Content
The result of the spermogram indicates the characteristics of the sperm, such as volume, pH, color, concentration of sperm in the sample and quantity of leukocytes, for example, this information being important to identify changes in the male reproductive system, such as obstruction or malfunction of the glands, for example.
The spermogram is an exam indicated by the urologist that aims to evaluate sperm and sperm and that must be made from a semen sample, which must be collected in the laboratory after masturbation. This exam is mainly indicated to evaluate the reproductive capacity of the man. Understand what the spermogram is and how it is made.
How to understand the result
The result of the spermogram brings all the information that was taken into account during the evaluation of the sample, that is, the macroscopic and microscopic aspects, which are those observed through the use of a microscope, in addition to the values considered normal and the changes, if they are observed. The normal result of the spermogram should include:
Macroscopic aspects | Normal value |
Volume | 1.5 mL or greater |
Viscosity | Normal |
Color | Opalescent White |
pH | 7.1 or greater and less than 8.0 |
Liquefaction | Total up to 60 minutes |
Microscopic aspects | Normal value |
Concentration | 15 million sperm per mL or 39 million total sperm |
Vitality | 58% or more live sperm |
Motility | 32% or more |
Morphology | More than 4% of normal sperm |
Leukocytes | Less than 50% |
The quality of sperm can vary over time and, therefore, there may be a change in the result without problems in the male reproductive system. Therefore, the urologist may request that the spermogram be repeated 15 days later in order to compare the results and verify whether, in fact, the test results are altered.
Main changes in the spermogram
Some of the changes that can be indicated by the doctor from the analysis of the result by the doctor are:
1. Prostate problems
Prostate problems usually manifest themselves through changes in sperm viscosity, and in such cases, the patient may need to have a rectal examination or prostate biopsy to assess whether there are changes in the prostate.
2. Azoospermia
Azoospermia is the absence of sperm in the sperm sample and, therefore, it manifests itself by reducing the volume or concentration of sperm, for example. The main causes are obstructions of the seminal channels, infections of the reproductive system or sexually transmitted diseases. Know other causes of azoospermia.
3. Oligospermia
Oligospermia is a reduction in the number of sperm, being indicated in the spermogram as a concentration below 15 million per mL or 39 million per total volume. Oligospermia can be a consequence of infections of the reproductive system, sexually transmitted diseases, side effects of some medication, such as ketoconazole or methotrexate, or varicocele, which corresponds to the dilation of the testicular veins, causing blood accumulation, pain and local swelling.
When the decrease in the amount of sperm is accompanied by a decrease in motility, the change is called oligoastenospermia.
4. Astenospermia
Asthenospermia is the most common problem and arises when motility or vitality is lower than normal in the spermogram, and may be caused by excessive stress, alcoholism or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and HIV, for example.
5. Teratospermia
Teratospermia is characterized by changes in sperm morphology and can be caused by inflammation, malformations, varicocele or drug use.
6. Leucospermia
Leukospermia is characterized by an increase in the amount of leukocytes in the semen, which is usually indicative of infection in the male reproductive system, and it is necessary to carry out microbiological tests to identify the microorganism responsible for the infection and, thus, to begin treatment.
What can change the result
The result of the spermogram can be changed by some factors, such as:
- Semen storage temperature is incorrect, as very cold temperatures can interfere with sperm motility, while very hot temperatures can cause death;
- Insufficient amount of sperm, which is mainly due to the incorrect collection technique, and the man must repeat the procedure;
- Stress, since it can hinder the ejaculatory process;
- Exposure to radiation for a prolonged period, as it can directly interfere with the production of sperm;
- Use of some medications, as they may have a negative effect on the quantity and quality of sperm produced.
Usually, when the spermogram result is changed, the urologist checks if there was interference by any of the factors mentioned, requests a new spermogram and, depending on the second result, requests additional tests, such as DNA fragmentation, FISH and spermogram under magnification.