The results of the spermogram help to identify problems in the male reproductive system, such as obstruction or malfunction of the glands, which may be causing fertility difficulties in humans, for example.
For this purpose, a number of parameters, such as volume, pH and concentration of a sperm sample, are evaluated to identify possible causes that should then be examined in isolation to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment. Find out what it is for and how the sperm is made.
The normal sperm count should include:
| Macroscopic Aspects | Normal value |
| Volume | Equal to or greater than 1.5 mL |
| Viscosity | Normal |
| Color | White Opalescent |
| pH | Equal to or greater than 7, 1 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 spermatozoa |
| Vitality | 58% or more live spermatozoa |
| Motility | Equal to or greater than 32% |
| Morphology | More than 4% of normal spermatozoa |
| Leukocytes | Less than 50% |
These values may be altered without a problem, since the quality of the sperm may vary over time. Therefore, the urologist may request that the spermogram be repeated 15 days later in order to compare the results and to verify if, in fact, the results of the examination are altered.
Main changes identified in the spermogram
The main problems that can be identified in the sperm count include:
Problems in the prostate
Problems in the prostate usually manifest through changes in sperm viscosity, and in such cases, the patient may need to have a rectal or biopsy of the prostate to check for changes in the prostate. See which are the major changes of the prostate.
Azoospermia
Azoospermia is the absence of spermatozoa in the sperm sample and therefore manifests itself by reducing the volume or concentration of sperm, for example. The main causes are seminal canal obstructions, reproductive system infections or sexually transmitted diseases. Learn more about azoospermia.
Oligospermia
The oligospermia is the reduction of sperm count, being indicated in the sperm count as a concentration of less than 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 effect of some medication, such as Ketoconazole or Methotrexate, or varicocele, which corresponds to the dilation of the veins of the testicle, causing blood accumulation, pain and local swelling. See the symptoms of varicocele.
Asthenospermia
Asthenospermia is the most common problem and arises when the motility or vitality have values lower than normal in the spermogram, and can be caused by excessive stress, alcoholism or autoimmune diseases such as lupus and HIV, for example.
Teratospermia
Teratospermia is characterized by changes in sperm morphology and may be triggered by inflammation, malformations, varicocele or drug use.
These problems can result in infertility or only in difficulty of the sperm in fertilizing the egg, depending on its degree. However, there are some treatment, which can be indicated by the urologist, and that can increase the chances of getting pregnant.
Other changes
In addition to the changes already mentioned, the increased number of leukocytes in the semen, called leucospermia, may be indicated on the spermogram, which may be a sign of infection.
Another alteration may involve both the motility and the amount of sperm present in the semen, being called oligoastenospermia.
What can change the result
The result of the spermogram can be altered by some factors, such as:
- Incorrect semen storage temperature, because very cold temperatures can interfere with sperm motility, while very hot temperatures can lead to death;
- Insufficient amount of sperm, which happens mainly due to the incorrect technique of collection, and the man must repeat the procedure;
- Stress, since it can hinder the ejaculatory process;
- Exposure to radiation for an extended period, as it may directly interfere with sperm production;
- Use of some medications, as they may have a negative effect on the quantity and quality of sperm produced.
Normally when the spermogram is altered, the urologist checks for any of the factors mentioned, requests a new spermogram and, depending on the second result, requests complementary tests, such as DNA fragmentation, FISH and sperm under magnification.
