Semen Analysis Test Lab | Complete Video

Summary

This educational video script offers an in-depth look into the process of semen analysis, essential for assessing male fertility. It covers the composition of semen, including sperm cells and seminal plasma, and their critical roles. The script details the steps for evaluating semen's liquefaction time, volume, color, pH, odor, viscosity, and sperm motility and viability. It also explains how to examine sperm morphology and count, and the significance of fructose levels. Each parameter's normal range and abnormalities' implications are discussed, providing a comprehensive guide for clinical lab procedures.

Takeaways

• 🧪 Semen is a biological fluid produced by reproductively mature males during ejaculation, consisting of spermatozoa and seminal plasma.
• 🍬 Fructose is the main energy source for sperm cells, produced by the seminal vesicles along with substances that suppress immune response in the female reproductive tract.
• 🛡️ The prostate gland secretes substances that help protect the genetic material in sperm, supporting fertility.
• 💧 The bulbo-urethral glands provide secretions that increase semen's viscosity and contribute to sperm motility within the female reproductive system.
• 📊 Semen analysis (seminogram) measures parameters like liquefaction time, volume, color, pH, sperm motility, viability, and morphology to assess semen quality.
• ⏳ Liquefaction time, the process of semen converting from viscous to watery, typically takes 10-30 minutes, with longer times possibly indicating infection.
• 🔍 Sperm motility is categorized into four grades (A-D), with normal semen containing at least 50% motile sperm cells. Low motility is called asthenospermia and may indicate reproductive issues.
• 🔬 The sperm viability test differentiates between live and dead sperm cells, with healthy semen containing more than 60% viable sperms.
• 🧠 Abnormal sperm morphology (teratospermia) affects fertility and can be caused by head, midpiece, or tail defects.
• 📉 Sperm count below 15 million sperm cells per ml is considered oligospermia, a leading cause of male infertility, potentially due to infections, medical conditions, or environmental factors.

Q & A

What is semen and what does it consist of?

Semen is the viscous biological fluid produced by the reproductive organs of mature male mammals during ejaculation. It consists of two main parts: spermatozoa (sperm cells), which make up about five percent of semen, and seminal plasma (seminal fluid), which includes secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands.

What is the primary energy source for sperm cells in semen?

The primary energy source for sperm cells in semen is fructose, which is mainly present in the secretions of the seminal vesicles.

What is the significance of the liquefaction time in semen analysis?

Liquefaction time is the time taken for freshly ejaculated semen to change from a thick, viscous consistency to a more watery, less viscous state. A normal liquefaction time for human semen is 10 to 30 minutes, and a longer period may indicate infection.

How is the volume of semen typically measured?

The volume of semen can be measured by allowing the liquefied sample to settle in a graduated cylinder, aspirating it into a syringe, or by weighing the sample and converting the weight to volume (1 gram is approximately equal to 1 ml).

What is the normal volume of semen per ejaculation?

A normal volume of semen per ejaculation is approximately two to five ml.

What does the color of semen indicate and what could an abnormal color suggest?

The normal color of semen is white to grayish-white. An abnormal color, such as red or brownish, may indicate the presence of blood (hematospermia), which could be due to infection in the reproductive tract.

How is the pH of semen measured and what is the normal range?

The pH of semen can be measured using pH paper or a laboratory pH meter. The normal pH range is slightly alkaline, from approximately 7.2 to 8.

What is the significance of sperm motility and how is it assessed?

Sperm motility is the ability of sperm cells to move and is crucial for fertilization. It is assessed within 60 minutes of sample collection by observing the movement of sperm cells under a microscope and categorizing them into motility grades.

What is the sperm viability test and why is it performed?

The sperm viability test determines if non-motile sperms are alive or dead. It is performed when the motility of sperms is drastically low, using differential staining properties of live and dead sperms.

How is sperm morphology assessed and what does it indicate?

Sperm morphology is assessed by microscopic observation of stained semen smears to identify the proportion of sperm cells with abnormal shape. Abnormal morphology (teratospermia) can indicate various factors affecting sperm production and function.

What is the significance of sperm count and how is it measured?

Sperm count is the number of sperm cells per ml of semen and is a key factor in male fertility. It is measured using a hemocytometer and counting chamber, with a normal count being above 15 million cells per ml.

Why is fructose testing important in semen analysis?

Fructose testing is important as it provides energy for sperm cells and is indicative of the function of the seminal vesicles. It is tested qualitatively and quantitatively to detect the presence and amount of fructose in the semen.