The Importance of a Semen Analysis
Okay men, Listen up! These days, more than 40% of infertility problems are due to poor sperm health! You won’t know if poor sperm is affecting your ability to fall pregnant unless you get your sperm tested. The idea of getting a semen analysis can be less than pleasant but the whole process is straightforward, non-invasive and discreet.
So what will a semen analysis tell us exactly?
Your semen analysis will give you a report on the following -
Volume the total amount of ejaculate, which includes the sperm and fluid (semen) that they swim in. A healthy amount of seminal fluid is important for sperm transportation. Low volume may indicate dehydration or an obstruction.
Count The total number of sperm in the sample. It only takes one sperm to fertilise the egg but millions to get the job done, as the majority of sperm will die on the journey.
Motility the percentage of sperm that are moving.
Progressive motility The percentage of sperm moving in the right direction to actually reach the egg.
Morphology the number of sperm that are the correct shape. Sperm that are abnormally shaped are unable to penetrate through the egg. The shape of the sperm also represents the quality of the DNA inside its head, the DNA that will be passed onto the growing baby!
Your semen analysis may also report on the presence of anti-sperm antibodies and DNA fragmentation. Antibodies indicate that your sperm cells are being attacked by your own immune system. DNA fragmentation indicates that the DNA inside the sperm is compromised and can lead to unviable embryos and recurrent miscarriage.
When it comes to sperm health, it’s all in the numbers!
In the last 20 years, sperm health has declined so dramatically that the World Health Organisation (WHO) developed new lower reference ranges for a normal semen analysis.
Volume more than 1.5 mls
Count at least 39 million per ejaculate
Progressive motility 32% of sperm are moving forward
Morphology more than 4% are normally formed
If your semen analysis looks like this, your GP will likely tell you your sperm is normal and send you on your way. Unfortunately what is now considered ‘normal’ is not optimal for conception! Here is the confronting truth about sperm of this quality:
seriously low chance of conceiving naturally
increased risk of miscarriage and foetal complications
reduces the likelihood of success with IVF
Fortunately almost all aspects of sperm health can be improved with Chinese medicine, acupuncture, diet and lifestyle!
Because it takes 90-120 days for sperm to be created, it takes at least 3.5 months of commitment to the treatment plan so see results and it is totally worth it! So let’s take a look at what Chinese medicine considers the following values as normal for natural conception or optimal IVF outcomes.
Volume more than 2.5 mls
Count at least 100 million per ejaculate
Progressive motility at least 45% are moving forward
Morphology at least 15% are normally formed
So if you are trying to conceive and haven’t had a semen analysis, Ask you GP to send you for one. If you’ve already had one, and even if the Doc has said “all is well”, make sure you take a look yourself because we know now that ‘normal’ doesn’t necessarily mean optimally fertile! If your semen analysis is below the normal reference ranges for natural conception then you’re in the same boat as many other men who have come through our clinic. The great news is that we can help! Click here to make an appointment or call Natural Fertility on 03 4216 5223
