- What is it for
- How the procedure is done
- Interpretation of results
- What is the difference between sperm culture and sperm
Sperm culture is an exam that aims to assess the quality of semen and detect the presence of disease-causing microorganisms. As these microorganisms can be present in other regions of the genitalia, it is very important to perform strict hygiene before proceeding to the collection, in order to avoid contaminating the sample.
If the result is positive for some bacteria, for example, it may be necessary to perform an antibiogram later, in order to determine which antibiotic the bacteria is sensitive to, being the most suitable for treatment.
What is it for
Sperm culture is used to diagnose bacterial or fungal infections in accessory glands in the male reproductive system, such as prostatitis or prostovesiculitis, for example, or when an increase in leukocytes is detected in the urine. Learn how to treat prostatitis.
How the procedure is done
Generally, to perform a sperm culture, it is not necessary to make a prior appointment or sexual abstinence.
The semen collection must be carried out in good hygiene conditions, so as not to contaminate the sample. To do this, before proceeding to the collection, the penis should be washed with soap and running water, dry well with a clean towel and collect the urine from the medium jet in a sterile collection bottle.
Then, a sterile collection bottle should be used and the semen sample should be collected, by means of masturbation, preferably in the laboratory where the analysis will be performed and delivered to the technician in a closed bottle. If the collection cannot be performed in the laboratory, the sample must be delivered within a maximum of 2 hours after collection.
The collected sample can be sown in several different culture media, such as PVX, COS, MacConkey, Mannitol, Sabouraud or Thioglycolate Tube, intended for the growth and identification of certain bacteria or fungi.
Interpretation of results
The result must be interpreted taking into account several factors, such as which microorganism was isolated, the number of bacteria counted and the presence of leukocytes and erythrocytes.
This examination includes the search for several microorganisms, such as N. gonorrhoeae and G. vaginalis ., E. coli , Enterobacter spp ., Klebsiella spp ., Proteus spp. , Serratia spp ., Enterococcus spp ., And more rarely S. aureus, which are generally associated with disease.
What is the difference between sperm culture and sperm
The spermogram is an exam in which the semen is analyzed and the quantity and quality of the sperm are evaluated, in order to understand the fertilization potential of the female egg. This test is usually done when it is necessary to evaluate the functions of the testicles and seminal glands, after vasectomy surgery, or when you suspect a fertility problem. See how the spermogram is made.
The sperm culture only analyzes the semen in order to detect the presence of pathological microorganisms.
