Semen Analysis Test Lab | Complete Practical Video
In the context of higher organisms such as mammals semen is defined as the viscous biological fluid produced from the reproductive organ reproductively.
mature male members of a species during the act of ejaculation which usually occurs at the culmination of sexual intercourse or masturbation.
semen consists of two main parts the spermatozoa or sperm cells which
comprises about five percent of semen and the seminal plasma or seminal fluid.
The spinal plasma consists of secretions from the seminal vesicles the prostate and the bulbo urethral glands.
among the many sugars amino acids enzymes and minerals present in the
seminal fluid. The most noteworthy and major energy source for sperm cells is fructose.
semen analysis or seminogram or spermiogram is a comprehensive series of clinical tests that evaluates the quality and quantity of a siemens sample.
the most important and commonly analyzed parameters included under semen analysis are liquefaction time, amount, color ,ph, odor, viscosity, sperm motility, sperm viability, sperm morphology, sperm count and fructose content.
in this video we'll be performing semen analysis of human semen based on the previously mentioned parameters.
liquefaction time
the first and foremost parameter in semen analysis is the liquefaction time.
liquefaction time is the time taken for this conversion process to occur. to perform this test note down the time when the semen sample is collected.
observe the semen sample and note down the time when the liquefaction is
complete. the normal liquefaction time for human semen is 10 to 30 minutes. Any period of time longer than 30 minutes is indicative of infection.
semen volume
before estimating semen volume the semen sample needs to go through the liquefaction period. allow 10 to 30 minutes after collection for the sample to liquefy. Before measuring the volume to determine the volume of the semen sample. tilt the sample container for a couple of minutes and then carefully pour the liquefied semen sample into a 10 ml graduated
cylinder completely till the last drop. wait a couple of minutes for the sample
along the inner walls of the cylinder to settle down and note down the volume add. a volume of 0.5 ml to the observed volume in order to compensate for the semen sample stuck to the walls of the collection container.
a alternative method of measuring semen volume is to directly aspirate the
liquefied semen sample into a 10 cc needless syringe. after positioning the
container in a slanting position for a couple of minutes prior to aspiration.
make sure to aspirate completely till the last drop while at the same time
taking extreme care not to aspirate any air bubbles.
approximately two to five ml is considered as the normal volume of semen
per ejaculation. low semen volume also known as hypospermia could be an indication of partial or complete blockage in the reproductive tract. especially the seminal vesicles it could also be the result of certain infections such as STD’s.
high semen volume also called hyperspermia can be caused by extended
periods of sexual arousal and stimulation. abstinence from sex and masturbation excess intake of fluids etc.
Colour
the normal color of human semen is white to grayish white.
semen color is influenced by diet age medication and certain underlying
medical conditions. red to brownish semen color indicates
the presence of blood. a condition called hematospermia. this could be a result of infection in the reproductive tract.
Ph
take a strip of either broad range or narrow range ph paper and touch one
surface onto the semen sample. Observe the ph paper for color change.
a more accurate laboratory ph meter can also be used to determine the ph.
normal semen has a slightly alkaline ph ranging from approximately 7.2 to 8. acidic semen could be indicative of a blockage in one or both seminal vesicles. high alkaline ph could be a result of infection.
Odor.
normal semen has a characteristic bleach or musky smell. due to the presence of tiny amounts of basic amines like cadaverine putrescine spermine and spermidine. slight variations to this smell could result from a person's diet including certain medications.
