How the Sperm Test is Done
If the ejaculate for the spermogram is collected at home, the container must be delivered to the laboratory within an hour, maintaining a temperature close to body temperature. It is better if the collection takes place directly at a diagnostic center or clinic that has its own laboratory. In the laboratory, the first step is a macroscopic examination of the sperm – its volume, viscosity, speed of liquefaction, homogeneity, color, transparency, smell, and pH level. Then, a microscopic examination is performed, which includes:
- Determining the concentration of sperm per ml and the total number in the entire ejaculate.
- Assessing sperm motility.
- If there is a significant number of immobile sperm, the percentage of non-viable sperm is determined by adding a special dye (only cells with a damaged membrane are stained).
- Studying morphology (structural features).
- Identifying agglutination and aggregation (clumping of sperm with each other and with other components of the ejaculate).
- Examining other formed elements.
Diagnosis of Pathological Conditions in Ejaculate
A spermogram can identify pathological conditions in the ejaculate, such as:
- Low/excessive concentration or complete absence of sperm.
- Reduced sperm motility.
- A large number of non-viable sperm.
- A large number of sperm with morphological defects.
- Presence of immature sex cells.
- Sperm agglutination.
All of these abnormalities contribute to a reduction in the fertilizing ability of sperm, potentially leading to complete infertility. The spermogram can also reveal signs of inflammatory or stagnation processes in urological diseases, mechanical injuries, or tumors of the reproductive organs. Such pathologies can also be causes of male infertility or temporary reductions in fertility.
Price of Spermogram
The cost of a spermogram varies in different medical institutions and laboratories in Dnipro. The price depends on the range of indicators being assessed (which may slightly vary across laboratories), as well as the pricing policy of the laboratory or clinic.