Sperm Testing

What is Sperm Testing?

Sperm testing or Semen Analysis is a test for male infertility.

When is Sperm Testing recommended?

A Semen Analysis is often recommended when couples are having problemsgetting pregnant. The test will help a doctor determine if a man is infertile. The analysis will also help determine if low sperm count or sperm dysfunction is the reason behind infertility. It is best done by experts that do these tests often. Fertility Center and Applied Genetics of Florida offers sperm male fertility testing at both our Sarasota and Bonita Springs locations.

What is Sperm DNA Fragmentation?

Sperm DNA Fragmentation refers to the presence of sperm with damaged (broken) DNA, which affects male fertility. Alterations of any kind in sperm DNA are likely to cause infertility in the man affected, as integrity of sperm DNA is key to obtaining viable embryos and subsequently a healthy baby.

How is the Testing for DNA Fragmentation done?

Testing for Sperm DNA Fragmentation is similar to the regular method of semen analysis at a fertility clinic. A semen sample is obtained and is sent to a sperm DNA fragmentation center for testing.

What are the causes of Sperm DNA Fragmentation?

DNA damage can increase with age, so a man in his 50s or 60s may have a higher percentage of sperm fragmentation than someone in his 20s. Other factors — such as exposure to various chemicals or toxic agents, excessive heat, chronic infections in the prostate, chemotherapy, radiation or smoking
— can also be to blame

How to reduce Sperm Fragmentation and boost male fertility?

Keep the testes cool — no hot tubs or long hot baths, and wear boxer shorts
Stop smoking.
Eat a diet rich in antioxidants because oxidative stress is the primary culprit for breaking DNA.
Avoid some medications such as cortisone and SSRIs.
Get examined for urogenital infections. Eat a healthy diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables.
Ask your doctor about supplementary vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, co-enzyme Q-10 and supplements containing carnitine.

How to prepare for a Semen Analysis?

For an optimal Semen Analysis, we recommend at least 48 hours of abstinence.

In order to test your semen, your doctor will ask you to provide a semen sample. Normally, you ejaculate into a collection cup in a private room at your doctor’s office. Sometimes you can collect your sample at home, though you have to keep it at room temperature and get it to your doctor orlab within 1 hour.

Specimens should be obtained by masturbation, preferably avoiding any gels or other chemicals that might interfere with the ultimate semen evaluation. Your partner can assist in the collection of the specimen, however, please follow the same guidelines described above.

Once the specimen arrives in the laboratory, it will be evaluated for multiplefactors including volume, concentration (the number of sperm per volume of semen), motility (the percentage of sperm that are alive and swimming), and normal morphology.

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