Semen analysis is a cornerstone in male fertility assessment. In India, it is still a prevalent practice to seek fertility evaluation of women if a couple is having trouble getting pregnant. This problem can arise due to the fertility issue of either partner. According to studies one-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues. This is why it is important to consider the reproductive health and wellbeing of male partners.
If you are having troubles conceiving, do not rule out a male fertility test that involves semen analysis.
What is semen analysis?
Commonly known as the sperm count test, a sperm analysis is a method to check the health and viability of the sperm. During ejaculation, men release semen which is a fluid that contains sperms along with other sugar and protein substances. In male infertility treatment, semen analysis is the first step that elaborates three factors:
- Number of sperms in semen: It is a measure of the number of sperms per milliliter of semen, low sperm count is a major reason for infertility in men.
- The shape of the sperm: Morphology of the sperm has to be normal for a successful pregnancy.
- Sperm motility (the movement of the sperm): It measures the ability of the sperm to swim properly which is required to fertilize an egg.
- Semen volume: While it is a secondary factor, the amount of semen a male produces has an impact on his ability to get his partner pregnant.
- Semen pH: A healthy sperm has a balanced pH not too acidic or alkaline.
- Liquefaction time: Semen when ejaculated is gel-like and eventually turns to liquid after 20 minutes. Issues with this timing can lead to reduced fertility.
- Fructose level: The sugar present in semen is fructose which is the primary source of energy and nourishment for the sperm. A low fructose level affects the viability of the sperm.
To more accurately know about sperm health, often two or three separate sperm analyses are conducted. Multiple tests are a requirement as sperm counts change on a daily basis and a single test will not provide a highly conclusive result. The American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) recommends conducting male fertility tests at least seven days apart, over the course of two to three months.
Why undergo semen analysis?
Semen analysis is often a recommended test for male infertility treatment. It is the most recognized test for determining if a man is fertile. There can be many reasons for unsuccessful pregnancy including low sperm count and sperm dysfunction.
Also, semen analysis is a test for vasectomy success to make sure that there is no sperm in semen. Men who undergo vasectomy are recommended by the doctors to take a sperm analysis thrice within a three months period to ensure that the sperms are no longer reaching the penis from the testicles.
If you are noticing issues with getting your partner pregnant, it is advisable to get a semen analysis done, especially if you are trying to have a baby for a year without success. You can get the assessment done at any IVF center in Meerut as it is standard procedure to do a male fertility test in addition to a female fertility assessment.
How much does the male fertility test cost?
Semen analysis is a versatile test. It measures not only the sperm count and health of the sperm but also its consistency, volume, pH factor, and presence of white blood cells.
The overall male fertility test cost depends on the procedure and reagents being used to conduct the evaluation. Depending on your location the average semen analysis cost can vary from INR 70 to INR 4000. Such a huge variation in male fertility test cost is due to the different parameters that are being tested in addition to the location of the IVF clinic that includes local taxes, material cost, and other expenses.
Male infertility can be treated
Male fertility issues are on the rise due to unhealthy lifestyles. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes like wearing the right type of underwear to maintain good sperm count, improving diet to support semen composition, and exercising to keep the blood flow activity in the genital region can help with fertility issues.
However, issues with sperm count, sperm motility, or health need male infertility treatment depending on what specialists recommend. Both IVF and IUI are promising procedures to get pregnant even with underlying male infertility issues.
To discuss all the options in greater detail you should visit the nearest IVF center in Meerut.