of sugar that provides energy for sperm cells. The absence of fructose in seminal fluid can impair sperm motility, and may indicate the presence of a blockage in the male reproductive tract.
- White blood cells:
While it is normal for semen to contain some white blood cells, a large number of white blood cells in a semen sample may indicate the presence of an infection, which can decrease sperm count and motility.
A term that comes up frequently in association with semen analysis is "sperm washing". Sperm washing is a procedure that is performed on a semen sample to improve the chance of successful intrauterine insemination (IUI). In essence, sperm washing concentrates the number of high quality sperm in a semen sample by removing any dead sperm, sperm with poor motility, and/or sperm with abnormal morphology. It also separates out any white blood cells, prostaglandins (chemicals found in semen that can cause uterine contractions), and seminal fluid that might interfere with ability of the sperm to fertilize the egg. Once a semen sample is "washed" to isolate only the healthiest sperm, the sample can be inserted into the uterus.
Sperm washing increases the chance that intrauterine insemination will be successful. However, it is important to remember that IUI success rates also depend on the pre-wash sperm count. Sperm counts between 20 and 30 million/ml of semen are ideal for sperm washing and subsequent IUI, while success rates are lower if the prewash sperm count is less than 10 million/ml of semen.
If the results of a semen analysis show any abnormal sperm health parameters, treatment to improve sperm health should be started immediately and continued for a minimum of 3 months before another semen analysis is performed, as it takes the testes approximately 3 months to produce new sperm.
FertilAid for Men has been clinically proven to improve sperm count and motility. Here is what some of our customers have told us about the results of semen analyses before and after using FertilAid for Men. To read additional FertilAid reviews, click here.
FertilAid Men Reviews
Increased My Count
By David, Texas, July 30, 2010
I have had several semen analysis done over the last year. I did two at first to make sure I had an accurate count (by OBGYN request, had around 5-7 million on both results) and then I was given antibiotic to kill off white blood cells, hopefully to increase the count. The antibiotic didn't work and my count fell to about 2 million. I submitted some of my swimmers to storage and then went on Clomid (?) for 3 months. The test result after the Clomid showed about 6 million. My wife and I had given up hope on natural conception and artificial insemination and went to see a new Dr. about IVF. In the mean time I had been taking FertilAid for 3 months to try and get my count above 10 million so we might be able to do AI. One thousand dollars for AI is a lot better than 15,000 for IVF! After my last check I had over 10 million (almost 11)! We have yet to get pregnant but FertilAid did work some what to raise my count. I was on the site today ordering another 3 month supply and decided to get the combo pack for the wife and I .
It Works
By Larry, Los Angeles, July 24,2010
It definitely helped my Swimmers. I had Average counts and after a couple of months my Count, Morphology, and Motility all increased.
From Zero To 10 million!
By Mom of One, June 15, 2010
Wow! A year after my husband's cancer treatment, the fertility centre tested his sperm and it was at a count of zero. We have been using fertilaid for men for about one year, and my husband's last test ran in at 10 million, with normal motility. His count was so good that the fertility centre has advised us that we can start trying to conceive at home instead of with their help!Thank you fertilaid!
It Worked For My Husband
By Kailin Turner, June 6, 2010
My husband had a SA done 9 months ago and his motility was 17%, Morphology was 5%.. so we got him on fertilaid.. His Motility is now 56%!!!! and his morphology is 6%. so we are above in each catagory. We will still be starting insimination but now I believe it will work!
Incredible!
By Rebecca, May 24, 2010
My husband's sperm count after 4 SA's ranged between 4-6 million with 99% morphology (only 1% had normal shape). We were told our only hope was IVF with ICSI. Tried that, and it failed. So he went on FertilAid a few months ago and we decided to give Insemination a whirl, despite the bleak numbers. To our absolute shock and amazement, the analysis day of insemination showed 22 millionml and 65% motility! (morphology wasn't measured). That's actually in the "normal" range for IUI. The only change he's made is taking the FertilAid. I highly recommend it. It has given us so much hope! Thank you!
Excellant Product
By Yan, April 14, 2010
This product does exactly what it's promised "increase sperm count". I have been using this product for almost 3 months results are significant before I had in the range from 12 to 16 millions, after using the product count went up in the range from 40 to 56 millions. The count represents good active sperms (after it's been washed for IVI ) , average % of sperms moving in forward direction varies from 40 to 65%. Chances to get pregnant increase 3 times in my case. I want to share my experience with all people who are looking for the right solution. I hope my review will add some confidence to people to use this product. Best of luck to all who needs it.
It's Working
By Jackie, April 5, 2010
My husband had his vasectomy reversed in October 2008 after 14 years (his first wife, two children). In June we did a semen analysis with no washing. It seemed good 21 million with 30% motility. We started IUI in November 2009. On 11.1.09 my husband's analysis was 40,000 pre-wash, 10% motility, 2+ progression, and 2,000 after washing. On 11.27.09, it was 5 million pre-wash, 30% motility, 1+ progression, and 800,000 after washing. On 12.23.09, it was 2.1 million pre-wash, 25% motility, 1+ progression, and 300,000 after washing. At this point, we stopped. I bought Dan FertilAid for men and supplemented it with more L-Arginine and Carnithine, and vitamin E. Dan has taken a full two months in three months' time (so not faithfully). He also started acupuncture in Feb. We just went in to do IUI on 4.3.10. His number pre-washing was 17 million, 50% motility, 3+ progression, and 4.3 million after washing! We went ahead with the procedure and our hoping for the best, now. he's still taking his FertilAid just in case.
Fertilaid For Men
By Pete, March 8, 2010
my wife and I are so encouraged by this product. we have been ttc for several years, in fact, 4 years ago the doctor wouldn't perform IUI because there were no sperm in the semen sample- well after taking this product for 2 months we had IUI again- we arent pregnant, but we are very excited that the specimen had so many live and mobile sperm. The doctor is sending my for another analysis, he is shocked!!! at the improvement.
|
|
