Semen analysis shows that normal sperm shape, fast movement, and high density are important factors determining fertility.
Doctor Doan Ngoc Thien, Department of Andrology, Center of Urology – Nephrology – Andrology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said the above information, further explaining that semen analysis (semen analysis) is The test is based on a fresh semen sample, collected by self-stimulation to assess sperm quality.
pH is an index to evaluate whether a semen sample is acidic or alkaline, usually evaluated 30-60 minutes after sampling. A normal semen sample has a pH of at least 7.2. If it is below this level, the risk of azoospermia is higher.
Quantity is an index that evaluates the concentration of sperm in each ml of collected semen or in one ejaculation. Normal density is when it reaches over 16 million sperm/ml or over 40 million in one ejaculation. Below 2 million sperm/ml is very low.
Portability Assess their ability to move – a decisive factor in their ability to conceive, including 4 groups:
– Active forward movement: Sperm moves forward rapidly, at a speed of 25 µm/s (micrometer per second, of which 1 micrometer is equal to 1/1000 mm) or more, in a straight line or large circle.
– Slow forward movement: Sperm moves forward but at a lower speed, about 5-25µm/s.
– Moving without forward movement: Sperm move very slowly, less than 5µm/s, mainly swimming in small circles.
– Immobility: Sperm does not move.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 standards, semen samples have a rate of progressive sperm movement (PR) above 32% or motile sperm (abbreviated as PR + NP on test results). test) above 40% is normal.
Survival rate estimated through assessment of cell membrane integrity. The live sperm rate is usually higher than the motile rate and is above 54%.
Shape To evaluate the percentage of sperm with normal shape (capable of fertilization) in the semen sample. The more normal the shape, the higher the chance of conceiving naturally through intercourse. According to WHO standards, a semen sample considered normal must have at least 3-5% normal-shaped sperm.
Doctor Doan Ngoc Thien advises a patient. Image: Tam Anh General Hospital
According to Dr. Thien, sperm quality is one of the key factors that determine a man’s chances of becoming a father. Therefore, men over 18 years old should soon have a semen test to promptly detect abnormalities such as no sperm, weak or deformed sperm… and treat them. Men should be advised not to ejaculate for 3-5 days before the semen test.