Semen analysis
About 35% of all fertility problems couples experience are to do with the male. Many men are otherwise completely healthy, yet produce poor quality sperm, or may have other issues such as low male sex hormones.
Semen analysis is the most important male infertility test. It accurately measures the number of sperm, their motility (ability to move), their morphology (size and shape), and the volume and consistency of the ejaculated sample.
It’s a simple test that tells us a lot about your fertility. Queensland Fertility Group can also support you with any diagnosis, treatment or surgery required to improve fertility, or to help you and you partner conceive.
How does semen analysis work?
Produce a semen sample by masturbation, after at least three days abstinence from sexual activity. Collect the entire ejaculated amount in a clean, dry container and bring it to us within one hour. We will supply the container, or you can get one from your GP.
If you prefer, you can produce the sample in a private room at one of our clinics.
Our andrology scientists then assess semen appearance, colour, pH and leucocyte presence. They count the number of sperm and their motility. A normal sperm count is at least 15 million sperm per ml, with at least half showing good forward motility.
We also assess the morphology (shape) of your sperm, and if indicated, the sperm vitality (the percentage of immotile sperm that are alive or dead).
If we find abnormalities, we usually do more tests to identify the nature and degree of any problems, and whether it is a persistent feature or a one-off. For example, sperm have a lifecycle of 72 days, so if you are ill or stressed it can temporarily affect the quality of the sperm you produce.
Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA)
Many of our male patients will also have a Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA). It detects raised levels of damaged DNA in sperm, which have the potential to reduce the likelihood of embryos implanting or pregnancies continuing.
QFG pioneered the introduction of the SCSA in Australia, and also provide effective treatment strategies to minimise the effect of DNA damage.
Sperm antibodies
If sperm stick to each other head-to-head, tail-to-tail or in a mixed way, this is known as agglutination, and is often caused by sperm antibodies. Put simply, this means you’ve developed antibodies against your own sperm, which can affect sperm’s ability to penetrate the cervical mucus, and therefore the success of any IVF treatment. Queensland Fertility Group andrology laboratories can determine the degree of antibody binding in the semen. This allows our clinicians to recommend the appropriate treatment.
How does Queensland Fertility Group treat male infertility?
Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is often a highly effective part of an IVF treatment cycle if any of the above issues are determined during investigations. It involved injecting a single selected sperm into each egg.
Blocked Vas Deferens
If your vas deferens was removed during a vasectomy or if it is blocked, you may need surgery. Or it may be simpler to collect sperm surgically for use in IVF treatment, using ICSI.
Semen analysis at Queensland Fertility Group
If you are a current patient with us, your fertility specialist will provide a request form – or you can ask your GP to refer you for a semen analysis test. Just call your nearest Queensland Fertility Group clinic to make an appointment.
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