Spermogram Results – How To Interpret Them?

The results of the spermogram should be interpreted in detail by the doctor who ordered the examination of the person. In each case, however, it is worth knowing in a general way what information we are dealing with.

Spermograms, also called seminograms, are sperm analyzes. A sample is taken from the man, on the basis of which the laboratory worker determines the quality of the semen and the composition of the semen.

The spermogram results give you information on the status of male fertility. The application for the examination is based on a consultation regarding the suspicion of infertility due to the inability to become pregnant. Then the female factor on the one hand and the male factor on the other hand are analyzed.

You should never interpret the results of a spermogram in isolation, that is, in isolation from other tests and factors. This research is embedded in a broader hormone and genetics context for which specific complementary methods exist.

Macroscopy and spermogram results

The macroscopic results in the spermogram are determined by the visual aspect of the semen. This includes the total amount of semen ejaculated, color, and viscosity.

On average, when a man ejaculates, the volume must exceed one and a half milliliters for there to be enough semen to be fertilized. After 20 minutes, the sample should also become naturally fluid without the intervention of a biochemist.

As for color, transparency is not a good sign as it would reveal the presence of white blood cells. Normal color varies from gray to yellow.

Another parameter that appears in the spermogram results is semen viscosity. It is measured as the resistance of the semen fibers that are artificially formed in the sample. When there is too much viscosity, the problem is usually with the prostate.

Semogram microscopy

Just as there is a macroscopic spermogram, we also have a microscopic spermogram. In this case, the interpretation may be more complicated as biochemical parameters are measured, including:

• Mobility: It looks at how many sperm are moving in total and whether they have enough speed to reach the fertilization area. At least 40% of the sample should be able to move around in order to become pregnant.
• Concentration: This is the amount of sperm in the semen. Many laboratories report the number of cells in a milliliter of semen, and the norm is a minimum of 15 million.

• Shape: Sperm cells must be of normal morphology to be considered normal. This parameter applies to every cell in the body and there are no exceptions here. The result of the spermogram determines what percentage of the total sample corresponds to normal-shaped cells.
• Lifetime: The measurement of this parameter is different for each laboratory performing the test. Regardless of the method used, it ultimately determines how many sperm are alive and how many are dead. More than half of the sample must have sufficient service life to be considered normal.

Abnormal spermogram results

When we come to the end of analyzing the spermogram results, we find the lab’s conclusion about the sample. Specific technical words are usually used here to describe the condition of the semen that has been obtained and analyzed.

It cannot be said that this is the most important part of the semogram, but it is the basis for the interpretation that the ordering physician will make. This is the part closest to the diagnosis we are looking for.

If the spermogram reports azoospermia, it is because there were no sperm in the sample. The situation is serious and indicates that the man is not producing these cells, which makes fertilization impossible.

On the other hand, the report may speak of oligospermia, which translates as fewer sperm counts than necessary for normal fertilization. Even with sufficient numbers, these cells may be motionless, resulting in asthenozoospermia.

Another serious situation that requires new research is necrospermia. This is a situation where the biochemist found many dead sperm, devoid of vitality and motility.

The semogram itself does not yet resolve infertility

Interpretation of the results of the spermogram should be carried out by a specialist doctor, since it is necessary to combine it with other complementary methods to make a diagnosis. This is a very sensitive topic and proper handling is key to avoiding misunderstandings.

If we have the results of the semogram, we can read them from the parameters whose values ​​may appear normal. However, we should always show the results to the doctor. In the context of each case, only a specialist will know how to proceed.