- How to read the result of the spermogram
- Main changes identified in the spermogram
- Prostate problems
- Azoospermia
- Oligospermia
- Astenospermia
- Teratospermia
- Other changes
- What can change the result
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 men, for example.
For this, several parameters are evaluated, such as the volume, pH and concentration of a sperm sample to identify possible causes that must then be examined in isolation to confirm the diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment. Know what it is for and how the spermogram is made.
How to read the result of the spermogram
The normal result of the spermogram should include:
| Macroscopic aspects | Normal value |
| Volume | 1.5 mL or greater |
| Viscosity | Normal |
| Color | Opalescent White |
| pH | 7.1 or greater 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 sperm |
| Vitality | 58% or more live sperm |
| Motility | 32% or more |
| Morphology | More than 4% of normal sperm |
| Leukocytes | Less than 50% |
These values can be changed without a problem, since the quality of the sperm can vary over time. For this reason, the urologist may request that the spermogram be repeated 15 days later in order to compare the results and verify whether, in fact, the test results are altered.
Main changes identified in the spermogram
The main problems that can be identified in the spermogram include:
Prostate problems
Prostate problems usually manifest themselves through changes in sperm viscosity, and in such cases, the patient may need to have a rectal examination or prostate biopsy to assess whether there are changes in the prostate. See what are the main changes in the prostate.
Azoospermia
Azoospermia is the absence of sperm in the sperm sample and, therefore, it manifests itself by reducing the volume or concentration of sperm, for example. The main causes are obstructions of the seminal channels, infections of the reproductive system or sexually transmitted diseases. Learn more about azoospermia.
Oligospermia
Oligospermia is a reduction in the number of sperm, being indicated in the spermogram as a concentration below 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 effects of some medication, such as ketoconazole or methotrexate, or varicocele, which corresponds to the dilation of the testicle veins, causing blood accumulation, pain and local swelling. See what are the symptoms of varicocele.
Astenospermia
Asthenospermia is the most common problem and arises when motility or vitality has lower than normal values on the spermogram, which 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 can be caused by inflammation, malformations, varicocele or drug use.
These problems can result in infertility or just in difficulty for the sperm to fertilize the egg, depending on its degree. However, there are some treatments, which can be indicated by the urologist, and which 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 leukospermia, which can be a sign of infection, can be indicated in the spermogram.
Another change may involve both 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:
- Semen storage temperature is incorrect, as very cold temperatures can interfere with sperm motility, while very hot temperatures can cause death; Insufficient amount of sperm, which is mainly due to the incorrect collection technique, and the man must repeat the procedure; Stress, since it can hinder the ejaculatory process; Exposure to radiation for a prolonged period, as it can directly interfere with the production of sperm; Use of some medications, as they can have a negative effect on the quantity and quality of sperm produced.
Normally, when the result of the spermogram is changed, the urologist checks if there was interference by any of the factors mentioned, requests a new spermogram and, depending on the second result, requests additional tests, such as DNA fragmentation, FISH and spermogram under magnification.
