Reproductive Services

Semen Examination

Why Is Semen Examination Important for Fertility?

For couples planning pregnancy, semen examination is one of the most important fertility tests. Male fertility plays a significant role in conception, and studies show that male factors contribute to around 40% of infertility cases.

A semen test helps evaluate the quality and quantity of sperm, allowing doctors to identify potential issues early and recommend appropriate treatment options before attempting natural conception, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Common Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility may result from several conditions affecting sperm production, function, or transport.

Semen Abnormalities

This includes:

Low sperm count
Poor sperm motility
Abnormal sperm morphology

These conditions can reduce the likelihood of successful fertilization.

Sperm Production Disorders

Conditions such as varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) may affect sperm production and quality.

Sperm Transport Problems

Blockages in the vas deferens or reproductive tract may prevent sperm from being ejaculated normally.

Sexual Dysfunction

Issues such as erectile dysfunction or ejaculation disorders may interfere with conception.

Unexplained Factors

In some cases, additional diagnostic tests may be required to determine the cause.

Important Note:

After age 40, sperm quality may decline and the risk of genetic abnormalities may increase, making fertility evaluation even more important.

Azoospermia: A Condition Detected by Semen Examination

One possible finding during semen analysis is azoospermia, a condition where no sperm are present in the semen.

There are two main types:

Obstructive Azoospermia

Sperm production is normal, but a blockage in the reproductive tract prevents sperm from being released. This may occur due to congenital absence of the vas deferens or previous vasectomy.

Non-Obstructive Azoospermia

The testicles produce very few or no sperm due to hormonal imbalance, genetic factors, or developmental abnormalities.

Can Patients with Azoospermia Still Have Children?

Yes. Modern reproductive technologies may help patients achieve pregnancy through procedures such as:

TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)
MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)

The retrieved sperm can then be used for IVF treatment. If sperm retrieval is not possible, donor sperm may be another option.

Advanced Semen Analysis with CASA Technology

NUWA Fertility Center uses Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) to provide precise evaluation of sperm quality.

The examination mainly measures three key indicators:

Sperm Count

Measures the total number of sperm present in the semen.

Sperm Morphology

Evaluates the shape and structure of sperm, which affects the ability to fertilize an egg.

Sperm Motility

Assesses how well sperm move, which is essential for reaching and fertilizing the egg.

Abnormal results in any of these parameters may affect fertility. However, a single abnormal value does not necessarily mean natural conception is impossible. A comprehensive evaluation by a fertility specialist is essential.

Reference values for semen analysis follow the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 guidelines (6th edition).